How to Pass the CNA Exam in 2026

The CNA exam consists of two parts: a Knowledge (Written) Test and a Clinical Skills Test. You must pass both to get certified. Here is your battle plan.

Part 1: Crushing the Written Exam

The written exam typically has 60-70 multiple-choice questions. You usually have 90 minutes to 2 hours.

• Focus on Safety: If a question asks what you should do, the answer is almost always the option that is safest for the resident.
• Resident Rights are Key: Memorize the Resident's Bill of Rights. Privacy, dignity, and choice are major themes.
• ADLs matters: Activities of Daily Living (feeding, bathing, dressing) make up a huge chunk of the test.

Part 2: Acing the Skills Test

This is where most students fail. You will perform 3-5 randomly selected skills in front of an evaluator.

1. Hand Hygiene is Everything: You can fail the entire exam just by contaminating your hands after washing. Do not touch the inside of the sink!
2. Talk Out Loud: Narrate your steps. "I am now checking the bed brakes." This helps the evaluator know you know the step, even if they looked away for a second.
3. Corrections are Allowed: If you realize you forgot a step, you can usually say, "Correction: I would have..." before the skill ends.

Test Day Checklist

Do not get turned away at the door. Bring these items:

• Two forms of ID (Driver's License and SS Card usually).
• Wear scrubs (check your test site rules).
• Watch with a second hand (for pulse/respirations).
• Non-skid shoes.