CNA exam at a glance
How the CNA exam works
Every state must test nurse aides before listing them on its registry, but states choose their own testing program. Most use one of three vendors:
- Credentia runs the NNAAP exam (70 written questions, 10 unscored; 5 skills). See Credentia.
- Prometric runs its own exam in states like Florida, Texas, Louisiana and New York (60 questions in 90 minutes; 5 scored skills including handwashing and indirect care). See Prometric.
- D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) runs TMU-based exams in states like California, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin (knowledge exam of 60-75 questions; 3-4 skill tasks). See Headmaster.
A few states run their own program - Illinois (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) and Utah (UNAR).
CNA exam by state (verified September 2026)
| State | Testing vendor | Written test | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prometric | 60 Q / 90 min | $125 | |
| Prometric | 60 Q / 90 min | $155 | |
| Prometric | 60 Q / 90 min | $31 + $89 | |
| Prometric | 60 Q / 90 min | $115 | |
| Headmaster, Credentia, RTC | 75 Q / 60 min (Headmaster) | $40 + $100 (Headmaster) | |
| Headmaster | 70 Q / 2 hr | Set by test site | |
| Headmaster | 65 Q / 60 min | $175 | |
| Headmaster | 75 Q / 60 min | $144.70 | |
| Credentia | 70 Q / 2 hr | $140 | |
| Credentia | 70 Q | $130 | |
| SIU Carbondale | Written (English only) | $85 | |
| UNAR | 75 Q / 2 hr | $110 | |
| Credentia | 70 Q / 2 hr | Being verified | |
| PSI + D&SDT | 60 Q / 90 min | Being verified | |
| Headmaster | 60 Q / 60 min | $30 knowledge |
Federal rules every state follows
- Training programs must be at least 75 clock hours, with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). Many states require more.
- At least 16 hours of specific topics (communication, infection control, safety, residents’ rights and more) must be taught before any direct resident contact.
- A nursing home may not use someone as a nurse aide for more than 4 months unless they have completed training and competency evaluation (42 CFR 483.35(d)).
- If you go 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work, you must retrain or retest before working in a certified nursing home.
NNAAP written exam content (2024 outline)
| Content area | Weight | Scored questions |
|---|---|---|
| Activities of Daily Living | 22% | 13 |
| Basic Nursing Skills | 35% | 21 |
| Self Care/Independence | 7% | 4 |
| Emotional and Mental Health Needs | 8% | 5 |
| Spiritual and Cultural Needs | 2% | 1 |
| Communication | 7% | 4 |
| Client Rights | 8% | 5 |
| Legal and Ethical Behavior | 5% | 3 |
| Member of the Health Care Team | 6% | 4 |
Study plan
- Weeks 1-2: basic nursing skills and ADLs
These two areas are over half the NNAAP exam. Drill infection control, safety, vital signs and daily care.
- Week 3: rights, communication and mental health
Residents’ rights, abuse reporting, dementia care and communicating with hearing or vision loss.
- Week 4: skills practice and a timed test
Practice your state’s skill list out loud and take a full timed practice exam.
CNA practice test (written exam)
CNA practice test (written exam)
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HealthCert Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCSBN, Credentia, Prometric, D&S Diversified Technologies or any state agency. NNAAP is a trademark of its owner. All practice questions on this site are original.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CNA test?
It depends on the vendor: the NNAAP written exam has 70 questions (60 scored), Prometric states use 60 questions in 90 minutes, and Headmaster states use 60-75 questions.
How hard is the CNA test?
The written test covers entry-level knowledge; most people who fail do so on the skills test by missing a critical step such as hand hygiene or locking the bed wheels. Practice every skill out loud.
How long does it take to become a CNA?
Federal minimum training is 75 hours, which many programs finish in 4-12 weeks; state minimums can be higher. Testing windows after training range from 12 to 24 months depending on the state.
Can I take the CNA exam without training?
Some states allow it - Florida has a route for testing without a training program - but most require completion of a state-approved program first.
Which company gives the CNA exam in my state?
See the state table above. Credentia, Prometric and D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) cover most states.
Sources
- Credentia/NCSBN - 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 42 CFR 483.152 nurse aide training and competency evaluation (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 42 CFR 483.35 Nursing services (registry verification, 24-month rule) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Prometric - Florida CNA Candidate Information Bulletin (Rev. 11/01/2025) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- CDPH - CNA Testing Vendors (accessed 2026-09-23)
- D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) - nurse aide testing home (accessed 2026-09-23)