That sinking feeling in your stomach when the evaluator says, “I’m sorry, but you didn’t pass today,” is something every CNA student fears. Failing the CNA skills test can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of your dream. The key is knowing exactly what your cna skills test retake options are, so you can plan your next move with confidence instead of panic.
Understanding the cna certification retake policy can feel like trying to read a map in the dark. Rules vary, deadlines loom, and the costs add up. This guide will illuminate every step of the retake process, from how many attempts you get to what happens after a failure, so you can navigate this setback and get back on track to becoming a certified nursing assistant.
How Many Times Can You Take the CNA Skills Test?
Let’s get straight to your most pressing question. Across most of the United States, cna exam retake limits are surprisingly consistent. You typically get three total attempts to pass both the written (or oral) and skills sections of the CNA certification exam.
Here’s the critical detail: these three attempts must be completed within 24 months from the date you finished your state-approved CNA training program. That two-year clock starts ticking the moment you finish your classes, not when you take your first test.
Clinical Pearl: The 24-month window applies to both parts of the exam. If you pass the written portion on your first try but fail the skills portion, you still have two more attempts to pass the skills test within that same 24-month period.
Imagine this scenario: You completed your CNA program on June 1, 2024. You fail your first skills test on August 15, 2024. You now have until May 31, 2026, to use your two remaining attempts to pass the skills portion and earn your certification.
State-Specific Retake Limits and Variations
While the “3 attempts in 24 months” rule is a good general guideline, the details can change dramatically from state to state. This is where checking your local regulations becomes absolutely crucial. A cna skills test retake waiting period by state is one of the biggest variables you’ll encounter.
For example, some states allow you to retest almost immediately, while others require a 30-day waiting period to give you time to practice.
Sample State Retake Policies
| State | Number of Attempts | Testing Window | Waiting Period | Approx. Retake Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3 | 24 months | 0-14 days* | $100 |
| Florida | 3 | 24 months | No waiting period | $115 |
| Texas | 3 | 24 months | 0-14 days* | $93 |
| New York | 3 | 24 months | No waiting period | $115 |
| Illinois | 3 | 24 months | 30 days after 2nd fail | $95 |
** Waiting period often depends on the testing site’s availability.*
Winner/Best For: Proactive students who want to retest quickly should focus on states like Florida or New York with no mandatory waiting period. If you need more time to practice, a state with a built-in waiting period can be helpful.
Pro Tip: Never rely on a classmate’s memory of the rules. State regulations change! Always check the official website of your state’s Board of Nursing or CNA Registry for the most current cna certification retake policy.
Understanding the Retake Process and Timeline
So you’ve received the news. What happens next? The cna exam retake process is surprisingly straightforward.
- Review Your Score Report: Your evaluator will give you a detailed report showing exactly which skills you missed. This is your roadmap for improvement.
- Contact Your Test Administrator: Usually, you’ll need to apply for a retake through the same company that handled your first exam (like Credentia or Prometric). You can often do this online or by phone.
- Wait (If Required): If your state mandates a waiting period, use this time wisely. Don’t just wait—practice!
- Schedule and Pay: You’ll schedule your new test date and pay the cna exam retake cost. Remember to schedule early, as spots can fill up quickly.
The timeline from failing to retaking can be as short as a few days or as long as over a month, depending entirely on your state’s rules and testing site availability.
Common Mistake: Waiting too long to schedule your retake. Even students who feel devastated by a failure should get a new date on the calendar within a week. Having a set goal provides motivation and prevents you from losing valuable practice time within your 24-month window.
Financial Costs of Multiple CNA Test Attempts
Let’s be honest—retaking the CNA test isn’t free. The financial burden can add stress to an already difficult situation.
The cna exam retake cost varies by state and testing provider, but you can generally expect to pay between $75 and $125 for each skills test retake attempt.
If you fail twice and have to retake the full exam (both written and skills), the cost can be closer to $200-$250. For students on a tight budget, this makes passing on the second or third attempt crucial.
- First Attempt: Included in your initial application fee.
- Second Attempt (Skills Only): ~$90-$110
- Third Attempt (Skills Only): ~$90-$110
- Retaking Full Exam: ~$175-$250
This cost doesn’t include potential expenses for extra practice materials, review courses, or transportation to the testing center.
Strategies for Passing on Your Next Attempt
A cna skills test failure doesn’t define your ability as a future caregiver—it’s a learning opportunity. Here’s how to turn that setback into success.
- Zero in on Your Weaknesses: Don’t just practice everything. Use your score report to rebuild the exact steps you missed. Did you forget to raise the bed rail? Was your communication unclear? Practice those specific skills until they’re muscle memory.
- Do a Mock Exam with an Instructor: Ask one of your CNA program instructors or a trusted mentor to run a full mock exam for you. Have them grade you exactly like an evaluator would. This simulates the pressure and helps identify flaws you might not see yourself.
- Verbalize Every Step: The evaluator needs to hear you thinking. As you perform each skill, talk through what you’re doing. “I am now raising the bed rail to ensure patient safety.” “I am checking the water temperature to prevent burns.” This demonstrates your knowledge and helps you avoid skipping steps.
- Master Hand Hygiene and Safety: These are automatic failures if done wrong. Perfect your hand-washing technique and make safety checks (bed rails, locks, call light) an unbreakable habit for every single skill.
Pro Tip: Film yourself practicing your skills on a manikin or a volunteer (with their permission!). Watching the playback is often an eye-opening experience. You’ll catch nervous habits, missed steps, and opportunities for better communication that you’d never notice otherwise.
What Happens After Maximum Failed Attempts?
This is the question that causes the most anxiety: what happens if you fail cna skills test 3 times? After three unsuccessful attempts within your 24-month window, your eligibility to test expires.
But this is not a dead end. It means you must typically re-enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program again. This usually involves the full 75-120 hour course, including both classroom instruction and clinical hours.
While this feels like a major setback, think of it as an opportunity to build an even stronger foundation. Returning to the classroom with real-world context from your first attempt can make the material click in a whole new way. Many successful CNAs have this exact story—it’s about perseverance, not perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Test Retakes
Q: How many times can you fail the CNA skills test before you have to retake the whole class? A: Three times. After three failed attempts at either the written or skills portion (or any combination), you must complete an entire state-approved CNA training program again before you can become eligible for testing.
Q: If I pass the skills test but fail the written, do I have to retake the skills part? A: No. Once you pass one section of the exam, that result typically stands for two years. You only need to retake the section you failed.
Q: Do I have to repay the full application fee every time? A: No. You only pay a smaller retake fee for the specific portion of the exam you are re-attempting. The full application fee is only for initial candidates.
Key Takeaway: The most important thing you can do after a failed attempt is to act quickly. Get your score, make a practice plan, and schedule your retake. Proactivity is your greatest tool for overcoming a cna skills test failure.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Facing a CNA skills test retake is tough, but you now have a clear map forward. Remember the golden rule: you typically get three attempts within 24 months. Your immediate next steps are to review your score report for specific errors and confirm your state’s exact waiting period and retake fees. Transform your failure into a focused practice plan. With targeted preparation, your next attempt can be your successful one, moving you one step closer to the rewarding career you’ve been working toward.
What’s your experience with the CNA skills test retake process? Share your story or ask questions in the comments below—your insight could help another CNA student feel less alone.
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