Feeling that knot in your stomach about the CNA exam? you’re not alone. One of the most common sources of anxiety is the simple, nagging question: “How many questions are on the CNA test?” Getting a clear, accurate answer is your first step toward building a solid study plan and walking into that testing center with confidence. This isn’t just about a number; it’s about understanding the entire exam structure so there are no surprises on test day. We’ll break down the written exam, the skills test, passing scores, and the critical role your state plays in the process.
The Quick Answer: How Many Questions on the CNA Written Exam?
Let’s start with the number you came here for.
The most widely used CNA exam in the United States is the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®). For this exam, the written portion consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.
But here’s the thing—if that’s all you know, you’re not fully prepared. Here are two crucial details that often catch people by surprise:
- Pre-test Questions: Those 60 questions typically include about 10 that are unscored. These are being “trialed” for future exams and don’t count toward your score.
- State Variations: Not every state uses the NNAAP®. Some have their own exams, which may have a different number of questions.
Key Takeaway: While 60 is a common number, your actual exam length could vary. This is why checking your state’s specific requirements is non-negotiable.
Understanding the Two Parts of the CNA Exam
To truly know how how many questions on the cna test you’ll face, you need to understand that the CNA certification isn’t just one test. It’s a two-part evaluation designed to measure both your knowledge and your hands-on competence.
The Written (or Oral) Exam
This portion tests your theoretical knowledge. You’ll answer multiple-choice questions covering topics like infection control, safety, patient rights, and basic nursing skills.
The Clinical Skills Exam
This is the hands-on portion. You won’t answer any questions here. Instead, you’ll perform a set of nursing skills in front of an evaluator. This proves you can safely and effectively apply what you’ve learned.
Think of it like driving a car. The written exam is the written test on traffic laws, while the skills exam is the actual behind-the-wheel test with the instructor. You need to pass both to get your license.
Deep Dive: The Written Exam (Questions, Time, and Format)
The Standard Format and Length
For the NNAAP® exam, you’ll have up to two hours to complete the 60 multiple-choice questions. Most people finish much sooner, giving them time to review their answers.
Imagine you’re sitting at the computer. The questions will cover the full range of topics you studied in your CNA course, reading a question about proper handwashing technique, then the next one about fire safety procedures.
The Secret Weapon: Pre-Test Questions
Remember those unscored questions? They are mixed in randomly. You won’t know which ones count and which don’t.
Pro Tip: Do not panic if you encounter a question that seems oddly worded or covers a topic you don’t recognize. It’s likely a pre-test question being tested for a future exam. Answer it to the best of your ability and move on. Your performance on these questions has zero impact on your final score.
Deep Dive: The Skills Exam (It’s Not About Questions)
This is where your training truly comes to life. You’ll be asked to perform five randomly selected skills within a 30-minute timeframe. One of those skills will always be Handwashing, as it’s the foundation of infection control.
The other four skills are drawn from a list of possibilities. Here is a sample checklist of the skills you should master:
- Partial bed bath
- Mouth care
- Dressing a patient who has a weak arm
- Feeding a patient who cannot feed themself
- Transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair using a transfer belt
- Measuring and recording blood pressure
- Measuring and recording urinary output
- Providing catheter care
- Applying one elastic stocking
- Making an occupied bed
Clinical Pearl: Verbalize everything! As you perform each step, say it out loud. For example, “I am now raising the bed to a safe working height.” This shows the evaluator you know the rationale behind your actions, not just the motions.
What’s a Passing Score for the CNA Exam?
Passing the CNA exam requires you to succeed on both parts. You cannot fail one section and pass the other.
- Written Exam: The typical cna exam passing score is around 80%. For a 60-question test, this means you need to correctly answer approximately 48 questions.
- Skills Exam: You must successfully perform all five critical steps of each mandatory skill. Additionally, the entire test is based on a point system, and you generally need to achieve an overall score of 80% or higher.
Missing a critical step on even one skill, like forgetting to lock the wheelchair brakes before a transfer, results in an automatic failure for that skill and often for the entire skills exam.
Critical Warning: How Your State Changes the Rules
Let’s be honest: everything we’ve discussed so far is a general guideline based on the most common exam provider. Your state’s requirements are the only ones that truly matter.
States can and do use different testing providers, which means variations in:
- The total number of questions on the written test
- The time limit for the written test
- The specific skills on your skills test checklist
- The exact passing percentage required
How to Check Your State’s Exact Requirements:
- Visit your state’s Department of Health website.
- Search for “CNA Registry,” “Nurse Aide Registry,” or “Board of Nursing.”
- Look for a section titled “Certification Requirements” or “Exam Information.”
Common Mistake: Relying on information from classmates or friends who took the exam in another state. Their experience, while helpful, may not reflect the rules and format you will face. Always go directly to your state’s official source.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many questions can you miss on the CNA test?
A: On a standard 60-question test, you generally need to answer about 48 correctly. This means you can afford to miss around 12 questions. However, aim for perfection, never for the minimum passing grade. Give yourself a buffer.
Q: What if I fail one part of the exam?
A: Most states allow you to retake just the portion you failed. If you passed the written test but failed the skills test, you usually only need to retake the skills portion on your next attempt. There are, however, limits on how many times you can retake the exam before you need to retrain.
Q: Is there an oral exam option?
A: Yes. An oral version of the written exam is available in English and Spanish for candidates who have difficulty with a standard written exam due to reading limitations or a disability. You must request this accommodation in advance through your testing center.
Q: Where can I find practice CNA test questions?
A: Your textbook and workbook are the best starting point. Your training program will likely provide practice exams, too. Additionally, the official NNAAP® practice exam is an excellent resource that mirrors the format and style of the real test.
Q: What is the overall cna exam length?
A: Including check-in, instructions, the written exam (up to 2 hours), and the skills exam (30 minutes), plan on being at the testing center for at least 3-4 hours.
Key Takeaways for Your Exam Success
The number of questions is just one piece of the puzzle. The real key to passing the CNA exam is understanding the two-part structure of the written test and the hands-on skills evaluation. Your primary responsibility is to verify the exact requirements with your specific state’s CNA registry to avoid any last-minute surprises. Focus your studies on both the knowledge behind the “why” and the precise steps of the “how.” You’ve got the knowledge and the heart—now you have the roadmap to succeed.
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Have questions or study tips to share from your own experience? Drop them in the comments below—let’s help each other succeed!
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