Free CNA Practice Test: 336 Questions with Explanations
In short: A free CNA practice test with 336 original questions written to the 2024 NNAAP written exam outline. Take a timed 70-question, 2-hour mock like the real test, then see your score by topic, every answer explained and the outline area it tests. Practice mode and flashcards are included. No subscription, no auto-renew, no account: it is free, with no expiry.
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CNA practice test: the facts
| Price | Free. No payment step on this page. |
|---|---|
| Subscription | No subscription, no auto-renew, no card needed. |
| Question bank | 336 original questions, every one with an explanation and the outline section it tests. |
| Timed mock test | 70 questions in 120 minutes, drawn across topics in proportion to the bank; a mock counts as a pass at 80%. The official passing score is set by each state and test vendor and is not published. |
| Weak-topic stats | Score by topic after every mock, plus a running weak-topic list from practice mode. |
| Modes | Timed mock, practice mode (instant answer and explanation), flashcards, one-topic drills. |
| Account | Not required. Nothing to sign up for. |
| Access | No time limit and no expiry. |
| Privacy | Your answers and stats stay in your browser (local storage). Nothing is sent to us. |
| Based on | Original questions weighted to the 2024 NCSBN/Credentia NNAAP written examination content outline (physical care skills, psychosocial care skills, role of the nurse aide). |
| Checked | November 2026 |
The real CNA at a glance
| Format | 70 multiple-choice questions (60 scored, 10 unscored pretest items). An oral version is available in many states. |
|---|---|
| Time | 2 hours for the written test. |
| Passing score | No single number is published; each state and test vendor sets it. You must pass both the written test and the skills test. |
| Content | 2024 NNAAP outline: Basic Nursing Skills 35%, Activities of Daily Living 22%, Emotional and Mental Health Needs 8%, Client Rights 8%, Self-Care 7%, Communication 7%, Health Care Team 6%, Legal and Ethical 5%, Spiritual and Cultural Needs 2%. |
| Fee | Set by state. Examples: Colorado $145 for written + skills ($50 written only); Pennsylvania $135 for written + skills ($50 written only). |
Sources: 2024 NNAAP content outline (NCSBN) · NNAAP exam overview (Credentia) · Colorado exam fees (Credentia). Rules change; confirm with the official source before test day.
The CNA written (knowledge) test in most states is the NNAAP exam: 70 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours, 60 of them scored. Our 336 questions follow the 2024 NNAAP content outline, so basic nursing skills and activities of daily living get the most questions, the same way they get the most weight on the real test. The skills (hands-on) part is separate and not covered here.
Questions by topic
Activities of Daily Living
70 questionsBathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, toileting, positioning and transfers.
Infection Control
39 questionsHand hygiene, PPE order, standard and transmission-based precautions.
Safety and Emergency Care
39 questionsFalls, restraints, fire (RACE/PASS), choking and body mechanics.
Therapeutic Procedures and Reporting
43 questionsVital signs, intake and output, specimens, height and weight, what to report.
Self-Care and Independence (Restorative)
23 questionsRange of motion, ambulation aids and encouraging independence.
Psychosocial Care
35 questionsDementia care, anxiety, grief and end of life, cultural and spiritual needs.
Communication and Client Rights
48 questionsTalking with residents and families, privacy, dignity, refusing care.
Legal, Ethical and Team Roles
39 questionsScope of practice, abuse and neglect reporting, documentation, the care team.
10 sample CNA questions with answers
Taken from the bank above. Open each one for the answer and the explanation.
- 1. Activities of Daily Living
When giving a complete bed bath, which area should the nurse aide wash last?
- A. The face
- B. The arms and hands
- C. The perineal area
- D. The back
Show answer
Answer: C. The perineal area
Clean to dirty is the rule: the perineum has the most microorganisms, so it is washed last. The face is washed first, which is why it is not the last area.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Physical Care Skills – Activities of Daily Living: Hygiene
- 2. Infection Control
Which resident is most likely to need a private room under contact precautions?
- A. A resident with a mild cold sore on the hand covered
- B. A resident with a sprained ankle
- C. A resident with dry skin
- D. A resident with uncontrolled diarrhea from C. difficile
Show answer
Answer: D. A resident with uncontrolled diarrhea from C. difficile
Residents with germs spread by touch and heavy contamination are placed in private rooms when possible. Dedicated equipment is used.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Physical Care Skills – Basic Nursing Skills: Infection Control
- 3. Safety and Emergency Care
What should the aide check before leaving a resident in bed?
- A. That the bed is raised high
- B. The bed is low and locked, the call light is within reach, and rails are used per the care plan
- C. That the call light is hidden
- D. That the room is dark and the bed unlocked
Show answer
Answer: B. The bed is low and locked, the call light is within reach, and rails are used per the care plan
These checks reduce falls and let the resident call for help. Side rails are used only according to orders and policy because they can cause injury.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Physical Care Skills – Basic Nursing Skills: Safety/Emergency
- 4. Therapeutic Procedures and Reporting
Which pulse site is most commonly used by aides to check an adult's pulse?
- A. The pulse behind the knee
- B. The pulse at the ankle
- C. The pulse on the forehead
- D. The radial pulse at the wrist
Show answer
Answer: D. The radial pulse at the wrist
The radial artery is easy to feel on the thumb side of the wrist. Aides use the fingertips, not the thumb, because the thumb has its own pulse.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Physical Care Skills – Basic Nursing Skills: Therapeutic and Technical Procedures
- 5. Self-Care and Independence (Restorative)
A resident is learning to use a wheelchair independently. What is a key safety step?
- A. Leave brakes unlocked so it moves easily
- B. Keep footrests in the way
- C. Rush the transfer
- D. Lock the brakes before the resident transfers in or out and keep footrests out of the way
Show answer
Answer: D. Lock the brakes before the resident transfers in or out and keep footrests out of the way
Locked brakes keep the wheelchair from rolling during transfers. Footrests are swung aside so feet do not catch.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Physical Care Skills – Self-Care and Independence (Restorative Skills)
- 6. Psychosocial Care
A resident who wanders is searching for the exit. What is a good response?
- A. Scold the resident
- B. Block the way with force
- C. Lock the room
- D. Walk with the resident, gently redirect to a favorite activity, and tell the nurse
Show answer
Answer: D. Walk with the resident, gently redirect to a favorite activity, and tell the nurse
Redirecting respects dignity and uses distraction instead of force. The care team can plan activities and safe walking areas.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Psychosocial Care Skills – Emotional and Mental Health Needs
- 7. Communication and Client Rights
Which is an example of an open-ended question?
- A. "Did you sleep well?"
- B. "How did you sleep last night?"
- C. "Are you in pain?"
- D. "Do you want lunch?"
Show answer
Answer: B. "How did you sleep last night?"
Open-ended questions invite more than a yes or no answer and give more information. Closed questions are useful for quick facts.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Role of the Nurse Aide – Communication
- 8. Legal, Ethical and Team Roles
Why must an aide report suspected abuse even if the resident asks them not to?
- A. Aides are mandated reporters, and resident safety comes before secrecy
- B. It is optional
- C. The resident may be wrong
- D. Only the nurse needs to know the policy
Show answer
Answer: A. Aides are mandated reporters, and resident safety comes before secrecy
Mandatory reporting laws and OBRA require prompt reporting. Protecting the resident is the overriding duty.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Role of the Nurse Aide – Legal and Ethical Behavior
- 9. Activities of Daily Living
An unconscious resident needs mouth care. Which position is safest?
- A. Flat on the back with the head straight
- B. Side-lying with the head turned to the side
- C. Sitting straight up in bed
- D. Prone with the head down
Show answer
Answer: B. Side-lying with the head turned to the side
Turning the head to the side lets fluid drain from the mouth and lowers the risk of aspiration. Mouth care is still given regularly because the mouth dries out quickly in an unconscious person.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Physical Care Skills – Activities of Daily Living: Hygiene
- 10. Infection Control
After washing hands at a sink, how should the aide turn off the faucet?
- A. With bare wet fingers
- B. By leaning on the faucet with the forearm
- C. By asking someone else to
- D. With a clean dry paper towel
Show answer
Answer: D. With a clean dry paper towel
Faucet handles are considered contaminated, so a clean paper towel keeps washed hands clean. Hands are held lower than elbows while washing so water drains toward the fingertips.
Source: NNAAP Written Exam: Physical Care Skills – Basic Nursing Skills: Infection Control
How to use this CNA practice test
- 1Take one timed mock first, without studying, to get a baseline score by topic.
- 2Drill your two weakest topics in practice mode; read every explanation, even on questions you got right.
- 3Use flashcards for the facts that keep slipping (normal vital-sign ranges, PPE order, fire steps).
- 4Take a fresh timed mock every few days. Aim for at least 80% before test day, since no official cut score is published.
- 5Practise the hands-on skills separately with your program; this page covers only the written test.
Questions people ask
Is this CNA practice test really free?
Yes. All 336 questions, the timed mock, practice mode and flashcards are free. There is no subscription, no auto-renew, no card and no account. Your scores stay in your browser.
How many questions are on the real CNA written test?
The NNAAP written test used by many states has 70 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours. 60 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest questions you cannot tell apart. Our timed mock copies that: 70 questions in 120 minutes.
What score do I need to pass the CNA exam?
There is no single published passing score. Each state and its test vendor sets it, and you must pass both the written test and the skills test. On this page a mock counts as a pass at 80%, which gives you a safety margin.
Are these the real CNA test questions?
No. Real test questions are secure. These are 336 original questions written to the 2024 NNAAP content outline, each with an explanation and the outline area it tests.
What is the hardest part of the CNA written test?
Most people lose points on basic nursing skills and safety: infection control order, normal vital signs, positioning and what to report to the nurse. Take a mock and check your weak-topic list to see your own gaps.
Does this cover the CNA skills test?
No. This page covers the written (knowledge) test. The skills test is a hands-on demonstration that you practise with your training program.
More free practice
Want cards from your own notes or textbook instead? Make flashcards from your CNA class notes.