CNA Exam Structure and Content — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The CNA competency evaluation typically consists of which two components?
- A physical fitness test and a written exam
- A written or oral knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration (Correct answer)
- An interview and a background check
- A medication administration test and a CPR demonstration
Correct answer: A written or oral knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration
The CNA competency evaluation includes a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills test. The written portion tests theoretical knowledge, while the skills test requires the candidate to demonstrate specific hands-on nursing assistant competencies before an evaluator.
Question 2: Which content area is most heavily tested on the CNA written exam?
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Physical care skills including ADLs, safety, and infection control (Correct answer)
- Medical billing and coding
- Diagnostic imaging interpretation
Correct answer: Physical care skills including ADLs, safety, and infection control
Member roles, patient rights, and basic care including activities of daily living, communication, infection control, and safety are the core areas on the CNA exam. However, the largest single content area across most state exams is physical care skills and basic restorative services.
Question 3: How many clinical skills is a candidate typically required to demonstrate during the CNA skills test?
- 1 skill only
- 10 or more skills
- 3 to 5 randomly selected skills (Correct answer)
- All skills from the training program
Correct answer: 3 to 5 randomly selected skills
Most state CNA skills tests require candidates to perform between 3 and 5 randomly selected skills in front of an evaluator. Common required skills include hand washing, taking vital signs, making an occupied bed, and providing perineal care.
Question 4: What happens if a candidate fails one component of the CNA competency evaluation?
- They must retake the entire training program immediately
- They only need to retake the component they failed (Correct answer)
- They are permanently barred from becoming a CNA
- They receive certification with a notation of the failed component
Correct answer: They only need to retake the component they failed
If a candidate fails only the written exam or only the skills test, they typically must retake only the failed component. Most states allow a limited number of retake attempts within a specific window before requiring the candidate to repeat the full training program.
Question 5: Which of the following is a major content area included on most CNA written exams?
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Surgical techniques
- Resident rights and legal responsibilities (Correct answer)
- Prescription drug interactions
Correct answer: Resident rights and legal responsibilities
Resident rights is a major content area on the CNA exam. This reflects the importance of understanding and protecting the legal and ethical rights of all residents, as established by OBRA and enforced through federal and state regulations.
Question 6: A candidate does not pass the CNA exam after the maximum number of allowed attempts. What must they do?
- Appeal directly to the state nursing board for an automatic pass
- Take only an online refresher course and retest the next day
- Complete a new state-approved training program before retesting (Correct answer)
- Wait 30 days and retake the exam with no additional training
Correct answer: Complete a new state-approved training program before retesting
When a candidate exhausts the maximum number of permitted attempts on the CNA competency exam (typically three attempts within 24 months), they are required to complete an additional state-approved training program before they can test again.
CNA Exam Structure and Content
The CNA competency evaluation typically consists of which two components?