Passing the CNA exam is your ticket to starting a healthcare career. But here's what most people don't tell you: the exam consists of two parts (a written knowledge test with 60 multiple-choice questions and a clinical skills test where you demonstrate five duties in 30 minutes). Both parts matter equally. Fail one, and you're retaking it. No shortcuts.

What the Written Test Actually Covers?

The written test measures your mastery of nursing assistant knowledge and skills, and you get 90 minutes to complete 60 multiple-choice questions. The questions aren't designed to trick you, but they do test whether you understand basic nursing concepts, infection control, patient rights, and safety protocols.

Think you can wing it? Think again. You must score 77% or better to pass the knowledge portion. That means you can't afford many mistakes.

The exam covers topics like vital signs, patient positioning, communication techniques, legal and ethical responsibilities, and Activities of Daily Living. If you haven't studied medical terminology or proper body mechanics, you'll struggle.

The Skills Test Is Where Most People Fail

Pass rates for the written test are often quite high, but the skills test pass rate can sometimes hover around 79% to 82%. Why? Because knowing what to do on paper is different from actually doing it correctly under pressure.

You'll perform five hands-on skills in front of an evaluator, and the test usually takes 25 to 30 minutes. One of those skills is always handwashing, because infection control is that critical. Miss a key step in handwashing, and you could fail the entire exam.

The other skills are randomly selected from a pool that includes measuring vital signs, transferring patients, personal care tasks, and proper use of equipment like gait belts. To pass the skill portion, you must score 80% on each task without missing any key steps.

How to Actually Prepare (Not Just Study)

Start early. Don't cram the week before and expect to pass. Spacing out your study sessions over a few weeks or months will help you retain more information than cramming all at once.

CNA Practice tests questions are your best friend. They show you what questions look like and where your weak spots are. But don't just take one practice test and call it done. Take multiple versions to build real confidence.

For the skills portion, repetition is everything. Practice each skill until the steps become automatic. Set up mock tests with classmates or use a mannequin to simulate real conditions. Practice explaining each step out loud, exactly as you would to a patient.

Study 30 to 60 minutes per day, using breaks, flashcards, and teach-back methods to reinforce learning. Consistency beats long, exhausting study marathons every time.

FAQs

Can I retake the CNA exam if I fail?

Yes. Most states allow you to retake the exam, but if you fail either section three times, you must attend a state-approved training program before testing again. You also have a time limit (typically two years to pass both sections from your first test date).

What's the most common mistake on the skills test?

Missing critical safety steps, especially in handwashing and patient transfers. Forgetting to lower the bed, skipping hand hygiene steps, or not explaining the procedure to the patient can all result in failure.

How long does it take to get CNA exam results?

It varies by state and testing provider, but most candidates receive results within a few days to two weeks. Some states provide immediate preliminary results for the written portion.

Conclusion

The CNA exam tests both your knowledge and your ability to perform under observation. The written portion checks if you understand the theory. The skills test proves you can actually do the work safely and correctly.

Your preparation strategy matters more than how smart you are. Study consistently, practice the skills until they're second nature, and manage your test-day nerves. That's how you pass on the first try.