As an aspiring nursing assistant, preparing for your certification exam is critical to launching your new career.
Master your exam with our powerful free CNA practice test. Boost confidence, ace the CNA exam.
This comprehensive guide provides over 200 free CNA practice test questions and answers to help you study.
You will find practice questions from all areas of the exam, including basic nursing skills, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, patient rights, communication, data collection, and care of patients with various medical conditions.
The questions are in the same format as the actual CNA exam and practice tests are based on the NNAAP standards .
With diligent preparation using these CNA mock exam questions, you will gain the confidence and competence to pass your exam.
Your new credential will open up opportunities to provide compassionate care to those who need it most.
The journey ahead will be demanding yet rewarding.
Now is the time to take your career into your own hands and demonstrate you have what it takes to become a nursing assistant.
The free CNA practice test starts now!
Table of ContentsTo become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you must pass a state-administered certification exam.
This cna practice exam tests your knowledge and competency in providing basic care to patients. Preparing for your CNA exam with a practice test is essential. The practice test allows you to familiarize yourself with the actual exam format and content. It contains sample questions and answers covering all the topics that may appear on the real CNA exam. Some of these include:
Completing CNA trial examinations helps build your confidence and improves your time management skills for state tests.
It allows you to determine which areas you need to focus your study efforts on.
You can take the nurse aide practice tests as many times as needed until you feel fully prepared.
The CNA exam assesses your ability to provide compassionate, responsible, and respectful care to patients.
With diligent preparation, you will be ready to pass the exam and start your new career.
To become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you must demonstrate competency in several basic nursing skills.
As part of your CNA test practice, you will be tested on the following skills:
Handwashing is the single most important infection control measure. When washing your hands, wet them first with water and apply soap.
Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of your hands and fingers.
Rinse well and dry with a paper towel.
Dispose of paper towels in the waste bin.
Vital signs include blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature.
To take a blood pressure, wrap the cuff around the bare arm, place the stethoscope over the brachial artery, inflate the cuff, and slowly release air from the valve, noting the first sound (systolic) and last sound (diastolic) heard.
Count pulse for 60 seconds. Count respirations for 60 seconds. Take an oral, rectal, axillary or temporal temperature depending on facility policy.
When feeding patients, make sure they are in an upright position, provide a napkin, check that the food temperature is appropriate, offer encouragement and assist as needed.
Offer sips of water or other hydrating liquid with meals. Document intake and any difficulties.
To provide the best care for patients, CNAs must be proficient in these and other basic nursing skills.
Practicing and perfecting them will help ensure you are ready to properly assist patients with their daily activities. With regular use, these skills will become second nature.
As a CNA, you have various roles and responsibilities to fulfill.
Your primary role is to provide basic care for patients under the supervision of nurses and physicians.
Your clinical skills portion includes:
You will help patients with essential daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating. This may involve helping patients move into and out of beds or wheelchairs, as well as walking.
You will also regularly monitor patients and report any changes in condition to nurses.
Being a nurse aide, you must possess physical care skills.
You should ensure patients avoid potential hazards and injuries.
This includes properly securing patients in wheelchairs or beds, assisting with walking to avoid falls, and repositioning patients regularly to prevent bed sores.
You will also need to properly operate and sanitize medical equipment to avoid infections.
One of your key clinical skills portion is observing patients’ conditions by taking and recording vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature.
You will note any significant changes or abnormalities and report them to the charge nurse right away.
These records and reports are an important part of monitoring patients’ progress and overall health.
Under the direction of nurses, you may perform basic procedures such as drawing blood, collecting urine samples, administering enemas or suppositories, and changing bandages.
You will need to properly sanitize and set up equipment to avoid infections and ensure patient comfort during any procedures.
To summarize, certified nursing assistants or Nurse Aide provide essential support to nurses and physicians by assisting patients with daily activities, maintaining safety, observing conditions, and performing basic healthcare procedures.
By competently fulfilling these roles and responsibilities according to regulations, you can provide high quality care for patients.
Proper infection control is crucial for any healthcare worker, including CNAs.
As a CNA, you will frequently come into contact with bodily fluids and infectious diseases, so following standard precautions and safety guidelines is essential.
Hand washing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infections. As a CNA, you should wash your hands thoroughly:
Use warm water and soap, lathering for at least 20 seconds.
Hand sanitizers can be used when a sink is not available, but wash hands as soon as possible.
PPE includes gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and face shields. The appropriate PPE must be worn based on the patient’s conditions and exposure risks.
Gloves should be changed between patients and after contact with bodily fluids. Wash hands after removing PPE.
Properly cleaning and disinfecting patient care equipment and surfaces helps minimize the transfer of microorganisms.
Follow facility protocols for cleaning solutions and methods. Clean from least soiled to most soiled, and disinfect high-touch surfaces like bed rails, tray tables, and call buttons.
Handle, transport, and dispose of linens, sharps, and regulated medical waste properly according to OSHA standards. Keep separate from general waste and laundry.
Cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of infectious respiratory droplets. Provide facial tissues, masks, hand hygiene, and no-touch receptacles for used tissues.
By rigorously following infection control best practices, you can avoid spreading diseases to yourself, your patients, coworkers, and others in the healthcare environment.
Be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines to provide the safest care.
As a CNA, you will often be responsible for ensuring safety and responding properly in emergency situations.
It is critical to be familiar with the protocols and procedures to keep patients, coworkers and yourself out of harm’s way.
Following proper infection control procedures, such as hand washing, is essential to avoid spreading diseases between patients and staff.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after contact with each patient, after contact with bodily fluids, and after removing gloves.
In the event of a fire, evacuate patients and activate the nearest fire alarm to alert others.
Once the fire department has arrived, provide details about the location and potential cause of the fire.
Fire drills and training on the use of fire extinguishers and evacuation routes should be conducted regularly.
Be prepared to respond promptly and properly in medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke or shock.
Call for emergency responders immediately and follow the directions of nurses and emergency personnel.
Administer CPR or first aid as directed until emergency responders arrive.
Hazardous materials like chemicals, needles or bodily fluids must be properly handled and disposed of to avoid injury or illness.
Follow the procedures outlined in your facility’s exposure control plan for safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Report any spills or exposures immediately.
Malfunctioning or improperly set up equipment can be dangerous for patients and staff. Monitor equipment regularly and report any issues to maintenance personnel immediately.
Follow instructions for proper use and setup of beds, lifts, oxygen tanks and all other medical equipment to avoid harm.
By familiarizing yourself with safety and emergency procedures, dutifully following infection control protocols, properly operating equipment and responding quickly in crisis situations, you can provide the best care for patients and a safe environment for all.
Preparedness and vigilance are key to safe practice as a CNA.
To properly assist clients with personal care, CNAs must be proficient in skills such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
When bathing a client, take time to prepare the necessary supplies beforehand, including towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, and water at the appropriate temperature.
Gently and thoroughly wash the client from head to toe while maintaining their privacy and dignity.
Pay attention to any equipment like casts, bandages, or intravenous lines. Carefully rinse and pat the client dry to prevent slips and falls.
Choose clothing that is appropriate for the weather and any medical conditions.
Make dressing a collaborative process by allowing the client to assist as much as possible.
Properly secure and position any orthopedic devices like braces or splints.
Ensure all fasteners, closures, and ties are properly secured for safety, warmth and modesty.
Assist clients with daily grooming including brushing teeth, washing face, combing hair, shaving, applying lotion, and other routine tasks.
Trim nails carefully if needed. Ask the client about their normal routine and preferences to provide grooming that suits their needs and personal style.
Nurse Aides often assist clients with getting to and from the bathroom, as well as adjusting clothing, cleaning sensitive areas, and redressing.
When using bedpans, urinals or commodes, properly position the client for comfort and ease of use.
Empty, clean and sanitize any receptacles after each use.
Record details about the client’s output or intake and report any concerning changes to the nurse.
By demonstrating competency in these essential skills, CNAs can provide clients the personal care they need to maintain comfort, hygiene and dignity.
Be sure to always treat clients with empathy, respect and compassion.
To properly care for residents requiring restorative services, certain procedures must be followed.
As a CNA, you will assist residents with basic activities related to mobility, range of motion, and independence.
Range of motion (ROM) exercises are important for residents with limited mobility to maintain flexibility and joint function.
You will help residents perform simple arm and leg exercises like:
Be very gentle and never force a joint beyond its natural range of motion. Move slowly and stop if the resident shows signs of discomfort.
ROM exercises should be done routinely, often 3 times per week.
Residents may require assistance standing, walking, or transferring between bed and chair.
Always use proper body mechanics and a gait belt for support.
Lock wheelchairs and beds before helping a resident stand or transfer.
When walking with a resident, stand slightly behind and to the side of them, holding their arm for balance.
Move at the resident’s pace and watch for signs they need to rest.
For transfers, make sure the bed and chair are at the same level.
Bend at your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs instead of your back.
Some residents cannot feed themselves efficiently and require total or partial assistance.
Make sure residents remain properly hydrated and fed, providing nutritious finger foods and supplemental drinks if needed.
Sit facing the resident, make eye contact, speak clearly, and describe the food and drinks being offered.
Go slowly, allowing the resident time to chew and swallow.
Watch for signs of choking and assist as needed.
By following procedures and properly assisting residents with their restorative needs, you can help improve their quality of life.
Be patient, gentle, and encouraging while helping residents work to maintain their highest level of independence.
To adequately prepare for the CNA certification exam, it is important to study the types of questions related to mental health and social service needs you may encounter.
These questions aim to evaluate your understanding of common disorders and conditions, as well as appropriate ways to interact with and assist patients experiencing them.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease cause memory loss, impaired thinking, and changes in behavior and personality.
As a Nurse Aide, you must be able to recognize symptoms, communicate patiently and respectfully, and provide appropriate care and assistance.
Tasks may include helping patients dress, eat, bathe and use the bathroom.
You should also be gentle and avoid arguing to prevent agitation.
Some patients may experience anxiety, worry, and feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Look for symptoms like restlessness, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, crying, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
Offer reassurance and a listening ear.
Encourage patients to participate in social activities and assist them with personal care and daily living activities as needed.
Inform nurses of any concerns about the patient’s mental or emotional state.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders cause delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking and behavior changes.
Be aware of symptoms and avoid arguing with patients about their delusions or hallucinations. Reassure patients and help keep them grounded.
Assist with daily activities and personal care and report concerning behavior changes or statements to nurses immediately.
By studying these types of mental health conditions and appropriate ways to interact with patients experiencing them, you will gain valuable knowledge to apply in your role as a CNA and feel well-prepared for the certification exam.
With experience, you will become adept at providing empathetic, compassionate care for patients with a variety of needs.
The CNA certification exam will cover a range of topics focused on providing quality care to patients. To prepare, you should study all areas of the official state tests outline.
As a CNA, your primary role will be providing direct care to patients.
This includes assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
You will need to demonstrate competence in basic care skills like positioning patients, serving meals, measuring vital signs, and maintaining patient hygiene and comfort.
You should also understand how to properly transfer patients, ambulate them, and turn and reposition patients who are bedridden.
Patient safety is a top priority for CNAs.
You must comprehend and strictly follow all safety procedures, including proper handwashing, use of personal protective equipment like gloves, safe handling of contaminated items, and disposal of hazardous waste.
You should understand how to properly identify patients before administering care or treatment.
It is also important to know how to prevent pressure ulcers, falls, infections, and other potential complications.
The exam will assess your knowledge of the appropriate scope of practice for a CNA.
You should understand the difference between the role of a Nurse Aide versus that of an RN or LPN.
Be familiar with relevant laws, regulations, and standards of care that guide CNA practice.
Know what types of care tasks can be delegated to a CNA, and which require supervision or direction from a nurse.
Understand the importance of professionalism, ethics and patient rights.
Study hard, believe in yourself, and go into your exam with confidence. You’ve got this!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1) What is the role of a CNA in a healthcare setting? | Certified Nurse Aides provide direct patient care, assist with daily activities, monitor vital signs, and communicate with healthcare professionals. |
| 2) What is the proper way to measure a patient’s blood pressure? | To measure blood pressure, place the cuff around the upper arm, align it with the brachial artery, inflate the cuff, and slowly release the pressure while listening for the pulse using a stethoscope. |
| 3) How should a CNA assist a patient with mobility issues? | CNAs should use proper body mechanics, assistive devices (such as walkers or canes), and provide support to help patients move safely and maintain their independence. |
| 4) What are some common signs of infection in a patient? | Signs of infection may include fever, redness, swelling, pain, increased heart rate, and changes in the appearance or smell of bodily fluids. |
| 5) How should a CNA handle a patient who is experiencing a seizure? | During a seizure, Certified Nursing Assistants should ensure the patient’s safety by removing nearby objects, protecting the patient’s head, and staying with them until the seizure ends. Do not restrain the patient or put anything in their mouth. |
| 6) What is the purpose of range-of-motion exercises for patients? | Range-of-motion exercises help maintain joint flexibility, prevent muscle contractures, improve circulation, and promote overall physical well-being for patients who have limited mobility. |
| 7) How should a CNA assist with feeding a patient who has difficulty swallowing? | CNAs should follow the patient’s care plan, provide appropriate food consistency (such as pureed or thickened liquids), assist with positioning, and monitor the patient for signs of aspiration or choking. |
| 8) What is the correct procedure for providing oral care to a patient who is unconscious? | When providing oral care to an unconscious patient, CNAs should use a moistened swab or sponge to clean the mouth, teeth, and gums gently. Avoid using excessive water or tilting the patient’s head backward. |
| 9) How can a CNA help prevent pressure ulcers in bedridden patients? | CNAs can help prevent pressure ulcers by regularly repositioning bedridden patients, using pressure-relieving devices (such as cushions or mattresses), keeping the skin clean and dry, and providing proper nutrition and hydration. |
| 10) What should a CNA do if a patient falls? | If a patient falls, the CNA should assess the patient for injuries, call for assistance, and follow the facility’s protocol for reporting and documenting the incident. |
Get ready for your CNA exam with our free CNA practice test PDF.
Access a set of practice questions with answers to boost your confidence and succeed in your Certified Nursing Assistant journey!
As you prepare to take your CNA certification exam, you likely have some questions about what to expect. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from CNA candidates:
The cost to take the CNA certification exam varies by state, but typically ranges from $50 to $200. Some testing centers may charge additional fees for rescheduling an exam date or retaking the exam.
Many states require CNA candidates to first complete a state-approved training program, which also has associated costs.
The state CNA exam evaluates your knowledge and skills in areas like basic nursing care, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, and resident rights.
Specific topics include taking vital signs, personal care skills like bathing and dressing, communication, handling equipment like wheelchairs safely, and responding to emergency situations.
The exam has both written questions as well as hands-on skill evaluations.
The length of the CNA exam varies depending on your state’s requirements, but most last 3 to 5 hours.
This includes time for both the written exam as well as the skills demonstration portion.
The written CNA test generally has 60 to 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 2 hours. The skills evaluation requires demonstrating 3 to 5 key nursing assistant skills in a simulated caregiving environment.
To prepare for your CNA certification exam, study your training materials, workbooks and textbooks. Focus on areas like roles and responsibilities, safety procedures, ethics and communication.
Complete practice tests and work with a study partner.
Get hands-on practice with key skills.
Review the candidate handbook to know what to expect on exam day.
With preparation and practice, you can feel confident going into your CNA exam.
To pass the CNA certification exam, you must achieve a minimum score, which varies by state but is typically 70-80% or higher.
Both the written and skills portions must be passed to become certified. If you do not achieve a passing score, you will have the opportunity to retake the exam, though you may face additional fees.
You now have access to over 200 CNA practice questions and answers to help prepare you for your certification exam.
With diligent study and repetition of these questions, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to pass your CNA state exam on the first attempt.
Keep reviewing the questions and answers, focus on areas you struggle in, and take multiple practice tests.
Before you know it, you’ll be ready to become a certified nursing assistant. Best of luck as you embark on this new healthcare career helping others. You’ve got this!
