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May 2, 2026

Free CNA Practice Test Ohio 2026 — NNAAP Exam Prep Guide

Everything Ohio CNA candidates need to know — exam format, HDmaster testing locations, training requirements, and free NNAAP practice tests to help you pass on your first try.

Ohio CNA Certification Overview

To become a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) in Ohio, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass the Ohio Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by HDmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) on behalf of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Note: Ohio uses the title "State Tested Nurse Aide" (STNA) rather than CNA, though the role is equivalent and recognized nationally as a CNA credential. Ohio requires a minimum of 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. The exam has two parts: • A written (or oral) knowledge test: 70 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours • A clinical skills evaluation: demonstration of 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills You must pass both parts to be listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry (ONAR). The passing score is 70%.

Ohio STNA Written Exam — What Is Tested

The Ohio written exam follows the NNAAP format. All 70 questions come from six content areas: • Physical Care Skills (45%) — bathing, grooming, feeding, transfers, positioning, catheter care, elimination • Safety & Emergency Procedures (14%) — fall prevention, RACE protocol, Heimlich maneuver, seizure response • Infection Control (14%) — handwashing, PPE order, isolation precautions, standard precautions • Resident Rights (11%) — OBRA regulations, right to refuse, privacy, abuse and neglect reporting • Psychosocial Care Skills (8%) — therapeutic communication, dementia care, end-of-life support • Role of the Nurse Aide (8%) — scope of practice, documentation, chain of command Ohio has a significant nursing home industry. Candidates who understand both the clinical skills and the ethical standards covered in Resident Rights and Psychosocial Care will be well-prepared for both the exam and the job.

Ohio HDmaster Testing Locations

The Ohio STNA written exam is administered by HDmaster at testing centers across the state: • Columbus (multiple locations) • Cleveland • Cincinnati • Toledo • Akron • Dayton • Youngstown • Canton • Lorain To find testing centers and available dates, visit hdmaster.com and search for Ohio nurse aide. Your training program will issue your authorization to test after you complete the required 75 hours. Columbus and Cleveland centers often have limited availability — register quickly once authorized.

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Ohio STNA Skills Test — What to Expect

The clinical skills evaluation is held at an HDmaster skills testing facility. You will demonstrate 5 randomly selected skills while a trained evaluator scores each against a required steps checklist. Handwashing is tested within every skill — perform it correctly at the start and end of each skill demonstration. In Ohio, missing handwashing steps is one of the most common reasons candidates fail the skills test. Commonly tested Ohio skills include: • Handwashing • Measuring and recording radial pulse • Providing catheter care for a female resident • Assisting a resident with a bed-to-wheelchair transfer using a gait belt • Positioning a resident in the lateral position • Providing passive range of motion for the shoulder and elbow • Providing mouth care The Ohio STNA Candidate Handbook (available on the HDmaster website) contains the full list of 25 possible skills and all required steps.

How to Prepare for the Ohio STNA Exam

Ohio's first-attempt written exam pass rate is approximately 70–75%. Consistent practice test preparation is the most reliable way to achieve a first-attempt pass. Recommended study plan: 1. Take a full 70-question diagnostic test before you begin studying. Review your topic breakdown to identify where to focus. 2. Begin with Physical Care Skills — it is 45% of the exam. Master the step-by-step process for transfers, bed baths, catheter care, and positioning before moving to other topics. 3. Study Infection Control and Safety together — 28% of the exam combined. Know the PPE donning and doffing order, and have the RACE fire protocol memorized. 4. Take timed practice tests. Aim for 80% before your real exam date. 2 hours for 70 questions means about 1 minute and 43 seconds per question — pacing matters. 5. For the skills test, practice handwashing separately until it is automatic. Then practice each full skill from start to finish. CertPrepAcademy.com provides a free 70-question NNAAP practice test with 501 questions across all six topics — no signup needed.

After You Pass — Ohio Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both parts of the Ohio exam, your name is added to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry (ONAR) maintained by the ODH. Ohio employers are required to verify ONAR status before hiring any nurse aide. Your Ohio STNA certification is valid for 24 months. To maintain your listing, you must work as a nurse aide for pay for at least 8 hours during each renewal period. If your certification lapses due to no employment, you must retake the competency exam. You can look up your registry status or another nurse aide's status through the ODH online ONAR search tool.

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