Free CNA Practice Test 2026 — 501 NNAAP-Style Questions
This free CNA practice test mirrors the 2026 NNAAP written exam — the same 70-question multiple-choice format used by Pearson VUE, Prometric, and Credentia across the United States. Choose a 35-question warm-up or the full 70-question timed simulation. Every question includes an instant explanation, and your score breaks down by the six NNAAP topic areas so you know exactly where to focus your study. No signup, no paywall, no email required.
What Is on the CNA Written Exam?
The NNAAP written exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions drawn from six content areas. Of those 70 questions, 10 are unscored pilot questions used to develop future exams — you will not know which ones, so answer every question as if it counts. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The passing score is 70%.
The exam is scenario-based: most questions describe a situation ("A resident refuses their bath. What should the nurse aide do?") and ask you to choose the best course of action. Wrong answer choices are often partially correct or describe something a nurse — not a CNA — would do. Eliminating answers that are outside the CNA scope of practice is one of the most reliable test-taking strategies.
The exam is available in a written format or an oral (audio) format for candidates with reading difficulties. Both formats cover identical content. Request the oral format when registering with your testing vendor if needed.
Sample CNA Practice Questions
Below are four sample questions drawn from different NNAAP topic areas. The full test includes 501 questions across all six content areas.
1. When assisting a resident with bathing, what is the primary reason a nursing assistant should check the water temperature first?
Water temperature must be checked to prevent burns and scalding injuries, as residents may have reduced sensation or inability to communicate discomfort. The correct temperature is typically 105–110°F.
2. Which of the following is the FIRST step a nursing assistant should take upon discovering a fire in a patient's room?
Fire response follows the RACE protocol: Rescue, Activate alarm, Confine, Extinguish. The FIRST step is Rescue — remove the patient from the room. Once the patient is safe, activate the alarm. Calling for help first (D) delays rescue of a patient in immediate danger.
3. When performing hand hygiene, what is the minimum amount of time you should wash your hands with soap and water?
According to CDC guidelines and NNAAP standards, hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove microorganisms. 10 seconds is insufficient; 30–60 seconds is longer than necessary for routine handwashing.
4. A resident asks you to keep their medical information private and not share it with their family member who is visiting. What should you do?
Residents have the legal right to privacy and confidentiality of their medical information under HIPAA and OBRA 1987. You must respect their wishes about who receives their health information. Sharing without consent (A, C) violates resident rights. Shifting responsibility to the nurse (D) ignores the resident's autonomous choice.
Topics Covered in This Practice Test
This practice test draws from all six NNAAP content areas in the same proportions as the real exam. Each topic has a dedicated study guide if you want to go deeper on a weak area.
Bathing, transfers, positioning, feeding, catheter care, range of motion, and skin care. The largest section — nearly half the exam.
RACE fire protocol, fall prevention, the Heimlich maneuver, seizure response, and restraint alternatives.
Handwashing technique, PPE donning and doffing order, standard precautions, and airborne vs. droplet vs. contact isolation.
OBRA 1987 protections: right to refuse care, privacy, informed consent, abuse reporting, and grievance procedures.
Therapeutic communication, dementia and depression care, grief stages, and end-of-life support.
Scope of practice, chain of command, documentation, observation and reporting, and legal and ethical responsibilities.
How to Use This Practice Test
Step 1 — Take a 35-question diagnostic. Before you study anything, take the 35-question test without looking anything up. Your score report will show which of the six topic areas you already understand and which need the most work. Study those weak areas first.
Step 2 — Review every explanation. After each test, read the explanation for every question — including the ones you got right. Understanding why the correct answer is correct (not just which letter) is the difference between passing and failing when question wording changes on the real exam.
Step 3 — Simulate real conditions. Take the full 70-question test with a 90-minute timer running. Practice pacing: you have about 1 minute 20 seconds per question. If you are stuck, flag the question, move on, and return at the end.
Step 4 — Hit 80% before you schedule. The passing threshold is 70%, but aim for 80% on practice tests before your real exam date. That buffer protects you against topics that trip you up on test day. Most candidates who pass on the first attempt score 80%+ on their final practice run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CNA exam?
The CNA written exam (NNAAP) has 70 multiple-choice questions. Of those, 10 are unscored pilot questions — you will not be told which ones, so treat every question as if it counts. You have 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to complete the exam, and the passing score is 70%.
Is this CNA practice test free?
Yes — completely free. No account, no email, no paywall. You can take the 35-question standard test or the full 70-question simulation as many times as you want. Every question includes an instant explanation showing why the correct answer is right.
What is the NNAAP exam?
NNAAP stands for Nurse Aide Assessment Program. It is the standardized CNA licensing exam used in most U.S. states. The exam is administered by testing vendors including Pearson VUE, Prometric, and Credentia. The NNAAP covers six content areas: Physical Care Skills, Safety & Emergency Procedures, Infection Control, Resident Rights, Psychosocial Care Skills, and Role of the Nurse Aide.
What is the passing score for the CNA written exam?
The passing score is 70%. Of the 70 questions on the exam, 10 are unscored pilot questions, so the 70% threshold applies to the 60 scored questions. Aim for 80% or higher on practice tests before your real exam — that buffer protects you against unfamiliar question wording on test day.
How many times can you retake the CNA exam?
Most states allow up to 3 attempts within a 24-month window from completing your CNA training program. After 3 failed attempts or 24 months, most states require you to complete a new approved training program before testing again. Confirm your state's rules with your state nurse aide registry or testing vendor.
Do all states use the NNAAP for the CNA exam?
Most states use the NNAAP format administered by Pearson VUE, Prometric, Credentia, HDmaster, or another approved vendor. A small number of states administer their own exam. The core content areas, 70-question format, and 70% passing threshold are consistent across NNAAP states. Check your state's nurse aide registry website to confirm your testing vendor.
What is the difference between the written and oral CNA exam?
The written exam is the standard format: 70 multiple-choice questions on paper or computer. The oral exam covers the same questions and content, but questions are read aloud to you through headphones — it is an accommodation available to candidates with reading difficulties or low English literacy. Request the oral format when registering with your testing vendor.
How should I use practice tests to prepare for the CNA exam?
Take a 35-question diagnostic test before you begin studying to see where you stand. Then study your weakest topics and retake the full 70-question simulation under timed conditions. Read the explanation for every question — right or wrong. Schedule your real exam once you are consistently scoring 80% or above on full-length practice tests.
Recommended CNA Study Books
Practice tests are essential, but a structured study book helps you understand the why behind each answer. These are the three most-used CNA prep books.
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