CNA practice test: free written exam questions with explanations
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Prepare for the CNA written (knowledge) exam with original practice questions in the style of the NNAAP and other state nurse aide tests. Start with 5 free questions, then take two full 60-question timed tests with an explanation for every answer.
- 5 free questions
- 2 full tests, 120 questions
- Rights, safety, care, vital signs
- An explanation for every answer
- Practice certificate PDF
What is on the CNA written exam?
To become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) you pass a state competency exam with two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills test where you perform nurse aide skills in front of an evaluator. Many states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), delivered by Credentia; other states use providers such as Prometric or Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) with their own format.
The 2024 NNAAP content outline (NCSBN) covers three areas:
- Physical care skills (about 64%): activities of daily living, basic nursing skills (infection control, safety and emergencies, technical procedures, data collection and reporting) and self-care/independence.
- Psychosocial care skills (about 10%): emotional, mental health, spiritual and cultural needs.
- Role of the nurse aide (about 26%): communication, client rights, legal and ethical behavior and being a member of the health care team.
How many questions, how much time, and what is the passing score?
| NNAAP written exam | MyLevel practice test | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 70 multiple choice (60 scored, 10 unscored pretest) | 60 multiple choice |
| Time | 2 hours | 90 minutes |
| Pass mark | Set by each state | 75% target (indicative) |
Source: Credentia candidate help center and the NCSBN 2024 NNAAP content outline. You cannot tell which questions are pretest items, so answer every question. An oral version (read aloud, with reading comprehension questions) is available in NNAAP states.
There is no national pass mark: each state decides its own, and most commonly cited marks are roughly 70-80%. Check your state's candidate handbook. On MyLevel, aim for at least 75%; 85% or more gives you a comfortable margin.
What you practice on MyLevel
Each practice test has 60 original questions in four sections:
- Role of the nurse aide: resident rights, privacy, abuse and neglect, ethics, communication and charting.
- Safety, infection control and emergencies: hand hygiene, PPE, isolation precautions, falls, fire (RACE, PASS), choking and other emergencies.
- Personal care and basic nursing skills: positioning (Fowler's, Sims', supine), dressing, feeding, perineal and catheter care, intake and output.
- Physical, mental and restorative care: normal vital-sign ranges, observing and reporting changes, dementia, depression, end-of-life care and range of motion.
Start with 5 free questions. The full pack with 2 timed tests costs $12.99, a one-time payment with no subscription, and also unlocks every other MyLevel job test.
How to pass the CNA written exam
- Learn the normal ranges by heart: adult pulse 60-100 beats per minute, respirations 12-20 per minute, oral temperature about 97.6-99.6°F, blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg.
- Think safety and rights first: when two answers look right, pick the one that keeps the resident safe, protects privacy and dignity, or lets the resident choose.
- Know your scope: nurse aides observe and report to the nurse; they do not give medicines, diagnose or change orders.
- Practice the math: 1 oz = 30 mL, 1 kg = 2.2 lb, and 24-hour time (3:45 p.m. = 1545).
- Practice under time: take a full test in one sitting, then study the explanations for every mistake.
MyLevel is independent and not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Credentia, Prometric, Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies), NCSBN or any state nurse aide registry or board. NNAAP is a registered trademark of NCSBN. All questions are original practice questions written by MyLevel, not real exam questions, and a practice score is not an official result.
Frequently asked questions
Is this CNA practice test free?
Yes, you can start with 5 free questions with explanations. Two full 60-question timed tests cost $12.99 once, with no subscription.
How many questions are on the CNA written exam?
In NNAAP states the written exam has 70 multiple-choice questions: 60 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest questions. You have 2 hours. States with another test provider can have a different number of questions.
What score do I need to pass the CNA exam?
Each state sets its own passing score for the written exam, and you also have to pass the skills test. Most commonly cited marks are roughly 70-80%; check your state's candidate handbook for the exact rule.
Are these the real CNA exam questions?
No. These are original practice questions written by MyLevel in the style of the written exam, based on standard nurse aide training content. Real exam questions are confidential.
What are normal vital signs for the CNA exam?
For an adult at rest: pulse 60-100 beats per minute, respirations 12-20 breaths per minute, oral temperature about 97.6-99.6°F (36.5-37.5°C) and blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg. Report readings outside these ranges to the nurse.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. After a full practice test you can download a MyLevel practice certificate (PDF) with your score. It is a personal record of your practice result, not an official document or CNA certification.