Find the testing provider your state agency names, then open that provider’s current candidate handbook for your state. Use the handbook to check the exam format, skills requirements, passing standard, fees and retake rules.
How is the CNA competency exam structured?
Under federal nursing-facility rules, nurse aide competency evaluation includes a written or oral exam and a skills demonstration (42 CFR § 483.154). Follow your state’s instructions for how the evaluation is arranged. Your state and testing provider set the content outline, question format, time limit and passing score.
Check that study materials match your state and provider. Another state’s question count, skills checklist or passing score may not apply to your exam.
What topics are commonly tested?
Competency evaluations commonly cover basic care, safety, infection control, communication, resident rights, reporting and documentation. Your state handbook is the authority on what is included.
For skills, candidates commonly demonstrate safe technique for tasks such as hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment, positioning, transfers, feeding, toileting and measuring vital signs. The exact checklist and scoring rules vary.
How should you use the candidate handbook?
- Confirm eligibility, identification and scheduling rules.
- Read the content outline and skills checklist for your state.
- Check the passing standard, retake policy and fee schedule.
- Confirm what is provided and what you must bring.
- If you need a testing accommodation (a change to the usual test arrangements), ask the provider how and when to request it.
How should you practice the skills exam?
- Practice with a qualified instructor using the current provider checklist.
- Use your instructor’s guidance on explaining each step and following the required order.
- Practice proper hand hygiene, protect privacy, work safely and communicate throughout each task.
- Practice transfers, positioning and mobility with the equipment you will use.
- Ask for feedback on missed steps, not just the final result.
What is a practical four-week study plan?
- Week 1: Read the handbook, eligibility rules and skills checklist.
- Week 2: Study the topics you find difficult and review any practice questions you missed.
- Week 3: Practice skills with an instructor and correct unsafe technique.
- Week 4: Complete a timed review and confirm your test-day arrangements.
Use this as a suggested schedule and adjust it to your test date and areas that need practice. Check advice from a question bank or app against the official handbook.
What should you confirm before test day?
- The exact test location, arrival time and accepted identification.
- Which handbook and skills checklist apply to your state.
- Whether any accommodations require advance approval.
- The cancellation rules.
What happens if you do not pass?
Retake rules and fees are set by the state and testing provider. Ask how soon you can retake, whether you must retake both portions or only one, and whether any training or waiting period applies. Do not assume another state’s rule applies to you.
Where can you find official materials?
Credentia state-specific test-taker resources ↗
Not all states use Credentia. Use the state resource directory to find your agency and confirm which provider it uses. Question counts, time limits, attempts and passing scores vary by state, so check your current handbook.