Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: NCSBN, State Boards of Nursing, Credentia, Prometric
CNA Exam Pass Rates in 2026: The Real Numbers
Before you start panicking about the CNA exam, here is the good news: most people pass. The CNA exam has one of the highest first-time pass rates of any healthcare certification. But the numbers look different depending on which part of the exam you are talking about.
| Component | First-Time Pass Rate | Retake Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | ~87-93% | ~75-85% |
| Clinical Skills Test | ~78-85% | ~70-80% |
| Both Parts Combined | ~75-80% | ~65-75% |
The written exam is the easier half for most candidates. The clinical skills test is where the real attrition happens because there is no partial credit — you must perform every critical step correctly for each skill.
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Why Pass Rates Vary by State
CNA pass rates are not uniform across the country. Several factors create significant state-to-state differences:
Testing Vendor Differences
| Vendor | States | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| NNAAP (Credentia) | Most states (default) | Standardized, widely used |
| Prometric | FL, MI, NY, and others | Computer-based, consistent |
| D&S Diversified | AZ, TN, OR, OH | Skills-focused evaluation |
| Headmaster | IL, KS, MO, and others | Regionally administered |
Each vendor writes its own questions and evaluates skills slightly differently. The core content is the same, but the difficulty level and question style can vary.
Training Program Quality
The biggest predictor of CNA exam success is the quality of your training program:
- State-approved programs with experienced instructors have pass rates above 90%
- Online-only programs (where allowed) tend to have lower pass rates, especially for skills
- Programs with extensive clinical hours produce candidates who pass the skills test at higher rates
- Employer-sponsored programs (hospitals, nursing homes) often have the highest pass rates because they provide hands-on practice with real patients
Top 7 Reasons People Fail the CNA Exam
Understanding why people fail helps you avoid the same mistakes.
Written Exam Failures
1. Not Understanding CNA Scope of Practice The most common trap on the written exam. Questions test whether you know what a CNA can and cannot do. If the question asks about administering medications, interpreting lab results, or making clinical decisions — the answer is almost always "notify the nurse" or "document and report."
2. Confusing Priority Questions When a question asks what to do "first," the answer follows this hierarchy:
- Ensure immediate safety
- Address the patient's most urgent physical need
- Communicate with the healthcare team
- Document
3. Ignoring Infection Control Principles Questions about standard precautions, PPE, and hand hygiene are heavily tested. Many candidates overthink these — the answer is usually the most conservative, safest option.
Clinical Skills Failures
4. Forgetting Hand Hygiene This is the number one skills test failure. You must wash your hands before and after EVERY skill. Even if you perform the skill perfectly, skipping hand hygiene is an automatic failure.
5. Not Identifying the Patient Before every procedure, you must check the patient's identification band (or ask their name and date of birth). Skipping this step is an automatic failure on any skill.
6. Breaking Privacy/Dignity Rules Forgetting to close the curtain, drape the patient properly, or knock before entering are all critical step failures. The evaluator watches specifically for these.
7. Rushing Through Procedures Nervous candidates tend to skip steps. The evaluator is checking off a list — every critical step must be completed in order. Going slowly and talking through each step is always better than rushing.
FREE 4-Week CNA Study Plan
This study plan assumes you have completed your CNA training program and are preparing for the exam. Dedicate 1.5-2 hours per day for the best results.
Week 1: Foundation Review (Written Focus)
| Day | Topic | Study Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Role & Responsibilities | Review CNA scope, delegation, chain of command. Take practice quiz. |
| Tue | Communication | Verbal/nonverbal skills, reporting changes, cultural sensitivity |
| Wed | Infection Control | Standard precautions, PPE, hand hygiene, transmission-based precautions |
| Thu | Safety & Emergency | Fall prevention, fire safety (RACE/PASS), restraints, body mechanics |
| Fri | Review + Quiz | Review all Week 1 topics. Take 30-question practice test. |
| Sat | Skills Practice | Practice hand hygiene and vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature) |
| Sun | Rest or Light Review | Use AI tutor to quiz you on weak areas |
FREE AI TutorFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Week 2: Core Knowledge (Written + Skills)
| Day | Topic | Study Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Personal Care Skills | Bathing, oral hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting |
| Tue | Nursing Skills | Vital signs, positioning, transfers, range of motion |
| Wed | Mental Health & Social Needs | Communication with confused/agitated patients, end-of-life care |
| Thu | Legal & Ethical | Patient rights, advance directives, abuse reporting, HIPAA |
| Fri | Review + Quiz | Take 50-question comprehensive practice test. Review mistakes with AI. |
| Sat | Skills Practice | Practice positioning, transfers, and ambulation |
| Sun | Skills Practice | Practice bed-making (occupied and unoccupied), perineal care |
Week 3: Skills Intensive
| Day | Topic | Study Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Top 5 Skills Deep-Dive | Hand hygiene, vital signs, positioning, transfers, ROM exercises |
| Tue | Feeding & Nutrition Skills | Measuring intake/output, feeding assistance, aspiration precautions |
| Wed | Personal Care Skills Practice | Bathing, dressing, oral care, catheter care |
| Thu | Safety Skills Practice | Fall prevention, bed-making, using assistive devices |
| Fri | Full Skills Simulation | Time yourself performing 5 random skills back-to-back |
| Sat | Written Review | Take full-length 70-question practice exam. Score and review. |
| Sun | Weak Area Review | Focus on any written topics below 80% accuracy |
Week 4: Final Review & Exam Prep
| Day | Topic | Study Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Full Practice Exam | Take complete 70-question practice test under timed conditions |
| Tue | Review Mistakes | Go through every wrong answer. Use AI to explain each concept. |
| Wed | Skills Rehearsal | Practice your 10 weakest skills. Focus on critical steps only. |
| Thu | Quick Review | Skim all content areas. Focus on key facts and common traps. |
| Fri | Light Review Only | Review flashcards or key facts. No heavy studying. Get sleep. |
| Sat/Sun | EXAM DAY | Arrive early. Bring required ID. Stay calm. You've prepared. |
Skills Test Preparation: The 5 Most Commonly Tested Skills
While any skill from your training program can be tested, these 5 appear most frequently across all states:
1. Hand Hygiene (Almost Always Tested)
- Wet hands with warm water
- Apply soap, scrub all surfaces for 20+ seconds
- Clean between fingers, under nails, wrists
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry with paper towel, use towel to turn off faucet
2. Vital Signs (Blood Pressure, Pulse, Respiration, Temperature)
- Identify patient, explain procedure
- Position patient correctly (seated, arm at heart level for BP)
- Record results accurately — evaluators check your numbers
- Report abnormal findings immediately
3. Positioning and Turning
- Use proper body mechanics (bend knees, not back)
- Place pillows for support and alignment
- Ensure patient comfort and safety
- Check skin for pressure areas after repositioning
4. Transfer (Bed to Wheelchair)
- Lock wheelchair brakes
- Position wheelchair at 45-degree angle to bed
- Use gait belt if available
- Support patient during pivot
- Ensure feet are on footrests after transfer
5. Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises
- Support the extremity being exercised
- Move joints gently through full range
- Never force past resistance or pain
- Repeat each movement 3-5 times
What to Expect on Exam Day
Written Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early with two forms of ID
- You will receive scratch paper and a pencil (or computer)
- 90 minutes for 60-70 questions
- No calculators, phones, or study materials allowed
- Results are typically available within 1-2 weeks
Skills Test
- May be same day or different day from written exam
- You will have a partner (volunteer or mannequin)
- 25-40 minutes total for 3-5 skills
- Evaluator uses a checklist — they watch but do not help
- You may be asked to verbalize steps as you perform them
If You Do Not Pass
Do not panic. Most states allow you to retake just the portion you failed within a set timeframe (usually 90 days to 1 year). Some key retake facts:
| State Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Retake Attempts | 2-3 attempts allowed in most states |
| Waiting Period | Varies: immediate to 30 days |
| Retake Fee | $25-$125 depending on state and vendor |
| Retraining Required | Only after all attempts are used (most states) |
How Our FREE AI Tutor Helps You Pass
Our AI-powered study tools are designed to help you at every "stuck" moment:
- Ask AI anything — highlight a term or concept and get a clear explanation
- AI quiz mode — generate unlimited practice questions on any topic
- Wrong answer explanations — failed a practice question? AI explains why the right answer is correct
- Personalized study plan — tell AI your weak areas and get a custom review schedule
Official Resources
- Credentia CNA Testing - Official NNAAP testing provider
- NCSBN NNAAP Information - National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- Prometric CNA Testing
- CMS Nurse Aide Registry
- Your State Board of Nursing website