1.1 Current 2026 California CNA Exam Facts
Key Takeaways
- California CNA candidates must pass both the D&S Headmaster knowledge exam and the manual skills test.
- The knowledge exam has 75 multiple-choice questions, a 60-minute time limit, and a 75% passing score.
- The manual skills test assigns 3 or 4 tasks in 30 minutes, including one first task with embedded handwashing.
- Fees effective March 1, 2026 are $40 for knowledge, $45 for audio knowledge, and $100 for skills.
- Remote proctoring is available for the knowledge exam only; the skills test remains performance-based.
Current California CNA Exam Facts
California Certified Nursing Assistant certification is administered through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The testing vendor is D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster, using the California TMU testing system.
The exam has two separate parts. You must pass the computer-based knowledge exam and the manual skills test before CDPH can place you on the California Nurse Assistant Registry.
| Item | Current California CNA Detail |
|---|---|
| Certifying agency | California Department of Public Health |
| Testing vendor | D&S Headmaster |
| Knowledge exam | 75 multiple-choice questions |
| Knowledge time limit | 60 minutes |
| Knowledge passing score | 75% or better |
| Skills test | 3 or 4 assigned manual skill tasks |
| Skills time limit | 30 minutes |
| 2026 fee | $40 knowledge, $45 audio knowledge, $100 skills |
| Remote option | Knowledge exam only |
What Makes California Different
California is not just the generic national CNA exam. CDPH controls eligibility, application processing, training program approval, registry placement, renewal, and misconduct review.
D&S Headmaster controls test scheduling, TMU accounts, test event rules, the knowledge test, and the skills scoring process. A strong candidate understands both systems.
What To Verify Before Scheduling
Before test day, make sure your name, birth date, application record, training completion, and Live Scan status are consistent. Registry placement can be delayed or rejected if CDPH does not have the correct application information.
Official resources to bookmark:
- CDPH Certified Nurse Assistant page
- CDPH Initial CNA Application page
- D&S Headmaster California CNA testing page
- California TMU login
Exam Mindset
Most written questions reward the safest, most resident-centered action. Most skill points reward doing exactly what the published steps require, not what you think would be enough in a real facility.
Study for both realities. Know CNA care principles, then practice the California skills wording until your routine is automatic.
Which organization is responsible for California CNA certification and registry placement?
What is the current California CNA knowledge exam format?
Which California CNA exam component may be taken through remote proctoring?