Free CNA Exam Flashcards

First-time CNA pass rates range from 70-87% depending on the state and testing provider. Florida reported 87.14% pass rate for Q1 2024 first-time takers. Arizona showed 85% written and 79% skills pass rates. California school-specific rates range from 85-100%. Students who score 85%+ on three consecutive practice tests have the highest success rates—most well-prepared candidates pass on their first attempt.

The CNA exam has two parts: a Written/Oral Exam (60-70 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, covering physical care skills, role of the nurse aide, and psychosocial care) and a Clinical Skills Test (5 randomly selected skills from 22 possible skills, 25-30 minutes, performed before an evaluator). You must pass BOTH parts—if you fail one, you only retake that portion.

Most states require 70% or higher on both written and clinical portions. However, some states have higher requirements: New Jersey requires 75% on written and 80% on skills (with no critical step errors). California requires 70% on both portions. Check your specific state's nurse aide registry for exact requirements, as passing standards vary significantly by state.

You'll perform 5 skills randomly selected from 22 possible clinical skills. The most commonly tested skills include: handwashing, vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature), positioning/transferring residents, making an occupied bed, range of motion exercises, perineal care, mouth care, and measuring intake/output. Handwashing is almost always required and failing it typically fails the entire skills test.

Most states allow 3 attempts within 2 years before requiring retraining. Specific policies vary: California allows 3 attempts per registration with 30 days between, Florida allows multiple attempts with no waiting period, Texas allows 3 attempts within 12 months, and New York requires retraining after 3 failures. You only retake the portion you failed (written or skills), not both. Your passed portion remains valid for 24 months in most states.

Most students need 4-8 weeks of study with 1-2 hours daily. Complete beginners should plan 6-8 weeks, while healthcare workers may need only 2-4 weeks. Focus on: 1) Written exam concepts (infection control, safety, resident rights), 2) Skills practice until you can perform all 22 skills from memory. You're ready when you score 85%+ on three consecutive practice tests and can demonstrate all skills without notes. Don't cram—research shows 70% of crammed information is forgotten within 24 hours.