New Jersey CNA Exam Flashcards

Q: How many questions are on the New Jersey CNA written exam?

The New Jersey CNA written/oral exam uses the NNAAP format with about 70 multiple-choice questions (a portion are unscored pretest items). You must also pass a clinical skills evaluation of 5 randomly selected skills that takes roughly 25-35 minutes.

Q: What is the passing standard for the New Jersey CNA exam?

You must pass both parts: approximately 70% correct on the written/oral exam and 100% of the critical steps on every assigned skill. Missing even one critical step fails that skill - confirm the current standard in the official NJ Candidate Information Bulletin.

Q: How many training hours does New Jersey require for a CNA?

New Jersey requires at least 90 hours of state-approved nurse aide training, which exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours. Programs combine classroom theory, skills lab, and supervised clinical practice and must be approved by the NJ Department of Health.

Q: How long do I have to pass the exam after training?

New Jersey allows up to 24 months from completing your approved training program to pass both portions of the exam, with a limited number of attempts. If you do not pass in that window or use all attempts, you must complete a new training program.

Q: How do I renew a New Jersey CNA certification?

New Jersey CNA certification is renewed every 2 years. To renew you must show paid nursing or nursing-related work performed under a licensed nurse during the prior 24 months; without qualifying work you generally must retest or retrain through the NJ Nurse Aide Registry.

Q: Do you need a background check to be a New Jersey CNA?

Yes. New Jersey requires a criminal history background check for nurse aide certification. Applicants who clear screening may be permitted to work for a limited period while completing training and the competency evaluation, under NJ Department of Health rules.

Question 1

NNAAP

Accepted Answer

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program format New Jersey uses for CNA certification - a written/oral knowledge test plus a hands-on evaluation of 5 randomly selected clinical skills.

Question 2

New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry

Accepted Answer

The NJ Department of Health database verifying CNA certification status. Employers check it before hiring; abuse or neglect findings are recorded and can prevent certification or employment.

Question 3

New Jersey 90-hour training requirement

Accepted Answer

NJ requires at least 90 hours of state-approved training - more than the federal OBRA 75-hour minimum - combining classroom theory, skills lab, and supervised clinical practice before testing.

Question 4

New Jersey CNA testing window

Accepted Answer

You have up to 24 months after completing approved training to pass both the written/oral exam and the skills evaluation, within a limited number of attempts, or you must retrain.

Question 5

Critical step on the NJ skills evaluation

Accepted Answer

A key action that must be performed correctly for a skill to pass. Missing one critical step fails that entire skill even if everything else is done right - hand hygiene is almost always tested.

Question 6

NJ CNA renewal requirement

Accepted Answer

Certification renews every 2 years and requires documented paid nursing-related work under a licensed nurse during the period. Without qualifying work you generally must retest or retrain.

Question 7

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Accepted Answer

Self-care tasks: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and eating. The CNA assists only as needed and promotes the resident's remaining independence.

Question 8

Dressing a resident with a weak side

Accepted Answer

Put clothing on the weak/affected limb FIRST and take it off that limb LAST. This avoids forcing the impaired arm or leg through clothing and reduces pain and injury.

Question 9

Perineal care technique

Accepted Answer

Clean from front to back, cleanest area to dirtiest, using a new section of the cloth for each stroke. This prevents transferring bacteria toward the urethra and causing UTIs.

Question 10

Bath water temperature safety

Accepted Answer

Test water temperature before bathing - around 105°F is a typical safe target. Older residents have thinner skin and reduced sensation, raising burn risk; always confirm comfort.

Question 11

Denture care

Accepted Answer

Handle dentures over a towel or basin of water to prevent breakage if dropped, clean with cool water (hot water warps them), and store in labeled water or solution when not worn.

Question 12

Normal adult vital sign ranges

Accepted Answer

Temperature ~97-99°F oral, pulse 60-100 bpm, respirations 12-20/min, blood pressure under 120/80. Report values outside these ranges to the nurse.

Question 13

Counting respirations correctly

Accepted Answer

Count respirations without telling the resident, ideally right after taking the pulse while still holding the wrist. Awareness changes breathing rate. Count for a full minute if irregular.

Question 14

Measuring blood pressure accurately

Accepted Answer

Use a properly sized cuff, support the arm at heart level, and let the resident rest first. Report readings at or above 140/90 or any large change from baseline.

Question 15

Intake and Output (I&O)

Accepted Answer

Recorded measurement of all fluid in (oral, IV, tube) and out (urine, emesis, drainage) in mL. Large imbalances suggest dehydration or fluid overload and must be reported.

Question 16

When does a CNA report an observation?

Accepted Answer

Immediately for any change of condition - fall, chest pain, confusion, abnormal vitals, skin breakdown, or refusal to eat. CNAs report and document facts but do not diagnose.

Question 17

Standard Precautions

Accepted Answer

Infection control applied to ALL residents regardless of diagnosis. Treat all blood and body fluids as infectious; use hand hygiene and PPE whenever exposure is anticipated.

Question 18

Handwashing - the single best infection control measure

Accepted Answer

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, friction on all surfaces, fingertips down, using a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet. Use soap/water when hands are visibly soiled.

Question 19

Order of putting on and removing PPE

Accepted Answer

Put on: gown, mask, goggles, gloves. Remove: gloves first (dirtiest), then goggles, gown, mask, followed by hand hygiene.

Question 20

Transmission-based precautions

Accepted Answer

Airborne (TB, measles): negative-pressure room + N95. Droplet (flu, pertussis): mask within ~6 ft. Contact (MRSA, C. diff): gown and gloves with dedicated equipment.

Question 21

Handling soiled linen

Accepted Answer

Hold soiled linen away from your uniform, never shake it (spreads microorganisms), roll the dirtiest part inward, and place it directly in the proper hamper - never on the floor.

Question 22

OBRA 1987 resident rights

Accepted Answer

Federal law guaranteeing nursing home residents dignity, privacy, freedom from abuse and restraints, the right to refuse care, and to participate in care planning and grievances.

Question 23

Resident's right to refuse care

Accepted Answer

A resident may refuse any treatment. The CNA does not force or argue, respects the choice, and reports the refusal to the nurse for documentation and follow-up.

Question 24

Protecting privacy and confidentiality

Accepted Answer

Knock before entering, close curtains and doors, drape during care, and keep all resident information confidential under HIPAA - share only with the care team on a need-to-know basis.

Question 25

NJ Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Accepted Answer

An independent advocate that investigates complaints and protects the rights of residents in NJ long-term care facilities. Residents have the right to contact the ombudsman privately.

Question 26

Recognizing and reporting abuse

Accepted Answer

Abuse may be physical, verbal, sexual, financial, or neglect. Signs: unexplained bruises, fear, withdrawal, weight loss. CNAs are mandated reporters and must report suspicions immediately.

Question 27

Proper body mechanics

Accepted Answer

Bend at the knees and hips, keep the back straight, hold the load close, use a wide stance, and push/pull rather than lift. Get help or a mechanical lift for heavy transfers.

Question 28

RACE fire response

Accepted Answer

Rescue residents in danger, Activate the alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, Extinguish or Evacuate. Resident safety (Rescue) is always the first action.

Question 29

Fall prevention

Accepted Answer

Keep the bed low and locked, call light within reach, nonslip footwear, clear pathways, adequate lighting, and answer call lights promptly. Most falls are preventable.

Question 30

Restraint use rules

Accepted Answer

Restraints require a provider order, are a last resort, and demand frequent checks, repositioning, and release with ROM. They can cause injury and decline; always try alternatives first.

Question 31

Transferring with a gait/transfer belt

Accepted Answer

Apply the belt snugly over clothing at the waist, grasp underhand, move toward the resident's strong side, and brace their knees with yours to prevent buckling.

Question 32

Repositioning to prevent pressure injuries

Accepted Answer

Reposition bedbound residents at least every 2 hours and chair-bound residents about every hour. Keep skin clean and dry; report any reddened area that does not blanch.

Question 33

Fowler's position

Accepted Answer

Head of bed elevated 45-60° (high Fowler's up to 90°). Used during meals and for breathing difficulty; helps prevent aspiration when eating.

Question 34

Ambulating a resident safely

Accepted Answer

Use a gait belt, walk slightly behind and to the weak side, match the resident's pace, and lower them safely to the floor (protecting their head) if they begin to fall.

Question 35

Range of motion - active vs. passive

Accepted Answer

Active ROM: the resident moves the joint. Passive ROM: the CNA moves it for them. Support above and below the joint, move slowly to just before pain, and never force a joint.

Question 36

Goal of restorative care

Accepted Answer

Help residents regain or keep maximum independence and function through ROM, ambulation, and bowel/bladder training while preventing complications such as contractures.

Question 37

Contracture and how to prevent it

Accepted Answer

A permanent muscle/joint shortening from disuse causing deformity. Prevented by routine ROM, proper positioning, splints as ordered, and keeping joints active.

Question 38

Promoting independence in ADLs

Accepted Answer

Encourage residents to do as much as they safely can, allow extra time, use assistive devices, and offer praise. Doing tasks for capable residents causes decline and loss of dignity.

Question 39

Therapeutic communication

Accepted Answer

Use open-ended questions, active listening, eye contact, and silence. Avoid false reassurance, giving advice, or changing the subject. Allow the resident time to respond.

Question 40

Communicating with a resident with aphasia

Accepted Answer

Use simple questions, allow extra time, offer yes/no choices or picture boards, do not rush or finish sentences, and verify understanding. Stay calm and patient.

Question 41

CNA documentation rules

Accepted Answer

Record care after it is performed, factually and objectively, using approved terms. Correct an error with a single line and initials; never erase, backdate, or chart in advance.

Question 42

Caring for a resident with dementia who is agitated

Accepted Answer

Approach calmly from the front, use a soft voice, remove triggers, simplify the environment, and redirect to a familiar activity. Do not argue with or correct delusions.

Question 43

Sundowning

Accepted Answer

Worsening confusion and restlessness in the late afternoon and evening, common in dementia. Manage with consistent routines, calming activities, and increased lighting before dusk.

Question 44

Signs of depression in residents

Accepted Answer

Withdrawal, loss of interest, appetite or sleep changes, fatigue, and statements of hopelessness. The CNA observes and reports these to the nurse and offers support and engagement.

Question 45

End-of-life and culturally sensitive care

Accepted Answer

Provide comfort, dignity, and presence; respect spiritual, religious, and cultural practices; allow the family privacy; and continue to speak to the resident even if unresponsive.

Question 46

Aspiration prevention during feeding

Accepted Answer

Sit the resident upright at 90°, give small bites, alternate food and liquids, allow time to swallow, and keep them upright 30+ minutes after eating. Stop and report coughing.

Question 47

Signs of dehydration

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth and skin, dark scanty urine, confusion, dizziness, and low fluid intake. Encourage fluids per the care plan, track I&O, and report concerns to the nurse promptly.

Question 48

Indwelling catheter care

Accepted Answer

Keep the bag below bladder level and off the floor, prevent tubing kinks, secure to the leg, and give perineal care. Report cloudy/bloody urine, leakage, or no drainage.

Question 49

Measuring urinary output

Accepted Answer

Use a graduated container at eye level on a flat surface, record the amount in mL, and report output under about 30 mL/hour or sudden changes to the nurse.

Question 50

Promoting continence and normal elimination

Accepted Answer

Provide a regular toileting schedule, privacy, adequate time, fluids, and fiber; respond to call lights quickly. Never scold a resident for incontinence - it harms dignity.

Free New Jersey CNA Exam Flashcards

Filter by Topic

Jump to Card

About These New Jersey CNA Flashcards

Topics Covered

Frequently Asked Questions

New Jersey CNA

Explore More CNA

Connecticut CNA

CNA Certified Nursing Assistant

California CNA

Florida CNA

Georgia CNA

Idaho CNA

More From This Family