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Free Practice Questions for Alabama CNA

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Exam Review

Key Facts: Alabama CNA Exam

55 or 70

Written test questions (Prometric or Credentia)

Prometric bulletin; Credentia handbook

90 min or 2 hr

Written test time limit (Prometric or Credentia)

Prometric bulletin; Credentia handbook

5 skills

Skills scored; all must be passed

Prometric bulletin; Credentia handbook

$125 or $135

Total exam fee (Prometric or Credentia)

Prometric bulletin; Credentia handbook

3 attempts

Allowed within 24 months of training

ADPH registry FAQ

8 hrs

Paid nurse aide work needed every 24 months

ADPH registry FAQ

Alabama nurse aides are listed on a registry run by ADPH, not the Board of Nursing. Your training program picks the test vendor: Prometric ($125; 55 questions in 90 minutes; Handwashing, Indirect Care, and 3 assigned skills) or Credentia NNAAP ($135; 70 items in 2 hours; hand hygiene, one measurement, and 3 more skills in 30 minutes). You get three attempts within 24 months of training. There is no renewal fee; you stay active by working at least 8 paid hours as a nurse aide under RN supervision every 24 months.

Sample Alabama CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Alabama CNA exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 538+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When assisting an Alabama nursing home resident with a complete bed bath, which area of the body should the CNA wash LAST?
A.The back and buttocks
B.The perineal area
C.The face and neck
D.The feet and toenails
Explanation: The perineal area should always be washed last during a complete bed bath, moving from the cleanest area (face) to the dirtiest (perineal). This sequence prevents cross-contamination and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. This principle applies in all Alabama long-term care facilities regulated by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
2A resident at an Alabama long-term care facility has right-sided weakness following a stroke. When helping the resident get dressed, the CNA should:
A.Dress the left (stronger) arm first to prevent muscle fatigue
B.Dress the right (weaker) arm first to minimize discomfort and strain
C.Have the resident choose which arm to dress first
D.Call the nurse before assisting with dressing to get permission
Explanation: The correct technique is to dress the weak or affected side first and undress the strong side first. When dressing the right (weaker) arm first, the garment is positioned over the arm with limited mobility before threading the stronger arm through. This reduces pain and the risk of injury. The mnemonic is: "Dress the worst first, undress the best first."
3While providing oral care to an unconscious Alabama nursing home resident, the CNA should position the resident in which way?
A.Flat on the back (supine) to prevent neck strain
B.In a sitting position at 90 degrees
C.On the side (lateral position) with the head turned to allow drainage
D.Prone (face-down) to keep the airway clear
Explanation: An unconscious resident must be positioned on their side (lateral/Sims position) with the head turned during oral care to prevent aspiration of fluids into the lungs. The supine position is dangerous for unconscious patients because secretions and fluids can pool in the throat and be aspirated. This is a critical safety measure taught in all Alabama ADPH-approved CNA training programs.
4A resident in an Alabama nursing facility requests that the CNA leave the room during a bed bath. The CNA should:
A.Refuse and explain that the bath must be completed for the resident's health
B.Leave the room but check back every 5 minutes to ensure safety
C.Respect the resident's right to privacy and modify the approach to meet the resident's wishes
D.Notify the nurse immediately that the resident is being non-compliant
Explanation: Residents have the right to privacy and to refuse or modify care per OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), which is enforced in all Alabama nursing facilities by the ADPH. The CNA should work with the resident to find an acceptable approach, such as having the resident wash certain areas independently. Resident rights are protected under Alabama's nursing home regulations and federal law.
5When performing nail care for a diabetic resident at an Alabama long-term care facility, the CNA should:
A.Clip toenails straight across and report any abnormalities to the nurse
B.Clip and file the toenails to keep them short and smooth
C.Refer all nail care for diabetic residents to the nurse or podiatrist
D.Soak the feet for 30 minutes before clipping to soften the nails
Explanation: CNAs should NOT clip the toenails of diabetic residents. Diabetics have reduced blood circulation and nerve sensation in the feet, making even minor cuts from nail clipping potentially serious. Toenail care for diabetic residents must be performed by a nurse or licensed podiatrist. The CNA can soak and clean the feet but must refer nail trimming to a licensed professional. This is a scope-of-practice limitation in Alabama.
6A resident at an Alabama nursing facility has dentures. When storing the resident's dentures overnight, the CNA should:
A.Store them dry in a labeled container to prevent bacterial growth
B.Rinse them with hot water and store in the resident's bedside drawer
C.Place them in a labeled container with cool water or a denture cleanser solution
D.Wrap them in a tissue and place them on the bedside table
Explanation: Dentures should be stored in a labeled container filled with cool water or a denture cleanser solution when not being worn. Hot water can warp dentures, causing them to not fit properly. Storing them dry can cause the plastic to crack or distort. Tissues and napkins are inappropriate because dentures can accidentally be thrown away. Each resident's denture container must be labeled with their name.
7While assisting a female resident with perineal care following urinary catheter use in an Alabama nursing facility, the CNA should clean:
A.In a circular motion around the catheter tubing
B.From the catheter insertion site outward, using a clean stroke each time
C.Back to front using gentle pressure
D.Starting from the outer areas and moving toward the catheter insertion site
Explanation: Catheter perineal care should be performed starting from the urethral meatus (catheter insertion site) and moving outward away from the body, using a clean stroke each time to avoid introducing bacteria toward the urethra. This technique, along with cleaning the catheter tubing for several inches, reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which are a major concern in Alabama long-term care facilities.
8When helping a resident use a bedpan in an Alabama nursing facility, the CNA should:
A.Place the bedpan under the resident and leave for 30 minutes
B.Warm the metal bedpan before use and provide privacy with the call light within reach
C.Position the resident flat on the back with a pillow under the head for comfort
D.Remove the bedpan immediately after use without covering
Explanation: When using a bedpan, warm a cold metal bedpan by running warm water over it (cold metal can cause discomfort or skin injury). Always ensure privacy for the resident, and leave the call light within reach so they can signal when finished. The resident should be raised to as close to a normal sitting position as possible (bed at 30-45 degrees) and should not be left for extended periods. Cover the bedpan when removing it to respect dignity.
9An Alabama CNA notices a resident's incontinence brief is soiled. The CNA should change it:
A.Only at scheduled times (morning, noon, and evening) to maintain routine
B.Immediately after discovering it is soiled to prevent skin breakdown
C.After informing the charge nurse and getting approval
D.Only if the resident complains of discomfort
Explanation: Soiled briefs must be changed immediately upon discovery to prevent skin breakdown, pressure injuries, and infections such as urinary tract infections. Prolonged contact with urine and feces causes skin maceration and irritation that can quickly progress to serious pressure injuries. Alabama nursing homes are cited and penalized by ADPH inspectors for failure to maintain skin integrity related to incontinence care.
10A resident with contractures in both hands is receiving a bed bath at an Alabama nursing facility. When cleaning between the fingers, the CNA should:
A.Force the fingers open to clean thoroughly between them
B.Gently open the hand and clean between the fingers without forcing the joints
C.Skip this area to avoid causing pain
D.Use a cotton swab to insert between the closed fingers
Explanation: Residents with contractures have permanently flexed joints that cannot be fully straightened. The CNA should gently work within the resident's range of motion, carefully and slowly opening the hand as much as is comfortable, then cleaning between the fingers without forcing the joints. Forcing contracted joints can cause severe pain, muscle tears, or fractures. Skipping hygiene in flexed areas leads to skin breakdown and infection.

About the Alabama CNA Exam

The Alabama CNA competency evaluation has a knowledge test and a 5-skill clinical skills test. ADPH lets each training program choose Prometric (55 questions in 90 minutes; skills in 31 to 40 minutes) or Credentia's NNAAP (70 items in 2 hours; skills in 30 minutes). Passing both parts within 24 months of training places you on the Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry maintained by ADPH.

Exam sponsor: Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH); tested by Prometric or Credentia. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Credentia NNAAP: 70 written items (60 scored + 10 pretest) in 2 hours, or an oral version with 60 questions + 10 word-recognition items; Prometric: 55 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Both add a 5-skill clinical test.

Time Limit

Prometric: 90 min knowledge + 31-40 min skills; Credentia: 2 hours written + 30 min skills

Passing Score

No percentage cut score published; pass the knowledge test overall and all 5 skills

Exam / Certification Fees

$125 (Prometric) or $135 (Credentia)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

22%

Personal Care / ADL (13 questions)

Bathing, grooming, dressing, perineal care, oral hygiene, nail care, elimination, fluid management

35%

Basic Nursing Skills (21 questions)

Vital signs, positioning, transfers, ROM, nutrition, I&O, wound observation, body mechanics

7%

Self Care / Restorative (4 questions)

Restorative programs, independence, assistive devices, aging changes, contracture prevention

8%

Emotional & Mental Health (5 questions)

Depression, dementia, Alzheimer's, grief, end-of-life care, behavioral approaches

2%

Spiritual & Cultural Needs (1 question)

Cultural competence, religious accommodation, spiritual support

7%

Communication (4 questions)

Therapeutic communication, documentation, SBAR, reporting changes, HIPAA

8%

Client Rights (5 questions)

Privacy, dignity, right to refuse, advance directives, HIPAA, grievance process, ombudsman

5%

Legal & Ethical Behavior (3 questions)

Scope of practice, Alabama registry requirements, mandated reporting, confidentiality

6%

Member of the Health Care Team (4 questions)

Delegation, interdisciplinary team, care planning, chain of command, professional behavior

Preparing for the Alabama CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No percentage cut score published; pass the knowledge test overall and all 5 skills
  • Assessment: Credentia NNAAP: 70 written items (60 scored + 10 pretest) in 2 hours, or an oral version with 60 questions + 10 word-recognition items; Prometric: 55 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Both add a 5-skill clinical test.
  • Time limit: Prometric: 90 min knowledge + 31-40 min skills; Credentia: 2 hours written + 30 min skills
  • Exam / certification fees: $125 (Prometric) or $135 (Credentia) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 538 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Alabama CNA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Ask your training program whether you will test with Prometric or Credentia, then study that vendor's skills checklist step by step.
2Know that ADPH, not the Board of Nursing, keeps the Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry and approves training programs.
3Remember the testing window: three attempts to pass both parts within 24 months of finishing training.
4Stay active by working at least 8 paid hours as a nurse aide under RN supervision every 24 months; Alabama has no renewal fee.
5Alabama programs require at least 75 hours, including 16 supervised clinical hours and 16 hours before any resident contact.
6Know the difference between abuse, neglect, and misappropriation, and report suspected abuse immediately; a substantiated finding stays on the registry permanently.
7The Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, run through the Alabama Department of Senior Services, advocates for residents.
8Handwashing is scored on every Alabama skills test: lather with friction for at least 20 seconds and turn off the faucet with a clean paper towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Alabama CNA exam?

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) approves two testing vendors, and each nurse aide training program chooses one: Prometric or Credentia, which gives the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. You take both parts with your program's vendor. Passing results go to ADPH, which maintains the Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry.

How many questions are on the Alabama CNA written test?

It depends on the vendor. Prometric's Alabama knowledge test has 55 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Credentia's NNAAP written test has 70 multiple-choice items (60 scored and 10 unscored pretest items) in 2 hours; its oral version has 60 questions plus 10 word-recognition items. Neither vendor publishes a percentage passing score for Alabama.

What does the Alabama CNA skills test involve?

You perform five skills and must pass all five. With Prometric, Handwashing and Indirect Care are scored on every test along with three assigned skills, and you have 31 to 40 minutes. With Credentia, you perform hand hygiene, one measurement skill such as blood pressure or weight, and three other randomly chosen skills in 30 minutes.

How much does the Alabama CNA exam cost?

Prometric charges $40 for the knowledge test, $45 for the clinical skills test, and a $40 test site administration fee, for $125 total. Credentia charges $55 for the written or oral exam and $80 for the skills evaluation, for $135 total. Nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid must pay these fees for the aides they employ.

How many times can I take the Alabama CNA exam?

You have three attempts to pass both parts within 24 months of completing your training program, and you retake only the part you failed. If you fail either part three times, or the 24 months run out, you must complete a new state-approved training program and retake both parts.

Does Alabama require CNAs to renew their certification?

No. ADPH's registry FAQ says Alabama has no renewal process or renewal fee. Your listing stays active if you work at least 8 paid hours of direct nurse aide care under RN supervision within every 24 months in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice, or mental health facility. Volunteer work, private sitting, and assisted living work do not count.

How do I check my status on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry?

Search the Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry on the ADPH website using your Social Security number, which serves as your certification number. Alabama does not issue a state license card; the registry listing is your proof of certification. Questions go to the registry at 334-206-5169.