200+ Free Alabama CNA Practice Questions

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Question 1

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When assisting an Alabama nursing home resident with a complete bed bath, which area of the body should the CNA wash LAST?

The back and buttocks

The perineal area

The face and neck

The feet and toenails

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Alabama CNA Exam

Written Test Questions

Prometric / ADPH

90 min

Written Test Time Limit

Prometric

5 skills

Clinical Skills Required

Prometric / ADPH

$115

Total Exam Fee

Prometric 2026

Max Attempts per Section

ADPH / OBRA

8 hrs

Work Required per 24 Months

ADPH Registry

Alabama uses Prometric to administer its CNA competency exam — 60 questions in 90 minutes with an approximately 70% passing threshold. The clinical skills portion requires demonstrating 5 randomly selected skills from the full skills list; handwashing is typically always included. Fees total $115: $35 Written + $40 Skills + $40 Test Site Admin. Candidates have 3 attempts before needing to retake training. The Alabama Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by ADPH; CNAs must perform at least 8 hours of nurse aide work every 24 months to remain active.

Sample Alabama CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Alabama CNA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ 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 two parts: a 60-question Written Knowledge Test (90 minutes) and a Clinical Skills Test (5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes). Passing lists you on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry maintained by ADPH. Prometric administers the exam at regional test sites across Alabama. You must bring proof of completing an ADPH-approved training program to the test site.

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

90 min written + 30 min skills (5 skills)

Passing Score

70% written + all skills steps

Exam Fee

$115 (Knowledge $35 + Skills $40 + Admin $40) (Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) / Prometric)

Alabama CNA Exam Content Outline

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

Self Care / Restorative (4 questions)

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

Emotional & Mental Health (5 questions)

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

Spiritual & Cultural Needs (1 question)

Cultural competence, religious accommodation, spiritual support

Communication (4 questions)

Therapeutic communication, documentation, SBAR, reporting changes, HIPAA

Client Rights (5 questions)

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

Legal & Ethical Behavior (3 questions)

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

Member of the Health Care Team (4 questions)

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

How to Pass the Alabama CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% written + all skills steps
Exam length: 60 questions
Time limit: 90 min written + 30 min skills (5 skills)
Exam fee: $115 (Knowledge $35 + Skills $40 + Admin $40)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Alabama CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know the Alabama ADPH — the Alabama Department of Public Health maintains the Nurse Aide Registry, approves training programs, and regulates nursing facilities. ADPH is the key Alabama-specific agency to know.

2Memorize the exam fees: $35 Written + $40 Skills + $40 Admin = $115 total. This is commonly tested in state-specific questions.

3Understand the 3-attempt rule: you get 3 chances at each exam portion before needing to repeat training.

4The 24-month work requirement: you must perform at least 8 hours of nurse aide work every 24 months to maintain your active Alabama registry status.

575-hour minimum training: Alabama CNA programs require at minimum 75 total hours with at least 16 clinical hours and 16 laboratory hours.

6Know the difference between abuse and neglect under Alabama law — both are reportable and both can result in placement of a finding on your registry record.

7The Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman (under Alabama Department of Senior Services) is the resident advocate — know this for client rights questions.

8Handwashing is almost always one of the 5 clinical skills tested — know every step perfectly including timing (20+ seconds).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Alabama CNA exam?

The Alabama CNA competency evaluation is administered by Prometric on behalf of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Prometric operates regional test sites across Alabama including in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, and other cities.

How many questions are on the Alabama CNA Written Test?

The Alabama Written Knowledge Test has 60 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. You need approximately 70% (about 42 correct) to pass, though the exact passing score is determined by ADPH and may be adjusted.

What does the Alabama CNA Skills Test involve?

You must demonstrate 5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes before a licensed Nurse Aide Evaluator. You are expected to perform all required steps of each skill correctly. Handwashing is typically always one of the 5 skills. Skills include bed bath, vital signs, positioning, transfers, catheter care, and more.

How much does the Alabama CNA exam cost?

Total fees are $115: Written Knowledge Test = $35, Clinical Skills Test = $40, and Test Site Administration Fee = $40. Payment is by credit card, money order, or cashier's check. Fees are non-refundable.

How many times can I take the Alabama CNA exam?

You may attempt each test (Written and Skills) a maximum of 3 times. After 3 failed attempts on either portion, you must complete an additional state-approved CNA training program before retesting.

Where is the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry?

The Alabama Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). After passing both exam portions, Prometric automatically reports results to ADPH, which lists you on the registry within a few business days. You can verify your status at the ADPH website.