200+ Free Arizona CNA Practice Questions

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A CNA in an Arizona long-term care facility is assisting a resident with a bed bath. In what order should the body be washed?

Perineal area, legs, abdomen, chest, arms, face

Face, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, perineal area

Back, legs, arms, chest, face, perineal area

Arms, face, chest, back, perineal area, legs

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Arizona CNA Exam

75%

Written Passing Score

Headmaster / AZBN

Written Questions

D&SDT-Headmaster

60 min

Written Time Limit

Headmaster

$130

Total Exam Fee

$35 knowledge + $95 skills

80%

Skills Task Minimum

Each task separately

45 days

Wait After 2 Written Fails

Headmaster policy

Arizona uses Headmaster (D&SDT) to administer its CNA competency exam — a 75-question written test in 60 minutes with a 75% passing threshold. This is more questions in less time than most states (Credentia gives 70 questions in 120 minutes; Prometric gives 60 in 90 minutes). Arizona uniquely offers two nurse aide levels: CNA (basic registry) and LNA (Licensed Nurse Aide, requiring additional fingerprinting). After passing, candidates apply to AZBN at azbn.gov and must provide citizenship documents for registry listing. The skills exam requires 80% on each task — missing any bolded key step is an automatic failure.

Sample Arizona CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Arizona CNA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A CNA in an Arizona long-term care facility is assisting a resident with a bed bath. In what order should the body be washed?

A.Perineal area, legs, abdomen, chest, arms, face

B.Face, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, perineal area

C.Back, legs, arms, chest, face, perineal area

D.Arms, face, chest, back, perineal area, legs

Explanation: The correct bed bath sequence progresses from cleanest to dirtiest areas: face first, then arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, and finally the perineal area. This clean-to-dirty principle prevents cross-contamination and is standard practice for CNAs across Arizona-approved training programs.

2A resident in an Arizona nursing facility has left-sided weakness after a stroke. When dressing this resident, what is the correct technique?

A.Dress the stronger right side first so the resident can help

B.Ask the resident to choose which side they prefer

C.Dress the weaker left side first, undress the weaker side last

D.Dress both arms at the same time to save time

Explanation: The rule for residents with one-sided weakness is 'dress the affected (weak) side first, undress the affected side last.' This reduces the range of motion required for the weaker limb and minimizes discomfort. The mnemonic 'weak in, strong out' helps CNAs remember this sequence.

3While providing perineal care to a female resident, the CNA should use which technique?

A.Wipe from back to front in firm strokes

B.Use a circular motion to cover all areas

C.Wipe from front to back, using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke

D.Wipe side to side with one continuous stroke

Explanation: Perineal care for female residents must always go from front (urethra) to back (anus) to prevent fecal bacteria from reaching the urinary tract. Using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke prevents spreading bacteria during the procedure. Failure to follow this technique is a key step on the Arizona skills exam.

4A resident refuses their scheduled shower and says, 'I don't feel like it today.' The Arizona CNA's BEST response is to:

A.Insist because hygiene is required by the facility schedule

B.Report the resident as non-compliant to the charge nurse immediately

C.Respect the refusal, offer alternatives such as a sponge bath, document the refusal, and inform the nurse

D.Call the family to persuade the resident

Explanation: Under Arizona and federal long-term care regulations, residents have the right to refuse any care or treatment. The CNA must respect this choice, offer alternatives, document the refusal accurately, and notify the supervising nurse. Forcing care constitutes abuse and violates the resident's rights.

5An Arizona CNA notices a resident's pressure injury on the coccyx has grown larger since yesterday. What should the CNA do FIRST?

A.Apply an over-the-counter ointment from the supply cart

B.Document the change and report it to the supervising nurse right away

C.Reposition the resident and check again in two hours

D.Call the resident's family to alert them

Explanation: Wound assessment and treatment are outside the CNA's scope of practice in Arizona. When a CNA notices a change in a resident's skin condition, the correct action is to document the observation and immediately report it to the licensed nurse. Early reporting helps prevent worsening and protects the CNA legally.

6When performing nail care on an Arizona nursing facility resident who has diabetes, the CNA should:

A.Trim the toenails straight across and short

B.Soak the feet and file the nails; report any redness, cuts, or sores to the nurse

C.Use scissors to cut nails into a curved shape for comfort

D.Skip nail care if the resident cannot feel their feet due to neuropathy

Explanation: Residents with diabetes have impaired circulation and nerve sensation in their feet, making even small cuts dangerous. Arizona CNAs should NOT cut toenails of diabetic residents; instead, they should soak the feet, file the nails gently, and report any skin changes to the nurse. Toenail trimming for diabetic residents requires a licensed provider or podiatrist.

7A CNA is assisting a resident with oral hygiene when the resident suddenly becomes unconscious. The FIRST action the CNA should take is:

A.Continue oral care since it is almost complete

B.Turn the resident's head to the side and call for help immediately

C.Insert oral suction to clear the airway before calling the nurse

D.Place the resident flat on their back and wait for a nurse

Explanation: If a resident loses consciousness during oral care, there is a risk of aspiration. Turning the head to the side allows fluids to drain and helps keep the airway clear. The CNA must then immediately call for help — this is a medical emergency requiring a licensed nurse response. The CNA should not continue the procedure.

8When assisting a male resident with a urinary catheter during perineal care, the CNA should clean the catheter by:

A.Wiping from the insertion point outward away from the body in one motion

B.Cleaning in a circular motion around the catheter several times

C.Pulling the catheter gently to check tubing security before cleaning

D.Cleaning only the tubing that is visible outside the bed

Explanation: Catheter care requires cleaning from the meatus outward (away from the body) to prevent bacteria from being pushed into the urinary tract. This technique is tested on the Arizona skills competency exam. The CNA should never pull on the catheter, as this can cause injury or dislodge the balloon.

9A resident requests that their hair be shampooed in bed. Before beginning, the CNA's MOST important first step is:

A.Gather all supplies and test water temperature on the inner wrist before starting

B.Wet the hair immediately while explaining the procedure

C.Ask the charge nurse's permission before performing any personal care

D.Reduce the room temperature to prevent the resident from getting cold

Explanation: Gathering supplies before beginning any procedure ensures efficiency and prevents leaving the resident unattended. Testing water temperature on the inner wrist (or forearm) before applying to the scalp is essential to prevent burns, especially for elderly residents who may have reduced skin sensation. This preparation step is part of standard CNA skill evaluation.

10During a bed bath, the CNA finds reddened, non-blanchable skin over the resident's heel. What does this finding most likely indicate, and what should the CNA do?

A.This is normal aging; continue the bath and document at the end of shift

B.This may be a Stage 1 pressure injury; stop, report to the nurse immediately, and document the location and appearance

C.Apply lotion vigorously to increase blood flow to the area

D.Place the resident on their back to reduce pressure on the heel

Explanation: Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence such as the heel is the hallmark sign of a Stage 1 pressure injury. This requires immediate reporting to the nurse so that a care plan can be established. The CNA should not massage reddened areas, as this can worsen underlying tissue damage. Accurate documentation of location, size, and appearance is also required.

About the Arizona CNA Exam

The Arizona CNA exam is a two-part Headmaster test: a 75-question written test (60 min) and a clinical skills demonstration. Passing certifies you for the Arizona AZBN Nurse Aide Registry. Arizona uniquely offers both CNA and Licensed Nurse Aide (LNA) credentials, with LNA requiring additional fingerprinting and AZBN application.

Questions

75 scored questions

Time Limit

60 minutes written + skills test

Passing Score

75% written + 80% per skill task

Exam Fee

$130 (D&SDT-Headmaster / Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN))

Arizona CNA Exam Content Outline

12%

Personal Care (9 questions)

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

12%

Basic Nursing Skills (9 questions)

Vital signs, ROM, transfers, positioning, nutrition, I&O, assistive devices

11%

Infection Control (8 questions)

Hand hygiene, PPE, standard precautions, isolation categories, needlestick response

Safety (7 questions)

Fall prevention, fire safety (RACE/PASS), body mechanics, restraint alternatives, emergency response

Communication (7 questions)

Therapeutic communication, documentation, reporting, HIPAA, language access

Role & Responsibility (7 questions)

Scope of practice, AZ CNA vs. LNA distinction, mandatory reporting, professionalism

Data Collection (6 questions)

Vital sign measurement, observation, reporting changes, intake/output

Resident's Rights (6 questions)

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

Mental Health (4 questions)

Depression, anxiety, grief, behavioral approaches, therapeutic environment

Care Impaired (4 questions)

Dementia stages, Alzheimer's care, validation therapy, wandering prevention

Disease Process (4 questions)

Common chronic conditions, stroke signs (FAST), diabetic emergencies, CHF

Older Adult Growth & Development (4 questions)

Normal aging changes, psychosocial needs, restorative care, age-related modifications

How to Pass the Arizona CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75% written + 80% per skill task
Exam length: 75 questions
Time limit: 60 minutes written + skills test
Exam fee: $130

Keys to Passing

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

Arizona CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know that Arizona requires 75% (not 70%) to pass — tougher than most states using Credentia/Prometric

2Study the CNA vs. LNA distinction: LNA requires fingerprinting + separate AZBN application + fees

3Practice all skills: bolded steps are weighted heavier, and missing any bolded step fails the task

4Memorize infection control: hand hygiene timing (20 seconds), PPE donning/doffing sequence, isolation categories

5Know the 45-day retake wait rule: applies only to the written exam after 2 failures, NOT to skills

6Review AZBN felony bar: must wait 3 years after absolute discharge before applying for CNA certification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Arizona CNA exam passing score?

Arizona requires a 75% score (56 out of 75 correct questions) to pass the written knowledge exam. The skills exam requires 80% on each individual skill task. Missing any bolded key step on a skill is an automatic failure for that task. Both parts must be passed to earn your CNA credential.

Who administers the Arizona CNA exam?

D&S Diversified Technologies (D&SDT) / Headmaster administers the Arizona CNA competency exam on behalf of the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). The exam is taken on Headmaster's TMU© internet-connected computer system. After passing, AZBN processes your registry application.

What is the difference between Arizona CNA and LNA?

Arizona offers two nurse aide credentials. A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) requires passing the competency exam and applying to AZBN with citizenship documents — no fingerprinting required. An LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) requires everything for a CNA PLUS additional fingerprinting and a separate AZBN application with additional fees. LNA is a higher credential.

How long do I have to retake the Arizona CNA written exam?

If you fail the written knowledge exam twice, you must wait 45 days before scheduling a third attempt. This 45-day wait does NOT apply to the skills exam. You can retake a failed skills test without waiting. Note that your skills retest will always include at least one task you previously failed.

What ID do I need for the Arizona CNA exam?

You must present an acceptable government-issued photo ID at every exam component. Acceptable IDs include an Arizona Driver's License (issued after January 1, 1997), State ID Card, US Passport, Military ID, or Alien Registration Card. The first and last names on your ID must exactly match the name in the AZBN database as entered by your training program.

How do I get listed on the Arizona CNA Registry after passing?

After passing both exam components, D&SDT-Headmaster electronically submits your results to AZBN. You must then complete the AZBN online application at azbn.gov, upload your citizenship documents (proof of legal presence), and provide your training program completion certificate. Only after AZBN approves your application will you be listed on the CNA Registry.