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100+ Free GPNC(C) Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: GPNC(C) Exam

165

Multiple-Choice Questions

CNA Exam Structure

4 hours

Exam Duration

CNA

Angoff

Passing Cut Score Method

CNA Standards

$588 / $780

Member / Non-Member Fee

CNA 2026 pricing

5 Years

Certification Validity

CNA Renewal Program

1,950 hrs

Required Specialty Practice

Option A Eligibility

The GPNC(C) is Canada's premier gerontological certification for LPNs/RPNs. It is a 4-hour, 165-question computer-based exam administered by the CNA using ProctorU/Meazure Learning. Fees are $588 for CNA members and $780 for non-members.

Sample GPNC(C) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GPNC(C) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 68-year-old healthy community-dwelling older adult asks the practical nurse (LPN) which pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for their age group under current Canadian guidelines. Which response by the LPN is correct?
A.A single dose of Pneumococcal Conjugate 20 (Pneu-C-20) vaccine is recommended.
B.Pneumococcal Polysaccharide 23 (Pneu-P-23) vaccine must be administered every 2 years.
C.Pneumococcal Conjugate 13 (Pneu-C-13) is the only vaccine recommended for adults over 65.
D.No pneumococcal vaccines are recommended unless the client has chronic lung disease.
Explanation: Under current Canadian immunization guidelines (NACI, 2024 update), a single dose of a high-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine — either Pneu-C-20 or Pneu-C-21 — is recommended for adults aged 65 and older, regardless of prior pneumococcal vaccination history with Pneu-C-13, Pneu-C-15, or Pneu-P-23. These conjugate vaccines provide broader serotype protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. Pneu-P-23 is no longer the primary stand-alone recommendation for this age group.
2During a home safety assessment for a client who has experienced recent falls, which environmental modification should the LPN prioritize?
A.Replacing low-wattage light bulbs with high-intensity fluorescent tubes
B.Removing scatter rugs and securing loose electrical cords along the walls
C.Installing high-pile carpeting in the hallway to cushion potential falls
D.Replacing all door knobs with round brass handles to improve grip
Explanation: Removing scatter rugs and securing loose cords are high-priority environmental modifications because they directly eliminate common tripping hazards that contribute to falls. Scatter rugs slide easily and can catch the client's feet, while loose cords pose direct obstructions in pathways. High-pile carpet increases tripping risks, lighting should be glare-free rather than harsh fluorescent, and lever handles are preferred over round knobs.
3An older adult client resides in a long-term care home during a seasonal influenza outbreak. In addition to standard precautions, what preventive measure should the LPN advocate for first to protect the resident population?
A.Confining all residents to their rooms and suspending all communal dining.
B.Administering prophylactic antiviral medication to all residents as directed by public health.
C.Instituting daily screening of staff, visitors, and residents for respiratory symptoms.
D.Requesting immediate transfer of symptomatic residents to the acute care hospital.
Explanation: Daily screening of staff, visitors, and residents for respiratory symptoms is a fundamental early outbreak control measure that identifies and isolates cases quickly. While antiviral prophylaxis is common, active surveillance and screening provide the data needed to target interventions. Room confinement and transferring residents to hospitals are extreme or inappropriate measures unless clinically indicated or recommended by public health.
4The LPN is teaching an older adult about dietary strategies to prevent osteoporosis. Which combination of nutrients and daily values should the nurse recommend?
A.Calcium 600 mg and Vitamin D 400 IU daily
B.Calcium 1,200 mg and Vitamin D 800-2,000 IU daily
C.Calcium 2,500 mg and Vitamin D 5,000 IU daily
D.Calcium 500 mg and Vitamin D 10,000 IU daily
Explanation: Osteoporosis Canada recommends a daily intake of 1,200 mg of elemental calcium (diet and supplements combined) and 800 to 2,000 IU of Vitamin D3 for adults over 50. This combination supports bone mineralization and reduces fracture risks. Intake above these levels, such as 2,500 mg of calcium or 5,000-10,000 IU of Vitamin D, can lead to adverse effects like nephrolithiasis or vitamin D toxicity, while lower amounts are insufficient.
5An LPN is planning a group exercise program for frail older adults at a community center. Which type of exercise is most effective for preventing falls in this population?
A.High-intensity resistance training using free weights
B.Progressive balance training combined with moderate strength training
C.Long-distance endurance walking on an outdoor paved track
D.Stretching exercises focused solely on the upper extremities
Explanation: Studies show that combining progressive balance training (such as Tai Chi or targeted balance exercises) with moderate strength training (like resistance bands or heel raises) is the most effective approach for reducing fall rates. Balance training improves postural stability and coordination, while strength training supports core and lower-body stability. High-intensity free weights can cause injury in frail clients, walking doesn't specifically target balance, and upper body stretching is insufficient.
6An LPN visits an older adult client who lives alone and reports feeling lonely and isolated. Which action should the nurse take first?
A.Suggest that the client relocate to a retirement home where social activities are organized daily.
B.Conduct a thorough assessment of the client's interests, functional abilities, and social support network.
C.Refer the client to a local senior center for immediate participation in weekly bingo games.
D.Recommend that the client adopt a pet to provide companionship in the home.
Explanation: Before implementing any social intervention, the LPN must conduct a comprehensive assessment of the client's interests, functional status, cognitive abilities, and existing social networks. This person-centered approach ensures that subsequent interventions (like senior center referrals or pets) align with what the client actually enjoys and is capable of doing. Relocating, pets, or bingo are specific options that may not suit the client's functional or personal preferences.
7An older adult client asks the LPN about the Shingrix vaccine. Which information should the LPN provide regarding the current vaccine recommendations in Canada?
A.It is a live-attenuated vaccine administered as a single dose for adults over 50.
B.It is a recombinant adjuvanted subunit vaccine administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart.
C.It is only recommended for older adults who have never had chickenpox or shingles.
D.It is a sub-cutaneous injection that provides lifetime immunity after one dose.
Explanation: Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) is a non-live recombinant adjuvanted subunit vaccine recommended for adults 50 and older. It is administered intramuscularly in two doses, given 2 to 6 months apart. It is highly effective in preventing herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia. The previous live-attenuated vaccine (Zostavax) was a single subcutaneous dose but is no longer the preferred vaccine in Canada.
8The LPN is promoting sleep hygiene for an older adult resident in long-term care who struggles with insomnia. Which intervention should the LPN implement?
A.Offering a warm, caffeinated beverage like tea 30 minutes before bedtime.
B.Ensuring the resident has a quiet, dark environment and keeping a consistent wake-up time.
C.Encouraging a high-intensity workout in the hallway immediately before bed to induce fatigue.
D.Administering a prescribed over-the-counter antihistamine sleeping aid nightly.
Explanation: Standard sleep hygiene interventions focus on non-pharmacological strategies: creating a quiet, dark, comfortably cool environment, minimizing noise, and establishing consistent sleeping and waking schedules. This supports the circadian rhythm. Caffeinated drinks and high-intensity exercise before bed disrupt sleep architecture, and antihistamine sleep aids are on the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate for older adults due to anticholinergic side effects.
9The LPN is advising an older adult client with mild osteoarthritis on physical activity. Which type of exercise should the LPN recommend to preserve joint function without causing excessive wear?
A.High-impact step aerobics
B.Low-impact water aerobics or swimming
C.Heavy powerlifting
D.Running on concrete surfaces
Explanation: Water aerobics and swimming are excellent low-impact exercises for clients with osteoarthritis. The buoyancy of water reduces joint loading and impact while providing resistance that strengthens muscles around the joints, helping to preserve mobility and reduce pain. High-impact aerobics, running, and heavy powerlifting put excessive mechanical stress on damaged articular cartilage, worsening osteoarthritic symptoms.
10An older adult client is taking multiple medications prescribed by different specialists. What is the most effective role for the LPN in reducing the risk of polypharmacy and adverse drug events?
A.Instructing the client to stop taking medications that cause mild side effects.
B.Conducting a regular, comprehensive medication reconciliation and reporting discrepancies to the prescriber.
C.Suggesting the client substitute herbal supplements for their prescribed cardiovascular medications.
D.Advising the client to take all their pills at the same time once a day for convenience.
Explanation: Medication reconciliation involves comparing the client's current list of active medications against what is actually being taken. It helps identify duplicates, omissions, dosing errors, and potential interactions. The LPN's role is to document this accurately and collaborate with the physician or pharmacist to optimize the regimen. Instructing clients to stop medications independently, substituting herbals, or grouping medications arbitrarily can cause clinical instability or toxicity.

About the GPNC(C) Exam

The Gerontology Practical Nurse Certified (Canada) or GPNC(C) is the official specialty credential for licensed and registered practical nurses (LPNs/RPNs) working with older adults. Administered by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the 4-hour computer-based exam features approximately 165 multiple-choice questions testing 7 competency areas. Passing is determined through a criterion-referenced Angoff method. Certification is valid for 5 years.

Questions

165 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

Pass/Fail (Angoff method used to establish cut score)

Exam Fee

$588 CNA members / $780 non-members (Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) / Meazure Learning)

GPNC(C) Exam Content Outline

21-28%

Health Promotion and Risk Reduction

Promoting healthy aging, preventing falls, immunization guidelines, nutrition, physical activity, and social engagement.

21-28%

Illness and Disease Management

Atypical presentations of illness, managing chronic conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritic disorders), dementia, delirium, and depression.

18-25%

Assessment

Comprehensive geriatric assessment across physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and functional domains using evidence-based assessment scales.

5-12%

Ethical, Legal and Health System Issues

Informed consent, mental capacity, advance directives, elder abuse reporting, advocacy, and navigation of healthcare resources.

4-11%

Culture and Human Diversity

Providing culturally safe care, respecting diverse backgrounds, spiritual preferences, and individual life values of older adults.

3-7%

Professional Practice

LPN/RPN scope of practice, leadership, collaboration with the interprofessional team, quality improvement, and evidence-informed nursing care.

3-7%

Information and Health Technologies

Electronic health documentation, assistive care devices, telemedicine, and the secure management of client records.

How to Pass the GPNC(C) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/Fail (Angoff method used to establish cut score)
  • Exam length: 165 questions
  • Time limit: 4 hours
  • Exam fee: $588 CNA members / $780 non-members

Keys to Passing

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

GPNC(C) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Familiarize yourself with the 3 Ds: Dementia, Delirium, and Depression, including their clinical differences, onset, and specific nursing interventions.
2Review geriatric assessment scales such as the Braden Scale (pressure injury risk), CAM (Confusion Assessment Method for delirium), and Braden/Morse Fall Scales.
3Understand the atypical presentation of illnesses in older adults, such as a urinary tract infection presenting as acute confusion rather than fever.
4Study age-related physiological changes in all body systems and their implications for pharmacology and drug administration.
5Review ethical and legal principles, particularly related to consent, capacity, substitute decision-makers, and reporting of suspected elder abuse.
6Practice with case-based multiple-choice questions to build stamina for the 4-hour, 165-question computer exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GPNC(C) exam?

The GPNC(C) is the Gerontology Practical Nurse Certified (Canada) credential. It is a specialty certification offered by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) to licensed/registered practical nurses who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in caring for older adults.

How many questions are on the GPNC(C) exam?

The GPNC(C) exam consists of approximately 165 multiple-choice questions. It includes a mix of independent stand-alone questions and case-based scenario sets (where a case description is followed by several questions).

How long is the GPNC(C) exam?

Candidates are given 4 hours (240 minutes) to complete the exam. This allows about 1.5 minutes per question.

What is the passing score for the GPNC(C) exam?

The CNA does not release a specific passing score or percentage. Instead, the pass mark is determined for each exam sitting using the modified Angoff method, which evaluates the difficulty of each question. Results are reported simply as Pass or Unsuccessful.

How much does the GPNC(C) exam cost in 2026?

The 2026 CNA certification fee is $588 for CNA members and $780 for non-members. In addition, there is an exam proctoring appointment fee of $85 for online testing (ProctorU) or $110 for in-person testing (Meazure Learning).

What are the eligibility requirements for the GPNC(C) exam?

You must hold an active LPN/RPN license in Canada. In the last 5 years, you must also have either: (Option A) at least 1,950 hours of specialty experience in gerontology, or (Option B) at least 1,000 hours of experience plus a recognized post-basic course in gerontological nursing of at least 300 hours.

Can I take the GPNC(C) exam online?

Yes, candidates can write the exam online from home using ProctorU or in person at a Meazure Learning testing center. You select your preference when scheduling your exam.