Free Practice Questions for Colorado CNA

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Exam Review

Key Facts: Colorado CNA Exam

$145

Exam Fee (CO)

Credentia

75 hrs

Min. Training Required

Colorado Board of Nursing

2 years

Renewal Cycle

Colorado Nurse Practice Act

8 hrs

Min. Work Hrs to Renew

Colorado DPO

3 attempts

Max Retakes (24 months)

Credentia CO

70%

Written Passing Score

42/60 questions

The Colorado CNA exam is administered by Credentia (not Prometric) and costs $145. Colorado requires a minimum 75 hours of training (40 theory + 28 lab + 16 clinical). The exam has two parts: written test (70% to pass) and skills demonstration (100% accuracy required). After certification, CNAs must renew every 2 years and work at least 8 paid hours as a CNA per renewal cycle (Colorado Nurse Practice Act). Colorado CNA salaries average $36,000-$46,000 annually.

Sample Colorado CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Colorado CNA exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 524+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A CNA working at a skilled nursing facility in Denver is preparing to give a resident a complete bed bath. In what order should the CNA wash the resident's body?

A.Face, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, then perineal area

B.Perineal area first, then legs, abdomen, chest, arms, and face

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

D.Legs, feet, arms, face, abdomen, back, then perineal area

Explanation: A bed bath always proceeds from the cleanest area to the dirtiest area to prevent cross-contamination. The face is washed first, followed by the arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, and finally the perineal area. This sequence is a standard competency tested on the Colorado CNA exam administered through Credentia.

2When providing oral care to an unconscious resident, the CNA should position the resident:

A.Flat on their back with neck extended

B.Upright at 90 degrees

C.On their side with the head slightly lowered toward the mattress

D.In a prone position with a pillow under the chest

Explanation: An unconscious resident cannot protect their airway or swallow safely. Positioning them on their side with the head slightly dependent (tilted toward the mattress) allows fluids and secretions to drain out of the mouth instead of into the airway, preventing aspiration. This is a critical safety skill evaluated during Colorado CNA clinical competency testing.

3A CNA is removing a resident's dentures for cleaning. Which of the following is the correct technique?

A.Grasp the upper denture firmly and pull straight down with force

B.Use a gauze pad to grip and rock the upper denture gently to break the seal before removing

C.Ask the resident to open wide, then quickly pull both plates out simultaneously

D.Insert a tongue depressor under the denture to pry it loose

Explanation: Upper dentures are held in place by suction. The CNA should use a gauze pad for grip and rock the denture gently from front to back to break the suction seal before pulling it downward and out. Yanking or using tools can injure the gums and is never appropriate. Denture care is a clinical skill assessed during Colorado CNA skills testing with Credentia.

4When providing perineal care to a female resident, the CNA should always wipe:

A.From back to front in one continuous stroke

B.In a circular motion using a single cloth

C.From front to back, using a clean section of the washcloth for each stroke

D.Side to side across the labia majora

Explanation: Perineal care for female residents must always proceed front to back — from the urethral opening toward the anus — to prevent fecal bacteria from contaminating the urethra and causing urinary tract infections. A clean section of the washcloth (or a fresh cloth) must be used for each stroke to avoid reintroducing bacteria.

5A CNA is performing perineal care for a male resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. How should the catheter tubing be cleaned?

A.Wipe from the catheter insertion site outward along the tubing

B.Wipe from the distal end of the tubing back toward the insertion site

C.Rotate the catheter vigorously to clean the insertion site

D.No special cleaning is needed if the resident showers daily

Explanation: Catheter care requires cleaning from the meatus (insertion point) outward along the tubing, moving away from the body. This technique prevents bacteria that live on the outer tubing surface from being dragged back toward the bladder. The catheter should not be rotated, as movement can introduce organisms into the urethra.

6A resident who suffered a right-sided stroke needs help getting dressed. The CNA should:

A.Dress the left (stronger) side first to make the process easier

B.Dress the right (weaker/affected) side first, then the left

C.Ask the resident to do all dressing independently as therapy

D.Use adaptive equipment only and do not assist with any limb

Explanation: The principle is 'dress the weak side first, undress the weak side last.' Dressing the affected side first reduces the range of motion required for that limb. When undressing, the stronger side is removed first. This is a standard ADL technique on the Colorado CNA exam.

7A resident asks to use the bedpan. After helping the resident onto the bedpan, the CNA should:

A.Stay in the room and hold the resident's hand throughout

B.Leave the room immediately and return in exactly 15 minutes

C.Raise the head of the bed to a comfortable angle, place the call light within reach, and provide privacy

D.Keep the side rails down so the resident can get off the bedpan alone

Explanation: Once the resident is safely positioned on the bedpan, the CNA should raise the head of the bed to approximately 30-45 degrees (which mimics a natural sitting position for elimination), ensure the call light is within reach, and pull the curtain for privacy. Leaving without providing a call light violates resident rights and safety requirements enforced by Colorado nursing home regulations.

8When assisting a male resident with a urinal, the CNA should:

A.Hold the urinal in place for the entire voiding process

B.Hand the urinal to the resident if able, ensure privacy, and return when called

C.Leave the full urinal on the overbed table until the end of the shift

D.Empty the urinal into the toilet without measuring, as output only matters for IV patients

Explanation: If the resident has the hand function and cognition to hold the urinal independently, the CNA should hand it over and provide privacy. If the resident cannot hold it, the CNA assists. The urinal should be emptied promptly — never left at bedside — and output documented if the resident is on intake and output (I&O) monitoring. Timely documentation is required under Colorado long-term care regulations.

9A CNA notices a resident's toenails are thick, yellowed, and curving into the skin. The CNA should:

A.Clip the toenails as short as possible and apply antibiotic ointment

B.Soak the feet for 30 minutes, then trim the nails straight across

C.Report the observation to the nurse and document it; do not trim

D.File the nails down with an emery board until the skin is clear

Explanation: Thick, discolored, or ingrown toenails may indicate fungal infection, diabetes complications, or other circulatory problems. CNAs are not permitted to trim thick or ingrown toenails — especially in residents with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. The observation must be reported to the supervising nurse immediately and documented. This falls outside the CNA scope of practice under Colorado regulations.

10When shaving a male resident with a safety razor, the CNA should:

A.Use long upward strokes against the grain for a closer shave

B.Apply shaving cream, then shave in the direction of hair growth using short strokes

C.Dry shave first, then apply aftershave to moisturize the skin

D.Use an electric razor only; safety razors are prohibited in long-term care facilities

Explanation: When using a safety razor, the CNA should apply shaving cream or soap to soften the hair and lubricate the skin, then shave in the direction of hair growth (downward on most of the face) using short, even strokes. Shaving against the grain increases the risk of nicks and skin irritation. Electric razors are preferred for residents on blood thinners, but safety razors are not prohibited.

About the Colorado CNA Exam

The Colorado CNA exam certifies nursing assistants to provide basic patient care in Colorado. Administered by Credentia, it includes a written NNAAP test (70 questions: 60 scored + 10 pretest) and a skills demonstration (5 randomly selected skills). Regulated by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) under DORA.

Exam sponsor: Credentia / Colorado Board of Nursing (DPO/DORA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

70 questions

Time Limit

2 hours written + 30 min skills

Passing Score

70% written + 100% skills

Exam / Certification Fees

$145

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 75-85%. first-time, varies by training program This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

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

Official sources

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.

64%

Physical Care Skills

ADL, basic nursing skills (vital signs, positioning, transfers), restorative skills, infection control

26%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Communication, residents' rights, legal & ethical behavior, scope of practice, healthcare team

10%

Psychosocial Care Skills

Emotional/mental health needs, dementia care, spiritual & cultural needs

Preparing for the Colorado CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% written + 100% skills
Exam length: 70 questions
Time limit: 2 hours written + 30 min skills
Exam / certification fees: $145 Official sources

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Colorado CNA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Colorado uses Credentia for testing — register at credentia.com/test-takers/co, not Prometric

2Know Colorado's 75-hour minimum training requirement and 2-year renewal with 8-hour work requirement

3Master all 22 skills — hand washing is always tested; 4 others are randomly selected

4Study the Colorado MOST form (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment) — Colorado's advance directive form

5Know mandated reporting rules: CNAs must report suspected abuse to their supervisor AND Colorado Adult Protective Services (APS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Colorado CNA exam?

Colorado CNA exams are administered by Credentia, not Prometric. You register through the Credentia Platform at credentia.com/test-takers/co. The exam is overseen by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) under DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies) and the Colorado Board of Nursing.

How much does the Colorado CNA exam cost?

The Colorado CNA exam costs $145 for the combined written and skills test, paid through Credentia. Some training programs offer exam vouchers. The total investment including a 75+ hour training program and background check typically ranges from $660 to $1,685.

How many training hours are required to take the Colorado CNA exam?

Colorado requires a minimum of 75 hours of approved CNA training, including 40 hours of theory, 28 hours of lab/skills practice, and 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. Programs must be approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing. Some hybrid programs offer online theory with in-person lab and clinical components.

How do I renew my Colorado CNA certification?

Colorado CNA certifications renew every 2 years. To be eligible for renewal, you must have worked a minimum of 8 paid hours as a CNA during the renewal cycle (required by the Colorado Nurse Practice Act). Renewal is handled through the Colorado DPO. Military members and spouses may qualify for fee exemptions under Section 12-70-102 CRS.

What happens if I fail the Colorado CNA exam?

Colorado allows up to 3 attempts within 24 months of completing your training program. You only retake the portion you failed (written or skills). After exhausting 3 attempts, you must complete a new approved training program before retesting. Contact Credentia to schedule retakes.

Can I work as a Colorado CNA with a criminal history?

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you from CNA certification in Colorado. The Colorado Board of Nursing reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis. However, being placed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry for abuse or neglect findings will bar you from working as a CNA in any state.

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