200+ Free Connecticut CNA Practice Questions

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When providing a complete bed bath for a Connecticut long-term care resident, the CNA should wash body areas in which order?

Perineal area, legs, arms, face, back

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

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

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

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Connecticut CNA Exam

Written Questions

Prometric / CT DPH

90 min

Written Time Limit

Prometric

70%

Written Passing Score

42/60 questions

5 skills

Clinical Skills Test

Hand Hygiene + 4 random

100 hrs

Training Required

CT DPH (vs. 75-hr federal min)

$118

Combined Exam Fee

Prometric

2 years

Renewal Period

CT DPH Registry

8 hrs/yr

Annual In-Service Required

CT DPH

Connecticut's CNA certification exam is administered by Prometric under the oversight of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Connecticut requires 100 hours of training (25 more than the federal OBRA minimum), making it one of the more rigorous state training requirements. The written exam has 60 questions in 90 minutes; the skills test requires Hand Hygiene plus 4 randomly selected clinical skills. CNAs must renew every 2 years and complete 8 hours of annual in-service training. The DPH maintains the Connecticut Nursing Assistant Registry and investigates all abuse complaints.

Sample Connecticut CNA Practice Questions

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

1When providing a complete bed bath for a Connecticut long-term care resident, the CNA should wash body areas in which order?

A.Perineal area, legs, arms, face, back

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

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

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

Explanation: Bed baths follow a clean-to-dirty sequence: face first (cleanest), then arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, and finally the perineal area (most contaminated). This prevents cross-contamination and is the standard taught in Connecticut state-approved CNA training programs, which require a minimum of 100 hours of combined classroom and clinical instruction.

2A resident in a Connecticut nursing facility has left-sided weakness from a stroke. When assisting with dressing, the CNA should:

A.Dress the right (stronger) arm first to make it easier

B.Dress the left (weaker) arm first, then undress the left side last

C.Ask the nurse to dress the resident since it requires special training

D.Put both arms in at the same time to save time

Explanation: The rule is "weak side first, strong side last" for dressing, and the reverse for undressing. Dressing the affected (weaker) limb first reduces painful stretching and minimizes the risk of injury. Connecticut CNA training programs emphasize this technique as a fundamental restorative and rehabilitative skill.

3When providing perineal care to a female resident, the CNA should wipe:

A.From back to front to avoid the urethra

B.In a circular motion around the perineal area

C.From front to back using a separate stroke for each wipe

D.Side to side across the entire area

Explanation: Perineal care for female residents must always be performed front to back (from the urethral meatus toward the anus) using a clean section of cloth or separate wipe for each stroke. This prevents fecal bacteria from entering the urethra and causing urinary tract infections, which are a common and preventable complication in long-term care.

4Before beginning oral care for an unconscious resident at a Connecticut long-term care facility, the CNA should FIRST:

A.Apply a thick layer of toothpaste to the toothbrush

B.Position the resident flat on their back for easy access

C.Turn the resident's head to the side and use a Yankauer suction if ordered

D.Wet a washcloth and clean the outside of the mouth only

Explanation: For unconscious residents, turning the head to the side (or positioning on the side) allows secretions and fluid to drain out rather than be aspirated into the lungs. A Yankauer (tonsil-tip) suction catheter may be available to suction secretions during oral care. Aspiration pneumonia is a life-threatening risk for unconscious residents receiving oral care.

5A resident at a Connecticut nursing facility refuses to take a shower, saying she bathed yesterday. The CNA should:

A.Insist on the shower because it is on the care plan

B.Offer a sponge bath as an alternative, document the refusal, and report to the nurse

C.Call the family to convince the resident to shower

D.Skip bathing entirely since the resident has the right to refuse

Explanation: Under Connecticut state regulations and federal OBRA '87, residents have the absolute right to refuse care. The CNA should respect the refusal, offer reasonable alternatives (such as a sponge bath or partial bath), document the refusal accurately in the medical record, and report to the supervising nurse so the care plan can be addressed. Forcing care constitutes abuse.

6When trimming or filing a diabetic resident's toenails in a Connecticut nursing home, the CNA should:

A.File or cut toenails straight across and slightly rounded at the corners

B.Refer the task to the nurse or podiatrist because CNAs cannot cut diabetic toenails

C.Soak the feet for 30 minutes first to soften nails before cutting

D.Use curved scissors and cut toenails in a curved shape

Explanation: CNAs are generally not permitted to cut the toenails of diabetic residents because of the high risk of injury and subsequent infection due to poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic foot care, including nail cutting, requires a licensed nurse or podiatrist. Connecticut DPH regulations and facility policies restrict this task to licensed personnel. The CNA should report the need for nail care to the nurse.

7A resident's dentures fall on the floor of the bathroom. The CNA should:

A.Rinse them with hot water and return them to the resident

B.Clean them with toothpaste and a denture brush under cool running water

C.Soak them in bleach solution to sterilize before returning to the resident

D.Boil them for five minutes to kill all bacteria

Explanation: Dentures should be cleaned with a soft denture brush and mild denture cleaner or non-abrasive toothpaste under cool or lukewarm (never hot) running water. Hot water can warp acrylic dentures. Bleach solutions and boiling can damage denture material. After cleaning, dentures should be stored in water or a denture solution to prevent drying and warping.

8When assisting a resident with a tub bath in a Connecticut long-term care facility, the CNA should check the water temperature by:

A.Letting the resident test the water with their hand first

B.Testing with a bath thermometer — water should be 105°F (40.5°C) or cooler

C.Using a very brief wrist test and proceeding if it feels comfortable to the CNA

D.Running water for at least one minute before the resident enters

Explanation: Water temperature for bathing should be measured with a bath thermometer and kept at or below 105°F (40.5°C). Elderly residents often have decreased sensation and impaired circulation, making them unable to accurately detect dangerous temperatures. Connecticut long-term care regulations require CNAs to test water temperature before the resident enters to prevent scalding burns.

9When shaving a male resident's face at a Connecticut nursing facility, the CNA should shave in what direction?

A.Against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave

B.In the direction of hair growth using smooth, gentle strokes

C.In any direction depending on which side of the face is being shaved

D.Use only circular motions over the cheeks and chin

Explanation: Shaving should follow the direction of hair growth using short, smooth, gentle strokes. Shaving against the grain increases the risk of razor burn, cuts, and skin irritation. For residents on anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin, common in long-term care), even small cuts may bleed significantly, making proper technique essential. An electric razor is preferred for residents on blood thinners.

10A Connecticut nursing home resident tells the CNA she has not had a bowel movement in three days. The BEST action for the CNA is to:

A.Give the resident a glass of prune juice and a stool softener from the medication cart

B.Document the complaint and report to the supervising nurse

C.Ask the resident if she wants an enema

D.Tell the resident that three days is normal and not to worry

Explanation: The CNA's scope of practice does not include administering medications or performing medical procedures independently. The correct action is to document the complaint (including how many days without a bowel movement, the resident's last known bowel movement, and any associated symptoms) and report it promptly to the nurse. The nurse will assess and determine appropriate interventions.

About the Connecticut CNA Exam

The Connecticut CNA exam is administered by Prometric on behalf of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). It consists of a 60-question written test (90 min) and a clinical skills test (5 skills: mandatory Hand Hygiene + 4 random). Connecticut requires a minimum of 100 training hours — higher than the federal 75-hour OBRA minimum. Passing both parts adds you to the Connecticut DPH Nursing Assistant Registry.

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

90 minutes written + skills test (5 skills)

Passing Score

70% written + 100% skills

Exam Fee

$118 (both parts combined) (Prometric / Connecticut DPH)

Connecticut CNA Exam Content Outline

61%

Physical Care Skills

ADLs (14%): bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding, positioning. Basic Nursing (39%): vital signs, infection control, safety, emergency response, wound care. Restorative (8%): ROM, ambulation, assistive devices, restorative programs

13%

Psychosocial Care Skills

Mental/Emotional Health (11%): therapeutic communication, behavioral needs, cognitive impairment, depression. Spiritual/Cultural (2%): respecting individual beliefs, cultural sensitivity, and spiritual needs

26%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Communication (8%): reporting, documentation, interprofessional teamwork. Client Rights (7%): OBRA rights, privacy, dignity, advance directives, MOLST. Legal & Ethical (3%): mandatory reporting, CT DPH abuse timelines, scope of practice. Healthcare Team (8%): delegation, care planning, CT registry requirements, in-service obligations

How to Pass the Connecticut CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% written + 100% skills
Exam length: 60 questions
Time limit: 90 minutes written + skills test (5 skills)
Exam fee: $118 (both parts combined)

Keys to Passing

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

Connecticut CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know the CT DPH: the Connecticut Department of Public Health (not the Board of Nursing) maintains the Nursing Assistant Registry and oversees CNA certification

2Memorize CT-specific requirements: 100 hours training (not 75), $118 combined exam fee, 2-year renewal, 8 hours annual in-service

3Understand MOLST: Connecticut uses MOLST (not POLST) — it is a physician-signed medical order for end-of-life care preferences

4Master the mandatory Hand Hygiene skill: it is required on every CT CNA skills test — practice the exact WHO/CDC 20-second technique

5Know CT abuse reporting timeline: facilities must report to DPH within 24 hours; you must report to your charge nurse immediately

6Study infection control priorities: hand hygiene with soap and water for C. diff and norovirus; PPE selection for TB (N95), MRSA (contact), influenza (droplet)

7Review OBRA 1987 residents' rights: dignity, self-determination, privacy, freedom from abuse and unnecessary restraints, advance directives

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Connecticut CNA exam?

Prometric administers the Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Exam on behalf of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). The combined fee is $118 for both the written and skills tests. The written exam has 60 questions in 90 minutes; the clinical skills test requires you to perform Hand Hygiene (mandatory) plus 4 randomly selected skills. After passing both parts, you are added to the Connecticut DPH Nursing Assistant Registry.

How many training hours does Connecticut require for CNA?

Connecticut requires a minimum of 100 hours of state-approved CNA training — 25 hours more than the federal OBRA 1987 minimum of 75 hours. Training must include both classroom/lab instruction and supervised clinical practice in a healthcare facility. Programs must be approved by the Connecticut DPH. This higher standard reflects Connecticut's commitment to nursing assistant competency.

How do I renew my Connecticut CNA certification?

Connecticut CNAs must renew their certification every 2 years through the DPH Nursing Assistant Registry. To maintain active status, you must work at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services during the renewal period AND complete 8 hours of annual in-service training each year. If your certification lapses, you may need to complete additional training or re-test before returning to work as a CNA.

What is a MOLST form and why does Connecticut use it?

Connecticut uses the MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form — equivalent to what other states call POLST. A MOLST is a physician-signed medical order that documents a patient's end-of-life treatment preferences, including CPR, hospitalization, and artificial nutrition decisions. As a Connecticut CNA, you must honor a patient's MOLST just like any other physician order and report its existence to your charge nurse when providing care.

What are Connecticut's CNA abuse reporting requirements?

Connecticut CNAs are mandatory reporters under state law. You must report suspected — not just confirmed — abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation to your charge nurse immediately. In Connecticut, facilities must report allegations to the DPH within 24 hours. The DPH investigates all complaints. A substantiated finding of abuse results in a permanent notation on the Connecticut registry, barring you from working in any Medicare/Medicaid certified facility in the US.

Can I transfer my CNA certification to Connecticut?

If you hold an active CNA certification in another state with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation, you may apply for reciprocity to the Connecticut DPH Nursing Assistant Registry. Contact the DPH directly for the current reciprocity application form and requirements. You will not need to retest if your out-of-state registry status is active and in good standing.