200+ Free DC CNA Practice Questions

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A resident at a DC long-term care facility refuses her morning bath, saying she bathed last night. What is the CNA's best response?

Proceed with the bath anyway to maintain the facility schedule

Respect the refusal, offer a partial wash at the sink, document the refusal, and notify the nurse

Call the resident's family to get permission to bathe her

Reschedule the bath for tomorrow and do not document the refusal

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: DC CNA Exam

Written Questions

NNAAP format

70%

Written Passing Score

42/60 questions

$55

Written Exam Fee

Credentia

75 hrs

Training Required

DC Health / OBRA

24 hrs

CE Every 2 Yrs

D.C. Official Code § 3-1205.10

2 hrs

LGBTQ+ CE Required

DC-specific mandate

The District of Columbia CNA exam uses the NNAAP format administered by Credentia. DC Health (formerly DC DOH) oversees the Nurse Aide Registry. DC's unique renewal requirement mandates 2 hours of LGBTQ+ cultural competency CE under D.C. Official Code § 3-1205.10(b)(5) — one of the nation's most progressive requirements. DC's diverse population makes cultural competency critical on the exam and in practice.

Sample DC CNA Practice Questions

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

1A resident at a DC long-term care facility refuses her morning bath, saying she bathed last night. What is the CNA's best response?

A.Proceed with the bath anyway to maintain the facility schedule

B.Respect the refusal, offer a partial wash at the sink, document the refusal, and notify the nurse

C.Call the resident's family to get permission to bathe her

D.Reschedule the bath for tomorrow and do not document the refusal

Explanation: DC residents in long-term care facilities have the right to refuse any care, protected under both OBRA 1987 and DC Health regulations. The CNA must respect refusals, offer reasonable alternatives, document the incident in the care record, and report to the supervising nurse so the care plan can be updated.

2When giving a complete bed bath to an elderly resident, what is the correct order for washing body regions?

A.Perineal area, feet, abdomen, chest, face

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

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

D.Chest, face, perineal area, arms, legs, back

Explanation: Bed baths proceed from the cleanest body regions to the most soiled, following a head-to-toe sequence: face first, then arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, and finally the perineal area last. This sequence prevents cross-contamination and is the NNAAP standard tested by Credentia in DC.

3A resident with right-sided hemiplegia needs help getting dressed. Which technique is correct?

A.Dress the strong (left) side first, then the weak (right) side

B.Dress the weak (right) side first, then the strong (left) side

C.Ask the resident which side they prefer and start there

D.Drape a gown over the resident instead of dressing to save time

Explanation: The CNA rule for dressing residents with one-sided weakness is "dress the weak side first, undress the strong side first." Starting with the weak side reduces discomfort and joint stress because the sleeve or pant leg can be positioned while the limb is close to the body, then the garment is pulled over the stronger side.

4Under DC Health regulations, how frequently must a bedbound resident's position be changed to prevent pressure injuries?

A.Every 4 hours

B.Every 8 hours

C.At least every 2 hours

D.Only when the resident requests it

Explanation: Both DC Health facility regulations and national CNA standards require repositioning bedbound residents at least every 2 hours. Sustained pressure reduces blood flow to skin, leading to tissue ischemia and pressure ulcers. A turning schedule must be documented in the resident's care plan.

5A resident with dysphagia at a DC nursing facility chokes on a glass of water. The CNA should first:

A.Encourage the resident to keep drinking to clear the airway

B.Immediately switch the resident to thickened liquids without consulting the nurse

C.Stop the fluid, call for the nurse immediately, and follow the resident's swallowing care plan

D.Document the incident and notify the charge nurse at the end of the shift

Explanation: A resident who chokes is an immediate safety emergency. The CNA should stop the offending substance at once, summon the nurse without delay, and follow the existing dysphagia care plan. Changing the consistency of fluids is a clinical decision made by the nurse or speech-language pathologist — never independently by the CNA.

6A resident in a DC facility has a physician's order for a 1,500 mL daily fluid restriction. At 2 PM the resident has already consumed 1,400 mL. The CNA should:

A.Give the resident as much fluid as they request because staying hydrated is always the priority

B.Offer no more fluids for the rest of the day and document current intake

C.Notify the nurse about the resident's intake status and follow the care plan's distribution plan

D.Secretly dilute remaining fluids so the resident does not notice the restriction

Explanation: Fluid restrictions are physician orders that must be followed precisely. The CNA's role is to monitor and record intake accurately and to communicate status changes to the nurse so the team can make informed decisions about distributing the remaining 100 mL. Acting independently — either by giving more fluid or by withholding without reporting — both exceed the CNA's scope of practice.

7While performing perineal care on a female resident, what is the correct wiping technique?

A.Back to front using firm strokes

B.Front to back using gentle strokes with a clean area of the cloth each time

C.Side to side in circular motions

D.One firm back-to-front stroke then rinse

Explanation: Perineal care for female residents must always proceed front to back — from the urethra toward the anus — to prevent introducing fecal bacteria into the urinary tract. A fresh, clean portion of the washcloth is used for each stroke. This is a foundational infection-control principle tested on the DC/Credentia NNAAP skills evaluation.

8A resident at a DC facility has not had a bowel movement in three days. What should the CNA do?

A.Administer an over-the-counter enema purchased at the pharmacy

B.Increase the resident's dietary fiber without informing the nurse

C.Document the finding and report it to the supervising nurse

D.Wait another two days before reporting to avoid unnecessary alarms

Explanation: Changes in elimination patterns — including constipation — are clinical observations the CNA must report and document promptly. Three days without a bowel movement may indicate constipation, impaction, or another condition requiring nursing assessment. Administering enemas or changing the diet are nursing or physician interventions outside the CNA's scope of practice.

9During oral care for an unconscious resident, the CNA should position the resident:

A.Flat on their back (supine) for easiest access to the mouth

B.On their side (lateral position) or with the head turned to the side to prevent aspiration

C.In high Fowler's position (90 degrees) with the chin tilted forward

D.Position does not matter for unconscious residents

Explanation: Unconscious residents cannot protect their own airway. Positioning them on their side or turning the head laterally allows secretions and oral care fluids to drain out of the mouth by gravity, preventing aspiration into the lungs. This is a critical safety step specific to unconscious or severely impaired residents.

10A resident in a DC nursing facility has been prescribed a therapeutic diet of 2-gram sodium restriction. The resident asks for salt packets from another resident's tray. The CNA should:

A.Allow the exchange because a small amount of salt will not matter

B.Decline the request, explain the dietary restriction, and offer other acceptable seasonings per the care plan

C.Give one salt packet and not document it

D.Refer the decision to another CNA to avoid conflict

Explanation: Therapeutic diets are physician orders designed to manage specific health conditions such as heart disease or hypertension. The CNA must enforce dietary restrictions diplomatically, offer permissible alternatives (such as herbs or lemon), and notify the nurse if the resident is dissatisfied. Allowing violations of physician dietary orders could harm the resident and is outside the CNA's authority.

About the DC CNA Exam

The DC CNA exam is administered by Credentia in the NNAAP format: 60 scored multiple-choice questions (90 min) plus a clinical skills demonstration. Passing certifies you for the DC Health Nurse Aide Registry. DC requires at least 75 hours of approved training (16 clinical) before testing. DC mandates 24 hours of CE every 2 years for renewal, including 2 hours of LGBTQ+ cultural competency.

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

90 minutes written + skills test

Passing Score

70% written + 100% skills

Exam Fee

$55 written / $110 skills only (Credentia / DC Health (HRLA))

DC CNA Exam Content Outline

35%

Basic Nursing Skills

Infection control, safety/emergency, therapeutic procedures, vital signs, data collection and reporting

14%

Activities of Daily Living

Hygiene, dressing and grooming, nutrition and hydration, elimination, rest and comfort

10%

Member of Health Care Team

Delegation, scope of practice, chain of command, DC Health regulations, teamwork

10%

Emotional & Mental Health

Dementia care, anxiety, depression, behavioral support, person-centered approaches

Restorative Skills

Range of motion, ambulation, transfers, self-care promotion, adaptive devices

Communication

Verbal/nonverbal, therapeutic communication, reporting, documentation, language access

Client Rights

OBRA rights, DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman, privacy, autonomy, advance directives

Legal & Ethical Behavior

DC Adult Protective Services, mandatory reporting, HIPAA, scope of practice, ethics

Spiritual & Cultural Needs

Cultural sensitivity, LGBTQ+ inclusive care (DC-specific CE requirement), religious accommodation

How to Pass the DC CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% written + 100% skills
Exam length: 60 questions
Time limit: 90 minutes written + skills test
Exam fee: $55 written / $110 skills only

Keys to Passing

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

DC CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know DC's unique requirements: 75-hour training (16 clinical), Credentia NNAAP format, $55 written fee

2Study LGBTQ+ cultural competency — DC requires 2 hours of CE in this area and tests cultural sensitivity

3Memorize DC Adult Protective Services: mandatory reporting for CNAs, 202-541-3950

4Review DC Human Rights Act protections for residents: name, pronouns, religious/cultural preferences

5Master infection control (35% of exam): hand hygiene steps, PPE selection, isolation precautions

6Know the DC Healthcare Decisions Act — governs advance directives, DPAHC, and POLST forms in DC

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the DC CNA exam?

Credentia administers the DC CNA competency exam (NNAAP format) on behalf of DC Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA). The exam has two parts: a 60-question written test (90 minutes) and a clinical skills demonstration. After passing, you are listed on the DC Nurse Aide Registry.

What are DC's CNA training requirements?

DC requires a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved CNA training before testing, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Training programs must be approved by DC Health. This meets the federal minimum requirement under OBRA 1987.

What is DC's unique CNA renewal requirement?

DC CNAs must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years for renewal. Uniquely, DC requires: (1) 2 hours specifically in LGBTQ+ cultural competency or specialized clinical training under D.C. Official Code § 3-1205.10(b)(5), and (2) 10% of total hours (about 2.4 hours) in DC public health priorities set by the Director. A criminal background check clearance is also required.

How do I report abuse as a DC CNA?

DC CNAs are mandatory reporters under the DC Adult Protective Services Act. You must immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect to DC Adult Protective Services (202-541-3950) and to your supervisor. The DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program also accepts complaints about nursing facility care.

What is the DC CNA exam fee?

Credentia charges $55 for the written examination and $110 for the skills evaluation only. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

How do I transfer my CNA certification to DC?

If you are already listed on another state's nurse aide registry as active and in good standing, you may apply for reciprocity to enroll on the DC Nurse Aide Registry through the Credentia Platform without retesting.