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200+ Free Hawaii CNA Practice Questions

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The Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry is administered by which state agency?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Hawaii CNA Exam

60

Written Test Questions

Prometric / Hawaii DCCA-PVL

90 min

Written Test Time Limit

Prometric

70%

Written Passing Score

Hawaii DCCA-PVL

100 hrs

Min. Training Required

Hawaii DCCA-PVL (vs. 75-hr federal min.)

$200

Exam Fee (Written + Skills)

Prometric / Hawaii DCCA-PVL

3 attempts

Max Attempts (2-year window)

Hawaii DCCA-PVL regulations

2 years

Eligibility Window

Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry

Hawaii's CNA exam is administered by Prometric (like Florida, Arizona, and many other states) — 60 questions, 90 minutes, 70% to pass. You must pass both the written and skills within 2 years of becoming eligible (maximum 3 attempts). Hawaii requires 100 hours of approved training (25 more than the federal minimum). The registry is maintained by DCCA/PVL — after passing, your name is added to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry. Hawaii has some of the nation's highest CNA salaries ($40,000-$52,000 annually) due to Hawaii's high cost of living. MedQuest (Hawaii's Medicaid program) covers a significant portion of long-term care residents. Hawaii's diverse population (Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean) makes cultural competency a key focus area.

Sample Hawaii CNA Practice Questions

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

1The Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry is administered by which state agency?
A.Hawaii Department of Health (DOH)
B.Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
C.Hawaii Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division
D.Hawaii Board of Nursing (HBON)
Explanation: Hawaii's Nurse Aide Registry is managed by the DCCA's Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL). The DCCA contracts with Prometric to develop and administer the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Exam and maintain the registry. CNAs must be listed on this registry to work legally in any Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility in Hawaii.
2A Hawaii CNA candidate must complete the Nurse Aide Competency Exam within what time period and number of attempts after their first testing date?
A.1 year and 2 attempts
B.2 years and 3 attempts
C.3 years and 4 attempts
D.6 months and 2 attempts
Explanation: Hawaii requires candidates to pass both the written and clinical skills portions of the Prometric Nurse Aide Competency Exam within 2 years of their first testing date AND within 3 total attempts. If a candidate fails to meet either criterion, they must retrain at a state-approved program before retesting. This policy is set by the DCCA PVL.
3The Hawaii CNA written exam is administered by which testing company?
A.Credentia (D&S Diversified Technologies)
B.Pearson VUE
C.Prometric
D.Headmaster (D&SDT)
Explanation: Prometric administers the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Exam on behalf of the DCCA. The written test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. Candidates can also request an oral version via headset. Hawaii is one of several states — including Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida — that use Prometric rather than Credentia or Headmaster.
4A Hawaii CNA notices that a resident's breathing has become labored and the resident says "I can't catch my breath." What is the nurse aide's FIRST action?
A.Elevate the head of the bed and apply supplemental oxygen
B.Document the observation in the chart and report at the next shift change
C.Immediately report the change to the supervising nurse
D.Ask the resident to take slow, deep breaths and wait to see if it improves
Explanation: Reporting a significant change in condition—such as sudden respiratory distress—to the supervising nurse is always the CNA's first action. CNAs observe and report; they do not diagnose or independently treat. Waiting until shift change or attempting interventions like oxygen without an order could put the resident at serious risk. Prompt reporting is both a legal duty and a core professional responsibility.
5What is the minimum number of training hours required to qualify for the Hawaii CNA Competency Exam?
A.75 hours (federal OBRA minimum)
B.80 hours
C.100 hours
D.120 hours
Explanation: Hawaii requires a minimum of 100 hours of training at a state-approved CNA program before candidates are eligible to take the Prometric Competency Exam. This exceeds the federal OBRA 1987 minimum of 75 hours. Hawaii's 100-hour requirement includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice at an approved training site.
6A Hawaii CNA holds a valid certification but has not worked in a nursing-related role for the past two years. Under federal OBRA law and Hawaii regulations, what must this CNA do before returning to work as a nurse aide?
A.Simply reapply to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry with no additional requirements
B.Complete at least 8 hours of continuing education and resubmit the registry fee
C.Complete a state-approved refresher training program and pass the competency exam again
D.Wait for the certification renewal cycle and pay a reinstatement fee
Explanation: Under OBRA 1987 and Hawaii state regulations, a CNA must perform paid nursing-related services for at least 8 hours during each 24-month renewal period to maintain active registry status. A CNA who has not worked in that capacity for 24 consecutive months must complete a refresher training program and retake the competency exam before returning to practice. This protects residents by ensuring skills remain current.
7A CNA has been asked by a nurse to administer oral medications to a resident because the nurse is busy. What should the Hawaii CNA do?
A.Administer the medications since the nurse delegated the task
B.Administer only over-the-counter medications and refuse controlled substances
C.Politely decline, explaining that medication administration is outside the CNA scope of practice in Hawaii
D.Crush the medications and mix them with food to make administration easier
Explanation: Administering medications is beyond the scope of practice for Hawaii CNAs. Even when delegated by a nurse, medication administration requires licensure as an LPN or RN. CNAs in Hawaii can remind residents about scheduled medications and observe and report, but they cannot pour, prepare, or administer medications. Performing tasks outside the scope of practice can result in disciplinary action and harm to residents.
8Under federal OBRA 1987 regulations, which entity sets the minimum standards that all state CNA training programs must meet?
A.The Joint Commission (TJC)
B.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
C.The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
D.The American Red Cross
Explanation: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) enforces OBRA 1987, which established federal minimum standards for nurse aide training: at least 75 hours of training and competency testing before working independently. States may exceed these minimums (Hawaii requires 100 hours), but cannot fall below them. CMS oversight links to Medicare and Medicaid certification of nursing facilities.
9A Hawaii CNA is caring for a patient from a Japanese cultural background who bows when greeting. How should the CNA respond?
A.Explain that American custom is to shake hands and encourage the patient to adapt
B.Ignore the gesture and proceed with care tasks
C.Acknowledge the greeting respectfully, adapting communication style to show cultural awareness
D.Ask the charge nurse to reassign a Japanese-speaking CNA
Explanation: Hawaii has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the United States, with large Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Cultural competence is a core professional responsibility for Hawaii CNAs. Acknowledging and respecting cultural greetings and practices builds trust, improves communication, and supports patient dignity. CNAs should adapt their approach to meet each resident's cultural needs.
10A CNA overhears a coworker sharing private information about a resident's medical condition with a visitor in the hallway. Under HIPAA, what should the CNA do?
A.Join the conversation to add additional helpful medical context
B.Report the HIPAA violation to the charge nurse or facility privacy officer
C.Ignore the situation since it was unintentional
D.Warn the coworker later, in private, to be more careful
Explanation: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects the privacy of patients' protected health information (PHI). Sharing medical information with unauthorized visitors violates HIPAA, regardless of intent. CNAs have a professional and legal obligation to report violations to their supervisor or the facility's privacy officer. Ignoring or delaying the report could perpetuate harm. Reporting is part of the CNA's role as a healthcare team member.

About the Hawaii CNA Exam

The Hawaii CNA competency examination is administered by Prometric on behalf of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL). It consists of a 60-question written exam (90 minutes) and a clinical skills demonstration (5 randomly selected skills). Hawaii requires at least 100 hours of state-approved training before testing. The Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by DCCA/PVL; candidates must pass both portions within 2 years of becoming eligible, with a maximum of 3 attempts. The exam follows the Prometric content outline: Role of the Nurse Aide (20%), Promotion of Safety (18%), Promotion of Function and Health of Residents (22%), Basic Nursing Care (26%), and Specialized Care (14%).

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

90 min written + skills test (5 random skills)

Passing Score

70% written + 100% skills

Exam Fee

$200 (written + skills combined) (Prometric / Hawaii DCCA-PVL)

Hawaii CNA Exam Content Outline

20%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Residents' rights and dignity, ethical and legal behavior, Hawaii DCCA/PVL scope of practice, communication and documentation, working as a team member, Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry requirements, mandatory abuse reporting under HRS Chapter 346

18%

Promotion of Safety

Infection control (TB prevention, standard precautions, PPE), emergency response (fire/RACE, earthquake/tsunami preparedness specific to Hawaii), fall prevention, restraint use and alternatives, environmental safety, medication safety observation

22%

Promotion of Function and Health of Residents

Personal care (bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, dressing), nutrition and hydration, elimination care (toileting, catheter care), mobility and positioning, range of motion, psychosocial needs, cultural and spiritual care (Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, Pacific Islander traditions), mental health support

26%

Basic Nursing Care Provided by the Nurse Aide

Observation and reporting, vital signs measurement, comfort and pain observation, wound and skin care (pressure injury prevention), I&O measurement, specimen collection, assistive equipment (oxygen, IV, NG tubes), documentation, restorative care

14%

Providing Specialized Care for Residents with Changes in Health

Dementia and Alzheimer's care (validation therapy, redirection, wandering safety), end-of-life and hospice care (HRS Chapter 327E advance directives, cultural practices), diabetes management observation (high prevalence in Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander populations), stroke/CVA rehabilitation, cardiac and respiratory condition support

How to Pass the Hawaii CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% written + 100% skills
  • Exam length: 60 questions
  • Time limit: 90 min written + skills test (5 random skills)
  • Exam fee: $200 (written + skills 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

Hawaii CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know that Prometric administers the Hawaii CNA exam — register at prometric.com; the exam has 60 questions in 90 minutes (70% to pass)
2Memorize the 5 content areas and their weights: Basic Nursing Care (26%), Function & Health (22%), Role of Nurse Aide (20%), Safety (18%), Specialized Care (14%)
3Know Hawaii's 100-hour training requirement — 25 hours above the federal 75-hour OBRA minimum; this often appears in state-specific questions
4Remember the 2-year/3-attempt rule: all attempts must be completed within 2 years of eligibility; exceeding this requires a new training program
5Know HRS Chapter 346: Hawaii's mandatory reporting law for abuse/neglect of vulnerable adults — report to charge nurse IMMEDIATELY
6Know HRS Chapter 327E: Hawaii's Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act (advance directives, POLST) — covers DNR orders and end-of-life wishes
7Study cultural care for Hawaii's population: Native Hawaiian pule (prayer), Filipino Dasal (prayer vigil), Japanese stoicism in pain expression, Pacific Islander family-centered decision making
8Know AV fistula care for dialysis patients — Hawaii has high rates of ESRD (diabetes-related) in Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander populations; never take BP on the fistula arm
9DCCA/PVL maintains the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry — substantiated abuse findings result in removal and bar you from Medicare/Medicaid facilities in all states
10MedQuest is Hawaii's Medicaid program — many long-term care residents are MedQuest beneficiaries; know dietary and care plan documentation requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Hawaii CNA exam?

Prometric administers the Hawaii CNA competency examination on behalf of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL). The exam has two parts: a 60-question written test (90 minutes) and a clinical skills demonstration (5 randomly selected skills). After passing both portions, your name is added to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry maintained by DCCA/PVL. Contact Prometric at 1-800-853-6773 or visit prometric.com to schedule.

How many training hours does Hawaii require for CNA certification?

Hawaii requires a minimum of 100 hours of state-approved CNA training before you may take the Prometric competency examination. This exceeds the federal OBRA 1987 minimum of 75 hours. Training must be provided by a Hawaii DCCA-approved program, and at least a portion must include supervised clinical practice in a long-term care or similar setting.

How many attempts do I have to pass the Hawaii CNA exam?

You have a maximum of 3 attempts to pass both the written and clinical skills portions of the Hawaii CNA exam. All attempts must be completed within 2 years of your eligibility date (typically the date you complete your training program). If you do not pass both portions within the 2-year window or 3 attempts (whichever comes first), you must complete another approved training program before testing again.

What is on the Hawaii CNA Written Test?

The Hawaii CNA Written Test (administered by Prometric) has 60 questions in 90 minutes, following the Prometric content outline: Role of the Nurse Aide (20%), Promotion of Safety (18%), Promotion of Function and Health of Residents (22%), Basic Nursing Care Provided by the Nurse Aide (26%), and Providing Specialized Care for Residents with Changes in Health (14%). Hawaii-specific content includes DCCA/PVL regulations, HRS Chapter 346 (mandatory abuse reporting), HRS Chapter 327E (advance directives), MedQuest (Hawaii Medicaid), and cultural care practices for Hawaii's diverse population.

What are Hawaii's mandatory reporting requirements for CNAs?

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 346, Hawaii CNAs are mandatory reporters of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults (residents). You must report immediately to your charge nurse and supervisor. Facilities must report to Adult Protective Services (APS) within the Department of Human Services. A substantiated finding of abuse or neglect results in a notation on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry, which bars you from working in any Medicare/Medicaid-certified facility nationwide.

How do I transfer my CNA certification to Hawaii?

If you hold an active CNA certification in another U.S. state or territory with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state registry, you may apply for reciprocity through the Hawaii DCCA/PVL. Contact the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at pvl.hawaii.gov for current reciprocity requirements and application forms. You generally will not need to retest if your home-state registry is active and in good standing.

What makes the Hawaii CNA exam unique?

Hawaii's CNA exam is notable for its focus on cultural competency given Hawaii's uniquely diverse population — including Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Pacific Islander residents. Hawaii also has some of the highest rates of diabetes and end-stage renal disease in the nation (especially in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities), making specialized care knowledge critical. The exam is administered by Prometric, Hawaii requires 100 hours of training (above the national minimum), and the $200 exam fee is among the higher state fees nationally.