200+ Free Maryland CNA Practice Questions

Pass your Maryland Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

75-85% Pass Rate

200+ Questions

100% Free

1 / 10

Question 1

Score: 0/0

When assisting a resident with a complete bed bath at a Maryland nursing facility, which body area should the CNA wash LAST?

The face and neck

The arms and chest

The perineal area

The back and buttocks

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Maryland CNA Exam

$115-155

Exam Fee (MD)

Credentia

Written Questions

NNAAP format

70%

Written Passing Score

49/70 questions

120 days

GNA Hire Rule

MBON

2 years

Renewal Cycle

MBON

$40

Renewal Fee

MBON

The Maryland CNA exam is administered by Credentia and costs $115-$155 depending on the testing site. Maryland requires completion of an MBON-approved CNA training program. The exam has two parts: written knowledge test (70 questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass) and clinical skills test (5 randomly selected skills, 30 min, 100% on critical steps). Maryland uses the GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) designation for CNAs working in nursing homes. The 120-day rule requires passing the GNA exam within 120 days of hire for nursing home employment. Certification renews every 2 years for $40.

Sample Maryland CNA Practice Questions

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

1When assisting a resident with a complete bed bath at a Maryland nursing facility, which body area should the CNA wash LAST?

A.The face and neck

B.The arms and chest

C.The perineal area

D.The back and buttocks

Explanation: The perineal area should always be washed last during a complete bed bath, moving from the cleanest area (face) to the dirtiest (perineal). This prevents cross-contamination and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. Maryland nursing facilities regulated by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) require adherence to strict infection control protocols during personal care.

2A resident at a Maryland long-term care facility has left-sided weakness following a stroke. When helping the resident get dressed, the CNA should:

A.Dress the right (stronger) arm first to speed up the process

B.Dress the left (weaker) arm first to minimize discomfort and strain

C.Have the resident dress themselves to promote independence

D.Call the nurse for assistance every time

Explanation: The correct technique is to dress the weak or affected side first and undress the strong side first. When dressing the left (weaker) arm first, the garment is positioned over the arm with limited mobility before threading the stronger arm through. This reduces pain and the risk of injury. The mnemonic is: "Dress the worst first, undress the best first."

3While providing oral care to an unconscious resident at a Maryland nursing home, the CNA should position the resident:

A.Flat on the back with the head elevated on a pillow

B.In a sitting position at 90 degrees

C.On the side (lateral position) with the head turned to allow drainage

D.Prone (face-down) to keep the airway clear

Explanation: An unconscious resident must be positioned on their side (lateral/Sims position) with the head turned during oral care to prevent aspiration of fluids into the lungs. The supine position is dangerous for unconscious patients because secretions and fluids can pool in the throat and be aspirated. This is a critical safety measure taught in all MBON-approved CNA training programs in Maryland.

4A resident in a Maryland nursing facility requests privacy during a bed bath. The CNA should:

A.Refuse and explain that continuous monitoring is required

B.Leave the room and return in 30 minutes

C.Respect the resident's right to privacy and modify the approach

D.Notify the nurse that the resident is being uncooperative

Explanation: Residents have the right to privacy and to refuse or modify care per OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), which is enforced in all Maryland nursing facilities. The CNA should work with the resident to find an acceptable approach, such as draping appropriately or having the resident wash certain areas independently. Resident rights are protected under Maryland COMAR 10.39.01 regulations and federal law.

5When performing nail care for a diabetic resident at a Maryland long-term care facility, the CNA should:

A.Clip toenails straight across and file smooth

B.Clip and file all nails during the evening shift

C.Refer all nail care for diabetic residents to the nurse or podiatrist

D.Soak the feet for 45 minutes before clipping to soften nails

Explanation: CNAs should NOT clip the toenails of diabetic residents. Diabetics have reduced blood circulation and nerve sensation in the feet, making even minor cuts from nail clipping potentially serious. Toenail care for diabetic residents must be performed by a nurse or licensed podiatrist. The CNA can soak and clean the feet but must refer nail trimming to a licensed professional per Maryland scope of practice guidelines.

6A resident at a Maryland nursing facility has dentures. When storing the resident's dentures overnight, the CNA should:

A.Store them dry in a labeled container on the bedside table

B.Place them in a labeled container with cool water or denture solution

C.Wrap them in a tissue and place them in the resident's drawer

D.Leave them in the resident's mouth overnight to maintain fit

Explanation: Dentures should be stored in a labeled container filled with cool water or a denture cleanser solution when not being worn. Hot water can warp dentures, causing them to not fit properly. Storing them dry can cause the plastic to crack or distort. Tissues and napkins are inappropriate because dentures can accidentally be thrown away. Maryland facilities require all personal items to be properly labeled with the resident's name.

7While assisting a female resident with perineal care following urinary catheter use in a Maryland nursing facility, the CNA should clean:

A.From the rectum toward the catheter to remove bacteria

B.From the catheter insertion site outward, using a clean stroke each time

C.Back to front using gentle circular motions

D.Starting from the outer thighs and moving toward the catheter

Explanation: Catheter perineal care should be performed starting from the urethral meatus (catheter insertion site) and moving outward away from the body, using a clean stroke each time to avoid introducing bacteria toward the urethra. This technique reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which are a major concern in Maryland long-term care facilities regulated by MBON.

8When helping a resident use a bedpan at a Maryland nursing facility, the CNA should:

A.Place the bedpan and leave for 20 minutes to ensure privacy

B.Warm the bedpan before use and ensure the call light is within reach

C.Position the resident flat on their back with knees bent

D.Remove the bedpan immediately without covering

Explanation: When using a bedpan, warm a cold metal bedpan by running warm water over it to prevent discomfort and skin injury. Always ensure privacy for the resident, and leave the call light within reach so they can signal when finished. The resident should be raised to as close to a normal sitting position as possible (bed at 30-45 degrees) and should not be left for extended periods. Cover the bedpan when removing it to respect dignity.

9A CNA at a Maryland nursing facility notices a resident's incontinence brief is soiled. The CNA should change it:

A.Only during scheduled rounds to maintain routine

B.Immediately after discovering it is soiled

C.After notifying the charge nurse and waiting for approval

D.Only if the resident complains of discomfort

Explanation: Soiled briefs must be changed immediately upon discovery to prevent skin breakdown, pressure injuries, and infections. Prolonged contact with urine and feces causes skin maceration and irritation that can quickly progress to serious pressure injuries. Maryland nursing homes are regulated by MBON and must maintain standards of care that protect resident skin integrity.

10A resident with contractures in both hands is receiving a bed bath at a Maryland nursing facility. When cleaning between the fingers, the CNA should:

A.Force the fingers open to clean thoroughly

B.Gently work within the resident's range of motion without forcing joints

C.Skip this area to avoid causing discomfort

D.Use alcohol-based cleanser between closed fingers

Explanation: Residents with contractures have permanently flexed joints that cannot be fully straightened. The CNA should gently work within the resident's range of motion, carefully opening the hand as much as is comfortable, then cleaning between the fingers without forcing the joints. Forcing contracted joints can cause severe pain, muscle tears, or fractures. Skipping hygiene in flexed areas leads to skin breakdown and infection.

About the Maryland CNA Exam

The Maryland CNA exam certifies nursing assistants (also called Geriatric Nursing Assistants/GNA in nursing homes) to provide basic patient care in Maryland. Administered by Credentia using the NNAAP format, it includes a 70-question written test and a 5-skill clinical demonstration. Regulated by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours written + 30 min skills test

Passing Score

70% written + 100% skills

Exam Fee

$115-$155 (Credentia / Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON))

Maryland CNA Exam Content Outline

35%

Physical Care Skills - Basic Nursing

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

22%

Physical Care Skills - ADL

Hygiene, dressing/grooming, nutrition/hydration, elimination, rest/sleep/comfort

26%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Communication, client rights, legal/ethical behavior, member of healthcare team

10%

Psychosocial Care Skills

Emotional/mental health needs, spiritual/cultural needs

Restorative Skills

Prevention, self-care/independence, assistive devices

How to Pass the Maryland 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 test
Exam fee: $115-$155

Keys to Passing

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

Maryland CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Maryland uses Credentia for testing — register at credentia.com/test-takers/maryland

2Know the 120-day rule: must pass GNA exam within 120 days of hire at nursing homes

3Understand the difference between CNA and GNA designation in Maryland

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

5Study MBON regulations and mandatory reporting requirements for abuse/neglect

6Know that Maryland CNA/GNA certifications expire on the 28th day of your birth month

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Maryland CNA exam?

Maryland CNA exams are administered by Credentia using the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) format. You register through Credentia at credentia.com/test-takers/maryland. The exam is overseen by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).

What is the 120-day rule in Maryland?

The 120-day rule requires all nursing assistants hired by licensed comprehensive care facilities (nursing homes) in Maryland to pass the GNA exam within 120 days of their hire date. Failure to pass within this window may result in termination.

What is the difference between CNA and GNA in Maryland?

In Maryland, GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) is the required certification for nursing assistants working in licensed comprehensive care facilities (nursing homes). CNA is the general certification. The exam is the same NNAAP test through Credentia, but GNA designation is specifically required for nursing home employment.

How much does the Maryland CNA exam cost?

The Maryland CNA exam costs $115-$155 depending on the testing site, paid through Credentia. The total investment including an MBON-approved training program and background check typically ranges from $600 to $1,500.

How do I renew my Maryland CNA certification?

Maryland CNA/GNA certifications expire on the 28th day of your birth month (odd or even year based on birth year). Renewal costs $40 for a 2-year period and requires proof of paid nursing assistant work during the renewal cycle.