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Exam Review

Key Facts: Maryland CNA Exam

$130

Exam Fee (MD)

Credentia or Headmaster

70

Written Questions

Credentia and Headmaster

73%

Headmaster Knowledge Passing Score

Headmaster MD handbook (April 2026)

4 months

Federal Limit Before Training and Testing

42 CFR 483.35(d)

2 years

Renewal Cycle

MBON

$40

Renewal Fee

MBON

Maryland's nurse aide exam is given by Credentia (NNAAP) or D&SDT-Headmaster, and both charge $130 in total. Since April 1, 2026, new applicants are certified as CNA-I, which replaced the CNA/GNA title and covers all settings, including nursing homes. Credentia's written test has 70 questions (60 scored) in 2 hours plus 5 skills in 30 minutes. Headmaster's has 70 questions in 60 minutes (73% to pass) plus 3-4 skill tasks. Renewal every 2 years requires at least 16 hours of paid nursing-assistant work and a $40 fee.

Sample Maryland CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Maryland CNA exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 498+ 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.
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.
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 (Maryland Health-General §19-343 and 42 CFR 483.10) and may refuse treatment (Health-General §19-344). The CNA should work with the resident to find an acceptable approach, such as draping appropriately or having the resident wash certain areas independently. Refusing, leaving for 30 minutes or labeling the resident uncooperative does not respect the request.
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 the nurse.
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.
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).
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.
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 as CNA-I (the title that replaced CNA/GNA on April 1, 2026). Training programs use Credentia (NNAAP: a 70-question written test with 60 scored + 10 pretest items in 2 hours, plus 5 skills in 30 minutes) or D&SDT-Headmaster (70 knowledge questions in 60 minutes with a 73% passing score, plus 3-4 skill tasks in 30 minutes). Testing costs $130 with either vendor. Regulated by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).

Exam sponsor: Credentia or D&SDT-Headmaster / Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

70 questions

Time Limit

Credentia: 2 hours written + 30 min skills; Headmaster: 60 min knowledge + 30 min skills

Passing Score

Credentia: pass written/oral + all 5 skills; Headmaster: 73% knowledge + skill tasks

Exam / Certification Fees

$130 with either vendor

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. MBON, Credentia and D&SDT-Headmaster do not publish a current pass rate Exam sponsor website

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

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.

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

7%

Physical Care Skills - Self-Care and Independence

Prevention, self-care/independence

Preparing for the Maryland CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Credentia: pass written/oral + all 5 skills; Headmaster: 73% knowledge + skill tasks
  • Exam length: 70 questions
  • Time limit: Credentia: 2 hours written + 30 min skills; Headmaster: 60 min knowledge + 30 min skills
  • Exam / certification fees: $130 with either vendor Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 498 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Maryland CNA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Maryland uses two testing vendors, Credentia and D&SDT-Headmaster; ask your training program which one it uses
2Know the federal 4-month rule (MBON's "120-day rule"): a nursing facility may not use an aide for more than 4 months full-time without completed training and competency evaluation
3Understand CNA-I (formerly CNA/GNA, all settings) versus CNA-II (former CNA, not nursing facilities)
4Master all clinical skills — hand hygiene is always tested; Credentia gives 5 skills and Headmaster gives 3-4 tasks
5Know Maryland's abuse-reporting law: anyone who believes a nursing-home resident has been abused reports promptly to law enforcement and the Office of Health Care Quality (Health-General §19-347)
6Renewal every 2 years requires at least 16 hours of paid nursing-assistant work

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Maryland CNA exam?

Maryland approves two testing vendors: Credentia (NNAAP format, at credentia.com/test-takers/maryland) and D&SDT-Headmaster, which the Board approved on October 23, 2024 and which is now fully operational for CNA-I candidates. Ask your training program which vendor it uses. The exam is overseen by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).

What is the 120-day rule in Maryland?

It is a federal rule (42 CFR 483.35(d)): a nursing facility may not use anyone as a nurse aide for more than 4 months on a full-time basis unless that person has completed a State-approved training and competency evaluation program. The Maryland Board of Nursing asked CMS about a waiver, and CMS answered that no waiver exists that would let a nurse aide work beyond 4 months without taking the competency evaluation.

What is the difference between CNA-I and CNA-II in Maryland?

Maryland's CNA law took effect April 1, 2026. CNA-I is the new name for the former CNA/GNA: a CNA-I can work in any setting, including nursing homes. CNA-II is the new name for the former CNA: CNA-IIs cannot work in a nursing facility, and no new CNA-II certificates are issued. All new applicants must pass the competency evaluation to become CNA-I.

How much does the Maryland CNA exam cost?

Testing costs $130 with either vendor. Credentia charges $45 for the written or oral exam and $85 for the skills exam. D&SDT-Headmaster charges $30 for the knowledge test ($35 for audio) and $100 for the skill test. Training program and background check costs are extra.

How do I renew my Maryland CNA certification?

Maryland CNA-I and CNA-II certificates renew every 2 years. Renewal requires at least 16 hours of paid work as a nursing assistant in the 2 years before the certificate expires and a $40 renewal fee. A CNA-I without the 16 hours must pass the competency evaluation again; a CNA-II must complete a training program.