199+ Free Maine CNA Practice Questions

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When assisting a Maine long-term care resident with a complete bed bath, which area of the body should the CNA wash LAST?

The face and neck

The arms and chest

The perineal area

The legs and feet

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Maine CNA Exam

180 hrs

Training Required (Highest in US)

Maine State Board of Nursing

Total Questions (50 scored)

Prometric / Maine DHHS

70%

Passing Score Required

35/50 scored questions

1:5

Day Shift Staffing Ratio

Code of Maine Regulations

24 mo

Renewal Period

Maine Registry

12 hrs

Annual In-Service Required

Maine DHHS

Maine requires 180 hours of CNA training — the highest in the nation (vs. 75-hour federal minimum). The Prometric NNAAP exam has 60 questions (50 scored + 10 pretest) in 90 minutes. Maine mandates unique staffing ratios: 1:5 day shift, 1:10 evening, 1:15 night shift. Renewal requires 8 hours paid work every 24 months plus 12 hours annual in-service education. Maine offers CNA-M medication aide certification for additional scope. Testing occurs monthly at 5 sites: Auburn, Bangor, Biddeford, Caribou, Houlton. The Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants & Direct Care Workers is operated by DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification at 41 Anthony Avenue, Augusta, ME 04333.

Sample Maine CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Maine CNA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 199+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When assisting a Maine long-term care resident with a complete bed bath, which area of the body should the CNA wash LAST?

A.The face and neck

B.The arms and chest

C.The perineal area

D.The legs and feet

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 sequence prevents cross-contamination and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. This principle applies in all Maine long-term care facilities regulated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Licensing and Certification.

2A resident at a Maine nursing facility has left-sided weakness following a stroke. When helping the resident get dressed, the CNA should:

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

B.Dress the right (stronger) arm first to prevent muscle fatigue

C.Have the resident choose which arm to dress first

D.Call the nurse before assisting with dressing to get permission

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 Maine nursing facility, the CNA should position the resident:

A.Flat on the back (supine) to prevent neck strain

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

C.In a sitting position at 90 degrees

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 Maine DHHS-approved CNA training programs.

4A resident in a Maine nursing facility requests that the CNA leave the room during a bed bath. The CNA should:

A.Refuse and explain that the bath must be completed for the resident's health

B.Leave the room but check back every 5 minutes to ensure safety

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

D.Notify the nurse immediately that the resident is being non-compliant

Explanation: Residents have the right to privacy and to refuse or modify care per OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), which is enforced in all Maine nursing facilities by the DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification. The CNA should work with the resident to find an acceptable approach, such as having the resident wash certain areas independently. Resident rights are protected under Maine's nursing home regulations and federal law.

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

A.Clip toenails straight across and report any abnormalities to the nurse

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

C.Clip and file the toenails to keep them short and smooth

D.Soak the feet for 30 minutes before clipping to soften the 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. This is a scope-of-practice limitation in Maine.

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

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

B.Store them dry in a labeled container to prevent bacterial growth

C.Rinse them with hot water and store in the resident's bedside drawer

D.Wrap them in a tissue and place them on the bedside table

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. Each resident's denture container must be labeled with their name.

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

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

B.In a circular motion around the catheter tubing

C.Back to front using gentle pressure

D.Starting from the outer areas and moving toward the catheter insertion site

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, along with cleaning the catheter tubing for several inches, reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which are a major concern in Maine long-term care facilities.

8When helping a resident use a bedpan in a Maine nursing facility, the CNA should:

A.Warm the metal bedpan before use and provide privacy with the call light within reach

B.Place the bedpan under the resident and leave for 30 minutes

C.Position the resident flat on the back with a pillow under the head for comfort

D.Remove the bedpan immediately after use without covering

Explanation: When using a bedpan, warm a cold metal bedpan by running warm water over it (cold metal can cause discomfort or 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 Maine CNA notices a resident's incontinence brief is soiled. The CNA should change it:

A.Immediately after discovering it is soiled to prevent skin breakdown

B.Only at scheduled times (morning, noon, and evening) to maintain routine

C.After informing the charge nurse and getting 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 such as urinary tract infections. Prolonged contact with urine and feces causes skin maceration and irritation that can quickly progress to serious pressure injuries. Maine nursing homes are cited and penalized by DHHS inspectors for failure to maintain skin integrity related to incontinence care.

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

A.Gently open the hand and clean between the fingers without forcing the joints

B.Force the fingers open to clean thoroughly between them

C.Skip this area to avoid causing pain

D.Use a cotton swab to insert between the 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 and slowly 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 Maine CNA Exam

The Maine CNA competency exam is a two-part test administered by Prometric on behalf of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Licensing and Certification. Maine has the highest CNA training requirement in the nation at 180 hours (90 classroom + 90 clinical). The written exam uses the NNAAP format: 60 questions total (50 scored + 10 pretest), 90 minutes. You must answer 35 of 50 scored questions correctly (70%). The clinical skills exam requires demonstrating 5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes with 100% accuracy on critical steps.

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

90 min written + 30 min skills (5 skills)

Passing Score

70% (35/50 scored questions)

Exam Fee

$200 exam fee (testing sites: Auburn, Bangor, Biddeford, Caribou, Houlton); $35 renewal (Prometric (Maine DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification))

Maine CNA Exam Content Outline

35%

Basic Nursing Skills

Vital signs, infection control, standard precautions, safety, emergency response, body mechanics, transfers

22%

Physical Care Skills (ADL)

Bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, dressing, nutrition, hydration, elimination, ROM exercises

26%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Communication, resident rights, legal/ethical behavior, Maine scope of practice, CNA-M certification, teamwork

10%

Psychosocial Care

Mental health needs, dementia care, cultural competence, spiritual care, end-of-life care, grief support

Maine-Specific Regulations

180-hour training, staffing ratios 1:5/1:10/1:15, 12 hrs annual in-service, renewal requirements, MOLST, abuse reporting

How to Pass the Maine CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (35/50 scored questions)
Exam length: 60 questions
Time limit: 90 min written + 30 min skills (5 skills)
Exam fee: $200 exam fee (testing sites: Auburn, Bangor, Biddeford, Caribou, Houlton); $35 renewal

Keys to Passing

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

Maine CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know Maine's 180-hour training requirement — highest in the nation (90 classroom + 90 clinical)

2Memorize Maine staffing ratios: 1:5 day, 1:10 evening, 1:15 night shift

3Study the Maine MOLST form (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) — honored in all settings

4Understand CNA-M certification — Maine allows CNAs to administer medications with additional training

5Know the 12-hour annual in-service education requirement for facility-employed CNAs

6Renewal: every 24 months, 8+ hours paid work required, $35 fee, employer verification on letterhead

7Exam: Prometric NNAAP format, 60 questions (50 scored + 10 pretest), 90 min, 70% (35/50) to pass

8Practice all 5 randomly selected clinical skills — 100% accuracy on critical steps required to pass

9Know the Maine Registry contact: (207) 624-7300 or DLRS.CNARegistry@maine.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Maine CNA exam?

The Maine CNA competency exam is administered by Prometric on behalf of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Licensing and Certification. The written exam uses the NNAAP format with 60 questions (50 scored + 10 pretest) and is 90 minutes. Testing is offered once a month at five locations: Auburn, Bangor, Biddeford, Caribou, and Houlton. For scheduling, contact Prometric or the Maine Registry at (207) 624-7300 or (800) 791-4080.

How many training hours are required for Maine CNA certification?

Maine requires 180 hours of state-approved CNA training — the highest requirement in the nation. This includes 90 hours of classroom instruction and 90 hours of supervised clinical practice. This far exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours. Training programs must be approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

What are the CNA staffing ratios in Maine?

Maine has specific minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios: 1:5 for day shift, 1:10 for evening shift, and 1:15 for night shift. These ratios include CNAs and are among the most stringent in the nation. Facilities must ensure 24/7 coverage with trained nursing personnel. Maine regulations are found in Code of Maine Regulations, Title 10-144, Chapter 110.

What is the passing score for the Maine CNA exam?

You must correctly answer 35 out of 50 scored questions (70%) on the written exam. The clinical skills exam requires 100% accuracy on critical steps for all 5 randomly selected skills. The 10 pretest questions are not scored — they are used to evaluate future exam questions. You must pass both the written and skills exam to be listed on the Maine Registry.

How do I maintain my Maine CNA certification?

Maine CNAs must renew every 24 months (2 years) by submitting a renewal application with the Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants & Direct Care Workers. To renew, you must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related duties during the renewal period. Your employer must submit verification on official letterhead. There is a $35 biennial renewal fee and a $60 late fee if you renew after expiration.

What are the annual in-service requirements for Maine CNAs?

Maine nursing facilities must provide CNAs with no less than 12 hours per year of in-service education. This is a federal requirement that Maine enforces through the DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification. The facility is responsible for providing documentation of completed in-service education to the CNA. Keep these records with your important papers — you will need them when you renew your listing on the Registry.

What is a CNA-M in Maine?

CNA-M stands for Certified Nursing Assistant-Medications. It is an expanded scope certification unique to Maine that allows CNAs to administer certain medications under RN supervision. To become a CNA-M, you must hold an active Maine CNA certification, complete an approved medication course (Chapter 5), and pass the CNA-M exam. The Maine State Board of Nursing approves CNA-M training programs and maintains the registry.

How do I report abuse as a Maine CNA?

Maine CNAs are mandatory reporters. Suspected abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property must be reported immediately to your supervisor and the nurse in charge. Maine Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of dependent adults. The Maine Registry also tracks substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Failure to report can result in annotation on the CNA Registry and loss of certification.