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Key Facts: Michigan CNA Exam

$175

Knowledge + Skills Fee (MI)

Headmaster

65

Knowledge Exam Questions

Headmaster

74%

Knowledge Passing Score

Headmaster MI handbook

60 min

Knowledge Exam Time Limit

Headmaster

75 hrs

Min. Training Required

Michigan LARA

3 attempts

Attempts Within 24 Months

Headmaster MI

The Michigan CNA exam is administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) and costs $175 for the knowledge and skill tests. Michigan requires a minimum 75-hour LARA-approved training program. The exam has two parts: knowledge exam (65 questions, 60 min, 74% to pass) and skill test (3 or 4 tasks, 30 min). Candidates have 3 attempts within 24 months of training completion. Michigan CNAs must report abuse/neglect to Michigan Adult Protective Services immediately at 1-855-444-3911. Certification requires working at least 1 paid hour every 2 years.

Sample Michigan CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Michigan CNA exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 498+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When providing perineal care to a female resident, the CNA should wipe:
A.From back to front using firm pressure
B.From front to back using gentle strokes
C.In a circular motion around the perineal area
D.Side to side across the perineal area
Explanation: When providing perineal care to a female resident, always wipe from front to back (from the urinary meatus toward the anus). This prevents bacteria from the anal area from entering the urethra, which could cause urinary tract infections. Michigan CNAs must follow this standard precaution as part of their 75-hour OBRA-compliant training.
2A resident with left-sided weakness needs assistance getting dressed. Which arm should the CNA dress first?
A.The right arm (stronger side)
B.The left arm (weaker side)
C.Either arm, it doesn't matter
D.Ask the resident which arm they prefer
Explanation: When dressing a resident with weakness on one side, always dress the weaker or affected side first. This reduces strain and discomfort for the resident. Remember: 'Dress the weak side first, undress the strong side first.' This is a fundamental skill taught in Michigan's CNA training programs.
3The water temperature for a resident's bath should be checked by:
A.Asking the resident if it feels warm enough
B.Testing with your elbow or using a bath thermometer
C.Feeling the water with your fingertips
D.Looking for steam rising from the water
Explanation: Bath water temperature should be tested with your elbow or inner wrist (where skin is sensitive) or ideally with a bath thermometer. The safe temperature is 105-110°F (40-43°C). Fingertips are less reliable, and visual inspection cannot determine temperature. This safety practice is emphasized on the Michigan Headmaster/D&S exam.
4A resident refuses to take a shower and says they took one yesterday. The CNA should:
A.Insist the resident take a shower as scheduled
B.Report the resident's behavior as non-compliant
C.Respect the resident's right to refuse and document the refusal
D.Call the family to convince the resident to shower
Explanation: Residents have the right to refuse care, including bathing. The CNA should respect this right, offer alternatives like a sponge bath, document the refusal, and report it to the nurse. Never force care on a resident, as this violates their rights under Michigan long-term care regulations and federal OBRA requirements.
5When assisting a resident with oral care, the CNA notices the resident's gums are bleeding. The CNA should:
A.Continue brushing more gently
B.Stop and report the observation to the nurse immediately
C.Apply pressure to stop the bleeding and continue
D.Give the resident mouthwash to reduce bacteria
Explanation: Bleeding gums can indicate various health issues such as gum disease, vitamin deficiency, blood disorders, or medication side effects. The CNA should stop the procedure, report the observation to the nurse immediately, and document the finding. Michigan CNAs work within their scope of practice by reporting rather than diagnosing.
6When shaving a male resident's face with a safety razor, the CNA should:
A.Shave against the grain of hair growth for a closer shave
B.Shave in the direction of hair growth
C.Use quick, long strokes to finish faster
D.Apply aftershave before shaving to soften the beard
Explanation: When shaving with a safety razor, always shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce skin irritation, cuts, and ingrown hairs. Use short, gentle strokes, and hold the skin taut. Apply warm water or shaving cream before shaving, not aftershave. This is a standard personal care skill tested on the Michigan CNA exam.
7A resident with diabetes needs toenail care. The CNA should:
A.Cut the toenails straight across with nail clippers
B.File the toenails gently and report any abnormalities to the nurse
C.Soak the feet first, then cut the nails short
D.Have the resident cut their own toenails
Explanation: CNAs should NOT cut the toenails of diabetic residents due to the risk of injury and poor healing. The CNA should only file the nails gently and report any abnormalities (such as discoloration, thickening, or sores) to the nurse. A podiatrist typically provides foot care for diabetic patients. This is an important scope of practice boundary for Michigan CNAs.
8When assisting a resident to use a bedpan, the CNA should position the bedpan:
A.With the wider, rounded end toward the head of the bed
B.With the narrow end toward the head of the bed
C.Flat against the mattress with no angle
D.Any position comfortable for the CNA
Explanation: The bedpan should be positioned with the wider, rounded end toward the head of the bed (under the resident's buttocks). This ensures proper alignment with the resident's anatomy and helps prevent spillage and discomfort. This is a fundamental skill for Michigan CNAs providing personal care.
9A resident is incontinent of urine during the night. The best approach for the CNA is to:
A.Limit the resident's fluids after dinner
B.Wake the resident every hour to use the bathroom
C.Provide regular toileting schedules and change wet linens promptly
D.Apply restraints so the resident cannot get out of bed
Explanation: The best approach for managing incontinence is to establish regular toileting schedules, respond promptly to requests, change wet linens immediately to protect skin integrity, and maintain dignity. Limiting fluids can cause dehydration, and restraints are never appropriate for incontinence management under Michigan and federal regulations.
10When helping a resident who wears dentures with oral care, the CNA should:
A.Brush dentures with regular toothpaste over the sink
B.Line the sink with a towel and use cool water to clean dentures
C.Soak dentures in hot water overnight to kill bacteria
D.Clean dentures while the resident is wearing them
Explanation: When cleaning dentures, line the sink with a towel (or fill with water) to prevent breakage if dropped. Use cool or lukewarm water, not hot, as hot water can warp dentures. Use a denture brush and denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste which can be abrasive. Proper denture care is part of Michigan CNA training.

About the Michigan CNA Exam

The Michigan CNA exam certifies nursing assistants to provide basic patient care in Michigan. Administered by D&SDT-Headmaster under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), it includes a 65-question knowledge exam (60 minutes, 74% to pass) and a skill test of 3 or 4 tasks in 30 minutes.

Exam sponsor: Headmaster (D&S) / Michigan LARA. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

65 questions

Time Limit

60 min written + 30 min skills test

Passing Score

74% knowledge + all critical steps and 80% of non-key steps on each skill task

Exam / Certification Fees

$175

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. D&SDT-Headmaster and Michigan LARA 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.

4 of 65

Aging Process and Restorative Care

Normal aging changes, restorative programs, assistive devices, contracture prevention

10 of 65

Basic Nursing Skills

Vital signs, ROM, positioning, transfers, nutrition, hydration, I&O, body mechanics

3 of 65

Care Impaired

Adapting care for residents with physical, sensory or cognitive impairments

6 of 65

Communication

Therapeutic communication, documentation, reporting, HIPAA

3 of 65

Data Collection

Observing, measuring, recording and reporting resident information

3 of 65

Disease Process

Common disease stages, detection, prevention and treatment support

7 of 65

Infection Control

Hand hygiene, PPE, standard/transmission-based precautions, isolation, bloodborne pathogens

4 of 65

Mental Health

Depression, dementia, Alzheimer's, behavioral interventions

5 of 65

Personal Care

Bathing, grooming, dressing, perineal care, oral hygiene, nail/foot care, elimination assistance

6 of 65

Resident Rights

OBRA rights, privacy, dignity, right to refuse, advance directives, Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman

7 of 65

Role and Responsibility

Scope of practice, delegation, professionalism, Michigan LARA regulations

7 of 65

Safety

Fall prevention, fire safety (RACE/PASS), body mechanics, restraint alternatives, choking response

Preparing for the Michigan CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 74% knowledge + all critical steps and 80% of non-key steps on each skill task
  • Exam length: 65 questions
  • Time limit: 60 min written + 30 min skills test
  • Exam / certification fees: $175 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 498 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
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Michigan CNA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Michigan requires 74% to pass the 65-question knowledge exam
2Schedule through D&SDT-Headmaster at mi.tmutest.com, not Prometric or Credentia
3Know Michigan LARA regulations and mandatory reporting requirements (Adult Protective Services: 1-855-444-3911)
4The knowledge exam is 60 minutes for 65 questions — practice pacing at about 55 seconds per question
5Master all clinical skills — every skill test starts with a mandatory task that includes hand washing, and missing a critical step fails the task
6Study infection control carefully — it is 7 of the 65 knowledge questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Michigan CNA exam?

Michigan CNA exams are administered by D&SDT-Headmaster under contract with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You pay for and schedule tests through the Michigan TMU portal at mi.tmutest.com.

How much does the Michigan CNA exam cost?

The Michigan CNA exam costs $175 for the first attempt at the knowledge and skill tests, paid through D&SDT-Headmaster. The handbook lists $175 for a knowledge or skill test retake. Training program costs vary by institution.

What score do I need to pass the Michigan CNA exam?

You need 74% on the 65-question knowledge exam. On the skill test, you must perform every critical (bold) step and at least 80% of the non-key steps on each of your 3 or 4 tasks.

How many attempts do I get on the Michigan CNA exam?

You have 3 attempts to pass the knowledge and skill tests within 24 months of completing your training program. If you fail 3 attempts on either portion, you must complete another LARA-approved training program before retesting.

What are the Michigan CNA reporting requirements?

Michigan CNAs are mandatory reporters of abuse and neglect. You must report suspected abuse/neglect to Michigan Adult Protective Services immediately at 1-855-444-3911. Failure to report can result in criminal charges and loss of certification.