197+ Free Minnesota CNA Practice Questions

Pass your Minnesota Certified Nursing Assistant exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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

~72-80% Pass Rate

197+ Questions

100% Free

1 / 10

Question 1

Score: 0/0

When providing perineal care to a female resident with an indwelling catheter, the CNA should:

Clean from front to back, away from the urethral opening

Clean from back to front to remove all drainage

Apply powder to keep the area dry

Use alcohol wipes for thorough cleaning

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Minnesota CNA Exam

Knowledge Exam Questions

Headmaster

74%

Passing Score Required

52/70 correct

120 min

Knowledge Exam Time

Headmaster

$200

Knowledge Exam Fee

MDH/Headmaster

75 hrs

Minimum Training

16 clinical + 16 lab

8 hrs

Paid Work to Renew

Per 24 months

Minnesota uses Headmaster/D&S for CNA testing. The knowledge exam has 70 multiple-choice questions with a 74% passing score (52/70 correct) and a 2-hour time limit. Training requires 75 hours minimum (16 clinical, 16 lab). The exam fee is $200. Candidates have multiple attempts within 24 months of training to pass. Registry renewal requires at least 8 hours of paid employment every 24 months. Minnesota offers a Nursing Facility Scholarship program for eligible candidates.

Sample Minnesota CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Minnesota CNA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 197+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When providing perineal care to a female resident with an indwelling catheter, the CNA should:

A.Clean from front to back, away from the urethral opening

B.Clean from back to front to remove all drainage

C.Apply powder to keep the area dry

D.Use alcohol wipes for thorough cleaning

Explanation: Perineal care for catheterized residents requires cleaning from front to back (urethral meatus toward anus) to prevent introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. This technique reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Powder and alcohol should never be used on perineal areas as they can cause irritation and do not prevent infection.

2When assisting a resident with left-sided weakness to get dressed, the CNA should:

A.Dress the right arm first, then the left arm

B.Dress the left arm first, then the right arm

C.Let the resident dress themselves completely

D.Have the family assist with dressing

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. The mnemonic to remember is: "Dress the weak side first, undress the strong side first." This technique is taught in all Minnesota MDH-approved training programs.

3A resident with diabetes in a Minnesota nursing facility needs foot care. The CNA should:

A.Cut the toenails straight across after soaking

B.File nails gently and report any abnormalities to the nurse

C.Apply lotion between the toes to prevent dryness

D.Use a sharp instrument to remove calluses

Explanation: Under Minnesota MDH regulations and standard CNA scope of practice, CNAs should NOT cut the toenails of diabetic residents due to risk of injury and poor healing. The CNA should only file nails gently and report any abnormalities (discoloration, thickening, sores) to the nurse. A podiatrist typically provides foot care for diabetic patients in Minnesota facilities.

4When providing a bed bath to a resident in a Minnesota nursing home, the correct order for washing the body is:

A.Face, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, perineal area

B.Arms, face, legs, back, perineal area

C.Perineal area, legs, arms, face, back

D.Back, legs, arms, chest, face, perineal area

Explanation: The correct order for a bed bath is from cleanest to dirtiest areas: face first (cleanest), then arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, and finally the perineal area (dirtiest). This sequence prevents cross-contamination and maintains proper hygiene standards required by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144A governing nursing home care.

5A resident with an indwelling catheter has soiled the bed. According to Minnesota CNA protocol, what should the CNA do first?

A.Remove the catheter and clean the resident

B.Check that the catheter tubing is not kinked and maintain a closed system

C.Disconnect the catheter bag for easier cleaning

D.Irrigate the catheter with sterile water

Explanation: The CNA must maintain a closed urinary drainage system at all times to prevent infection, as required by Minnesota infection control standards. The CNA should check that tubing is not kinked, ensure the bag is below bladder level, and clean the resident without disconnecting the system. Only nurses may irrigate catheters, and CNAs cannot remove indwelling catheters.

6When assisting a resident with oral care, the CNA notices the resident's gums are bleeding. The CNA should:

A.Continue brushing more gently to remove plaque

B.Stop the procedure and report the observation to the nurse immediately

C.Apply pressure and continue with mouthwash

D.Skip oral care for this resident today

Explanation: Bleeding gums can indicate various health issues such as gum disease, vitamin deficiency, blood disorders, or medication side effects (especially anticoagulants). The CNA should stop the procedure, report the observation to the nurse immediately, and document the finding per Minnesota documentation requirements.

7When using a bedpan for a female resident, the CNA should position it:

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 without any angle

D.Positioned sideways for easier access

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 during use.

8A Minnesota nursing home resident refuses to take a shower. According to OBRA resident rights and Minnesota regulations, the CNA should:

A.Insist the resident take a shower as scheduled

B.Respect the resident's right to refuse and document the refusal

C.Report the refusal as non-compliant behavior

D.Call the family to convince the resident

Explanation: Residents have the right to refuse care, including bathing, under both federal OBRA requirements and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144A. 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.

9When providing nail care to a resident without diabetes, the CNA should cut the nails:

A.Straight across and slightly rounded at the corners

B.Curved to match the shape of the toe

C.As short as possible to prevent scratching

D.Only if the resident requests it

Explanation: Nails should be cut straight across and slightly rounded at the corners to prevent ingrown nails. They should not be cut too short or curved to match the toe shape, as this increases the risk of ingrown nails and infection. Regular nail care helps maintain hygiene and prevents scratches.

10When measuring a resident's blood pressure in a Minnesota facility, the CNA notices the reading is significantly higher than the previous reading. The CNA should:

A.Wait 5 minutes and retake it on the same arm

B.Retake it immediately on the same arm

C.Use a different cuff size on the same arm

D.Report the abnormal reading to the nurse immediately without retaking

Explanation: If a blood pressure reading is significantly different from previous readings, the CNA should wait 5 minutes and retake it on the same arm to verify accuracy. If still abnormal, report to the nurse. Minnesota nursing standards require accurate vital sign documentation and verification of unusual values before reporting.

About the Minnesota CNA Exam

The Minnesota CNA competency exam is administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The exam consists of a 70-question knowledge test with a 2-hour time limit and a clinical skills test. Minnesota requires completion of a state-approved 75-hour CNA training program (minimum 16 clinical hours) and passing both exam components to be listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

74% (52/70 correct)

Exam Fee

$200 (plus $10 for audio exam option) (Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) / MN MDH)

Minnesota CNA Exam Content Outline

22%

Basic Nursing Skills

Vital signs, positioning, transfers, range of motion, nutrition, hydration, elimination, skin care, therapeutic diets, I&O measurement

18%

Personal Care Skills

Bathing, grooming, oral care, dressing, perineal care, bed making, assistive devices, adaptive equipment, nail care

12%

Infection Control

Standard precautions, hand hygiene, PPE donning/doffing, transmission-based precautions, sterilization, disinfection, bloodborne pathogens

12%

Safety & Emergency

Fall prevention, body mechanics, safe transfers, fire safety (RACE/PASS), emergency response, disaster preparedness, equipment safety

12%

Role & Responsibilities

Scope of practice, delegation, professional boundaries, ethical behavior, MDH Nurse Aide Registry requirements, NATCEP standards

10%

Communication

Therapeutic communication, active listening, cultural sensitivity, reporting observations, SBAR, documentation basics, end-of-life communication

Mental Health & Social Needs

Depression, anxiety, dementia care, behavioral symptoms, therapeutic approaches, person-centered care, validation therapy

Resident Rights & Legal/Ethical

OBRA rights, dignity and privacy, informed consent, grievance procedures, right to refuse, HIPAA, Minnesota abuse reporting

How to Pass the Minnesota CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 74% (52/70 correct)
Exam length: 70 questions
Time limit: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Exam fee: $200 (plus $10 for audio exam option)

Keys to Passing

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

Minnesota CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know the Headmaster TMU (TestMaster Universe) system - register at hdmaster.com to schedule your exam

2Focus on infection control: hand hygiene timing (before/after patient contact, after removing gloves), PPE sequence, and standard precautions

3Study the 74% passing threshold - you need 52/70 correct, so manage your 2-hour time wisely

4Learn both RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate) and PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) fire safety protocols

5Understand Minnesota's NATCEP requirements: 75 hours minimum training (16 clinical, 16 lab)

6Know the 24-month training completion window for testing eligibility

7Review MDH Nurse Aide Registry renewal: 8 hours paid work every 24 months

8Master body mechanics and safe transfer techniques - high-yield safety topics

9Study therapeutic communication techniques for dementia and mental health scenarios

10Understand Minnesota's mandatory reporting requirements and the Adult Abuse Reporting Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Minnesota CNA exam?

The Minnesota CNA competency exam is administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies LLP) on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Headmaster provides both the 70-question knowledge exam and the clinical skills evaluation at testing sites throughout Minnesota.

What is the passing score for the Minnesota CNA knowledge exam?

The Minnesota CNA knowledge exam requires a passing score of 74%, which means correctly answering at least 52 out of 70 questions. You have 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the exam. The passing score was adjusted from 76% to 74% by MDH after thorough analysis of candidate performance data.

What are the training requirements for Minnesota CNAs?

Minnesota requires completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) with a minimum of 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical instruction and 16 hours of lab instruction. Training programs must be approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.

How much does the Minnesota CNA exam cost?

The Minnesota CNA knowledge exam costs $200. An audio exam option is available for an additional $10. Some candidates may be eligible for the DHS Nursing Facility Scholarship program, which can cover testing costs for employees of participating certified nursing facilities.

What happens if I fail the Minnesota CNA exam?

Candidates can retake the failed component (knowledge or skills). There is no limit on the number of attempts within the 24-month period after training program completion. However, after 24 months from training, you must complete a new approved training program before retesting.

How do I renew my Minnesota CNA certification?

Minnesota CNAs must renew their certification every 24 months. To renew, you must provide documentation of at least 8 hours of paid employment performing nursing-related services during the certification period under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Renewal is processed through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry.

What is a Challenge Candidate in Minnesota?

A Challenge Candidate is someone who has not completed a Minnesota state-approved CNA training program within the last two years but is eligible to test based on other qualifications (such as nursing students who have completed fundamentals courses or military-trained medics). Challenge candidates must contact test sites directly to schedule.

How do I report suspected abuse or neglect in Minnesota?

Minnesota CNAs are mandatory reporters. Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults should be reported immediately to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 1-844-880-1574 (toll-free). Reports can also be made online at mn.gov/dhs. In emergencies, call 911. You must also report to your supervising nurse.