PracticeStudy GuidesBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

199+ Free Mississippi CNA Practice Questions

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

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
~75-80% Pass Rate
199+ Questions
100% Free
1 / 10
Question 1
Score: 0/0

When taking a radial pulse at a Mississippi long-term care facility, the CNA should count for:

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Mississippi CNA Exam

70

Knowledge Exam Questions

Headmaster

73%

Passing Score Required

51/70 correct

60 min

Knowledge Exam Time

Headmaster

$35

Knowledge Exam Fee

MSDH/Headmaster

3

Attempts Allowed

Within 24 months

8 hrs

Paid Work to Renew

Per 24 months

Mississippi uses Headmaster/D&S for CNA testing. The knowledge exam has 70 multiple-choice questions with a 73% passing score (51/70 correct), and a 60-minute time limit. The skills test evaluates 3-4 randomly selected tasks. Candidates have 3 attempts within 24 months of training to pass. Registry renewal requires at least 8 hours of paid employment every 24 months. Mississippi offers remote proctored knowledge exams as an option.

Sample Mississippi CNA Practice Questions

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

1When taking a radial pulse at a Mississippi long-term care facility, the CNA should count for:
A.15 seconds and multiply by 4
B.30 seconds and multiply by 2 when the rate is regular
C.A full 60 seconds for all residents
D.10 seconds and multiply by 6 for efficiency
Explanation: According to Mississippi Headmaster CNA testing standards, respirations and pulse are typically counted for 30 seconds and multiplied by 2 when the rate appears regular. A full 60 seconds is used when the rate is irregular, unusually fast, or unusually slow. The 15-second count is generally less accurate for respirations.
2A resident at a Mississippi nursing facility has a blood pressure reading of 168/102 mmHg. The CNA should:
A.Retake the reading after 5 minutes and then notify the nurse
B.Record the reading and report it to the nurse immediately
C.Continue with care tasks and document at the end of the shift
D.Ask the resident if they feel dizzy before deciding to report
Explanation: A blood pressure of 168/102 mmHg is significantly elevated (Stage 2 hypertension) and must be reported to the nurse immediately after being recorded. The nurse will determine if the reading needs to be retaken and what intervention is needed. CNAs cannot administer medications or make clinical judgments about blood pressure readings.
3When measuring urinary output for a resident on I&O monitoring in Mississippi, the CNA should:
A.Estimate the amount based on the color of the urine
B.Measure only the first and last voiding of the shift
C.Measure each voiding separately and record the amount and time
D.Empty the drainage bag at the end of the shift and record the total
Explanation: For accurate intake and output (I&O) monitoring, each voiding must be measured separately with the amount (in mL) and time recorded. Estimation is not acceptable—I&O records must reflect actual measured amounts. Waiting until the end of the shift loses the time-distribution information needed for clinical assessment.
4A Mississippi CNA is applying an anti-embolism stocking (TED hose) to a resident. The stocking should be applied:
A.After the resident walks to restore circulation
B.Before the resident gets out of bed in the morning
C.With the resident standing to allow gravity to help
D.Only when specifically ordered for DVT prevention
Explanation: Anti-embolism stockings should be applied before the resident gets out of bed, before they stand. When a person stands, blood pools in the legs and veins dilate. Applying TED hose after standing is less effective because the veins are already distended. The stockings help prevent blood clots by maintaining compression while the veins are still in their normal resting state.
5When using a gait belt to transfer a resident from bed to wheelchair in Mississippi, the CNA should:
A.Place the belt around the resident's chest under the arms
B.Place the belt around the resident's waist over clothing, checking for 1-2 finger space
C.Attach the belt loosely so the resident can breathe deeply
D.Skip the gait belt if the resident only needs minimal assistance
Explanation: The gait belt is placed around the resident's waist, over clothing, and should be snug enough to allow only 1-2 fingers to slide under it. The belt should never be placed around the chest (restricts breathing) or hips. Even residents needing minimal assistance should use the gait belt for safety. The CNA grips the belt from underneath for maximum control.
6A Mississippi CNA is performing passive range of motion (PROM) on a resident's shoulder when the resident suddenly says "That hurts!" The CNA should:
A.Continue more slowly through the painful range
B.Stop immediately, support the limb, and notify the nurse
C.Apply ice after completing the exercises
D.Ask if they want a 5-minute break before continuing
Explanation: Pain during range of motion exercises is a signal to STOP immediately. Pain indicates the joint is being moved beyond its comfortable range, which can cause injury. The CNA should stop, support the limb in a comfortable position, and notify the nurse. The nurse will assess whether the exercise caused injury or if the care plan should be modified.
7When weighing a resident on a standing scale at a Mississippi nursing facility, the CNA should:
A.Weigh the resident at any time of day for consistency
B.Weigh at the same time, on the same scale, with similar clothing
C.Ask the resident to remove all jewelry before weighing
D.Average three consecutive measurements for accuracy
Explanation: To track weight changes accurately, residents should be weighed at the same time of day (usually morning before breakfast), on the same scale, wearing similar clothing. Body weight naturally fluctuates 2-4 pounds throughout the day. Consistent conditions allow meaningful comparison of weights over time. Significant unintended weight loss or gain must be reported to the nurse.
8A resident has a physician's order for "up in chair BID." This means the resident should be:
A.Allowed in the chair only at bedtime
B.Up in the chair twice a day
C.Up in the chair for both breakfast and dinner
D.Repositioned in bed twice a day
Explanation: BID is a medical abbreviation from Latin "bis in die" meaning twice a day. A "BID" order for chair positioning means the resident should be assisted out of bed and into the chair twice daily (typically morning and afternoon). Other common abbreviations: TID = three times a day, QID = four times a day, PRN = as needed.
9A Mississippi CNA notices green, foul-smelling drainage from a wound dressing. The CNA should:
A.Clean the wound with peroxide and apply a new dressing
B.Document and report findings to the nurse immediately
C.Change the dressing using sterile technique
D.Tell the resident this is normal for a healing wound
Explanation: Green, foul-smelling wound drainage (purulent exudate) is a sign of wound infection and must be reported to the nurse immediately. Wound care—including cleaning and dressing changes—is beyond the CNA's scope of practice unless specifically authorized. The nurse will assess the wound and may obtain a wound culture or notify the physician.
10When taking an oral temperature, the CNA should wait how long after a resident drinks hot coffee?
A.5 minutes
B.10 minutes
C.15-20 minutes
D.30-45 minutes
Explanation: The CNA should wait at least 15-20 minutes after the resident eats, drinks, or smokes before taking an oral temperature. Hot or cold foods and beverages directly affect oral temperature readings. Taking the temperature too soon could give a falsely high (after hot coffee) or falsely low (after cold drinks) reading, leading to incorrect clinical decisions.

About the Mississippi CNA Exam

The Mississippi CNA competency exam is administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) on behalf of the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). The exam has two parts: a 70-question knowledge test (multiple-choice) and a clinical skills test. Mississippi requires completion of a state-approved CNA training program and passing both exam components to be listed on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

60 minutes + skills

Passing Score

73% (51/70 correct)

Exam Fee

$35 (Knowledge) / $100 (Skills) (Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) / MSDH)

Mississippi CNA Exam Content Outline

11%

Basic Nursing Skills

Vital signs, positioning, transfers, range of motion, nutrition, hydration, elimination, skin care, therapeutic diets

10%

Infection Control

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

9%

Safety

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

6%

Communication

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

5%

Resident Rights

OBRA rights, dignity and privacy, informed consent, grievance procedures, right to refuse treatment, confidentiality (HIPAA)

5%

Role/Responsibility

Scope of practice, delegation, professional boundaries, ethical behavior, Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry requirements, 120-day rule

5%

Personal Care

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

5%

Disease Process

Common conditions: diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disorders, cognitive impairment, observation and reporting

4%

Mental Health

Common disorders: depression, anxiety, dementia, behavioral symptoms, therapeutic approaches, person-centered care

4%

Data Collection

Vital signs technique, height and weight, intake and output, observation skills, reporting changes to nurse

3%

Care Impaired

Dementia care, developmental disabilities, sensory impairments, behavioral management, restraint alternatives

3%

Aging/Restorative

Normal aging changes, restorative nursing, rehabilitation principles, assistive devices, maintaining function and independence

How to Pass the Mississippi CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 73% (51/70 correct)
  • Exam length: 70 questions
  • Time limit: 60 minutes + skills
  • Exam fee: $35 (Knowledge) / $100 (Skills)

Keys to Passing

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

Mississippi CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know the Headmaster TMU (TestMaster Universe) system - understand how to access your exam and registry information
2Focus on infection control: hand hygiene timing (before/after), PPE sequence, and standard precautions
3Study the 73% passing threshold - you need 51/70 correct, so manage your time wisely
4Learn the RACE fire safety protocol: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate
5Understand the 120-day employment rule for non-certified aides
6Know the 3-attempt limit within 24 months of training completion
7Review MSDH 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 mandatory reporting requirements for Mississippi CNAs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Mississippi CNA exam?

The Mississippi CNA competency exam is administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) on behalf of the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Headmaster provides both the 70-question knowledge exam and the clinical skills evaluation. Mississippi also offers a remote proctored knowledge exam option as of 2024.

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

The Mississippi CNA knowledge exam requires a passing score of 73%, which means correctly answering at least 51 out of 70 questions. You have 60 minutes to complete the exam. Results are typically available immediately after completion.

What happens if I fail the Mississippi CNA exam?

Candidates have 3 attempts within 24 months of training program completion to pass both the knowledge and skills exams. If you fail, you can retake the failed component. After 3 failed attempts, you must complete a new training program before testing again.

What is the 120-day rule for Mississippi CNAs?

Mississippi allows non-certified nurse aides to work for up to 120 days from their date of hire while they complete training and testing. This 120-day period cannot be extended. The aide must pass both exam components within this timeframe to continue employment.

How do I renew my Mississippi CNA certification?

Mississippi 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 24-month certification period under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Renewal is processed through the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry.

Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Mississippi?

Yes. Mississippi offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states. You must complete a Mississippi Reciprocity Application and provide proof of your current certification in good standing. Contact the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry at 601-364-1100 for specific reciprocity requirements and application procedures.

How do I report suspected abuse or neglect in Mississippi?

Mississippi CNAs are mandatory reporters. Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable persons should be reported immediately to the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Adult Protective Services at 1-844-437-6282 (toll-free). In emergencies, call 911. You must also report to your supervising nurse.

What is the Petition for Removal of Neglect finding in Mississippi?

Mississippi allows individuals with a substantiated finding of Neglect on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Abuse Registry to petition for removal after 1 year from the date of the finding. This is a unique feature of Mississippi's regulatory framework not available for Abuse findings.