198+ Free Montana CNA Practice Questions

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Question 1

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When taking a resident's blood pressure in a Montana long-term care facility, the CNA should place the stethoscope over which artery?

The femoral artery in the groin

The brachial artery at the antecubital space

The radial artery at the wrist

The carotid artery in the neck

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Montana CNA Exam

$128

Exam Fee (MT)

Headmaster ($20+$31+$77)

Written Questions

Headmaster

75%

Written Passing Score

54/72 questions

90 min

Written Time Limit

Headmaster

6 months

Testing Window

Montana DPHHS

8 hrs

Min. Work Hrs to Renew

DPHHS

The Montana CNA exam is administered by Headmaster and costs $128 total ($20 written + $31 audio + $77 skills). Montana requires completion of a DPHHS-approved training program (minimum 75 hours following OBRA requirements). The written test has 72 questions in 90 minutes with a 75% passing score. Maximum 3 attempts within 6 months of training completion. After passing, Headmaster reports results to DPHHS for registry listing via the BOUNDS portal. Renewal every 2 years requires at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services.

Sample Montana CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Montana CNA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 198+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When taking a resident's blood pressure in a Montana long-term care facility, the CNA should place the stethoscope over which artery?

A.The femoral artery in the groin

B.The brachial artery at the antecubital space

C.The radial artery at the wrist

D.The carotid artery in the neck

Explanation: The brachial artery, located at the antecubital space (inner elbow), is the correct site for blood pressure measurement. The stethoscope is placed here to auscultate the Korotkoff sounds that indicate systolic and diastolic pressure readings. This is the standard technique taught in Montana DPHHS-approved CNA training programs.

2A CNA at a Montana nursing facility measures a resident's radial pulse and counts 15 beats in 15 seconds. What is the resident's pulse rate?

A.45 beats per minute

B.60 beats per minute

C.75 beats per minute

D.90 beats per minute

Explanation: To calculate the pulse rate when counting for 15 seconds, multiply the count by 4 (15 × 4 = 60 beats per minute). A normal adult pulse rate ranges from 60-100 beats per minute. CNAs in Montana must accurately document vital signs as part of their data collection responsibilities under DPHHS regulations.

3When providing range of motion (ROM) exercises to a resident in a Montana facility, the CNA should perform each movement how many times?

A.1-2 times per joint

B.3-5 times per joint

C.8-10 times per joint

D.15-20 times per joint

Explanation: ROM exercises should be performed 3-5 times per joint to maintain flexibility and prevent contractures without causing fatigue or injury. The movements should be slow, smooth, and stopped if the resident experiences pain. This standard is taught in Montana's 75-hour CNA training programs approved by the DPHHS.

4A Montana CNA is measuring a resident's oral temperature using a digital thermometer. The thermometer signals completion. The CNA should:

A.Remove the thermometer immediately and record the reading

B.Leave the thermometer in place for an additional 2 minutes to ensure accuracy

C.Remove the thermometer, read the display, and document the result

D.Shake down the thermometer before removing it from the resident's mouth

Explanation: Digital thermometers signal when they have completed measurement. The CNA should remove the thermometer, read the digital display, and document the result in the resident's chart. Digital thermometers do not require shaking down (that is for older mercury thermometers, which are no longer used). Following proper measurement and documentation procedures is required under Montana facility standards.

5When assisting with the application of elastic stockings (TED hose) to a resident in a Montana nursing facility, the CNA should:

A.Apply the stockings after the resident has been up walking for 30 minutes

B.Apply the stockings before the resident gets out of bed in the morning

C.Apply the stockings only at bedtime to improve circulation during sleep

D.Apply the stockings while the resident is sitting in a chair

Explanation: Elastic stockings should be applied before the resident gets out of bed, before the veins have a chance to dilate from standing. This ensures proper compression and effectiveness in preventing blood clots and venous pooling. The Montana DPHHS emphasizes proper technique for circulatory support as part of basic nursing skills training.

6A CNA in a Montana facility is ordered to collect a 24-hour urine specimen. The proper technique is to:

A.Discard the first voiding and save all subsequent voidings for 24 hours

B.Save all urine voided during a 24-hour period including the first voiding

C.Collect one specimen from the middle of the 24-hour period

D.Have the resident void every 2 hours and save each specimen

Explanation: For a 24-hour urine collection, the first voiding is discarded (as it represents urine produced before the collection period), and then all urine voided during the next 24 hours is collected and saved. The collection container must be kept on ice or refrigerated according to facility protocol. Accurate specimen collection is an essential skill tested on the Montana Headmaster CNA exam.

7When weighing a resident on a standing scale at a Montana long-term care facility, the CNA should FIRST:

A.Ask the resident to step onto the scale platform

B.Balance the scale at zero before the resident steps on

C.Record the previous weight for comparison

D.Assist the resident to remove all clothing

Explanation: The scale must be balanced at zero before the resident steps on to ensure an accurate weight measurement. This is done by adjusting the weights or digital settings until the scale reads zero with no weight on it. Consistent weighing procedures, including using the same scale and similar clothing, are important for tracking weight changes as required by Montana DPHHS documentation standards.

8A Montana CNA is ordered to measure the intake and output (I&O) for a resident. Which fluid intake should NOT be included in the measurement?

A.8 ounces of water consumed with medications

B.4 ounces of ice cream served at lunch

C.Ice chips that have melted

D.6 ounces of coffee consumed at breakfast

Explanation: Ice cream is considered a solid food, not a liquid, and is therefore not included in intake and output measurements. However, ice chips (which melt to approximately half their volume in liquid) are counted as fluid intake. Water, coffee, juice, broth, and melted ice are all included in I&O. Montana CNAs must understand these distinctions for accurate documentation required by nursing facilities.

9When taking an apical pulse on a resident at a Montana nursing facility, the CNA should place the stethoscope at which location?

A.The fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line

B.The second intercostal space at the right sternal border

C.The apex of the sternum in the center of the chest

D.The third intercostal space on either side of the sternum

Explanation: The apical pulse is best heard at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line (the point of maximal impulse). This is the standard location for assessing the heart's apex beat. The apical pulse is counted for a full 60 seconds to ensure accuracy, especially when the pulse is irregular. This technique is taught in Montana CNA training as part of vital signs assessment.

10A resident in a Montana facility has an indwelling urinary catheter. The CNA notices the drainage bag is full and needs to be emptied. The correct procedure is to:

A.Empty the bag into the toilet and estimate the amount

B.Empty the bag into a graduated container, measure accurately, and document

C.Empty the bag only at the end of the shift to get a total amount

D.Disconnect the catheter from the tubing to empty it more easily

Explanation: The drainage bag must be emptied into a graduated container to obtain an accurate measurement of urine output. The amount, color, clarity, and any unusual odor must be documented in the resident's chart. Never disconnect the catheter from the tubing, as this introduces bacteria and increases infection risk. Accurate I&O measurement is a fundamental skill required by Montana DPHHS for CNA practice.

About the Montana CNA Exam

The Montana CNA exam certifies nursing assistants to provide basic patient care in Montana. Administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) under the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), it includes a 72-question written knowledge test and a 5-skill clinical demonstration.

Questions

72 scored questions

Time Limit

90 min written + 25 min skills test

Passing Score

75% written + 100% skills

Exam Fee

$128 (Headmaster (D&S) / Montana DPHHS)

Montana CNA Exam Content Outline

15%

Basic Nursing Skills

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

11%

Safety

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

10%

Personal Care

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

Communication

Therapeutic communication, documentation, SBAR, HIPAA, interdisciplinary team

Infection Control

Hand hygiene (20+ seconds), PPE, standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, isolation

Resident Rights

OBRA rights, privacy/dignity, right to refuse, advance directives, HIPAA

Role and Responsibility

Scope of practice, DPHHS regulations, mandatory reporting, BOUNDS portal, registry requirements

Care of Cognitively Impaired

Dementia/Alzheimer's care, validation therapy, wandering prevention, sundowning

Disease Process

Common chronic conditions (HTN, diabetes, COPD, CHF), stroke signs (FAST), wound care

Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, grief, behavioral interventions, end-of-life support

Data Collection

Vital sign measurement, observation and reporting, I&O, weight monitoring, skin assessment

Older Adult Growth & Development

Normal aging changes, psychosocial needs, restorative care, promoting independence

How to Pass the Montana CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75% written + 100% skills
Exam length: 72 questions
Time limit: 90 min written + 25 min skills test
Exam fee: $128

Keys to Passing

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

Montana CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Montana requires 75% to pass the written test — study all 12 content domains

2Schedule through Headmaster at hdmaster.com or the Montana TMU portal at mt.tmutest.com

3Know Montana DPHHS regulations and the BOUNDS portal registration system

4You have only 6 months after training to pass — less time than most states allow

5Study disease processes (7% of exam) — know FAST stroke signs, diabetic emergencies, and wound care

6Master hand hygiene (20+ seconds minimum) — this is always tested on the skills exam

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Montana CNA exam?

Montana CNA exams are administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) under the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Schedule through hdmaster.com or the Montana TMU testing portal at mt.tmutest.com.

How much does the Montana CNA exam cost?

The Montana CNA exam costs $128 total, broken down as $20 for the written exam, $31 for the audio exam, and $77 for the skills exam.

What is the BOUNDS portal in Montana?

BOUNDS is Montana DPHHS's online portal where CNA exam results are reported and registry listings are managed. After passing the exam, Headmaster reports your results to DPHHS through the BOUNDS portal for official registry listing.

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

Montana allows a maximum of 3 attempts within 6 months of completing your training program. After exhausting attempts or exceeding the 6-month window, you must complete a new DPHHS-approved training program.

How do I renew my Montana CNA certification?

Montana CNA certification renews every 2 years. You must perform at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work per 24-month renewal period to maintain active status on the registry.