200+ Free North Carolina CNA Practice Questions

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When providing perineal care for a female resident at a North Carolina long-term care facility, the CNA should wash the perineal area:

From back to front to minimize discomfort

From front to back using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke

In a circular motion starting from the outer areas moving inward

Using the same washcloth area to conserve supplies

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: North Carolina CNA Exam

$178

Exam Fee (NC)

Credentia

Written Questions

60 scored + 10 pretest

Pass/Fail

Written Scoring

Credentia NC

120 min

Written Time Limit

Credentia

75 hrs

Min. Training Required

NCDHHS

3 attempts

Max Retakes (2 years)

Credentia NC

The North Carolina CNA exam is administered by Credentia and costs $178 for the combined written and skills test. NC requires a minimum 75-hour DHHS-approved Nurse Aide I Training Program. The written test has 70 questions (60 scored + 10 pretest) in 120 minutes with a Pass/Fail scoring system. The skills portion evaluates 5 randomly selected clinical skills. Maximum 3 attempts within 2 years of completing training. Online written exam is available through Credentia with live proctoring. NC Nurse Aide Registry is managed by NCDHHS.

Sample North Carolina CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your North Carolina CNA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When providing perineal care for a female resident at a North Carolina long-term care facility, the CNA should wash the perineal area:

A.From back to front to minimize discomfort

B.From front to back using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke

C.In a circular motion starting from the outer areas moving inward

D.Using the same washcloth area to conserve supplies

Explanation: The correct technique for female perineal care is to wash from front to back (urethra to anus) using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke. This prevents contamination of the urinary tract with fecal bacteria, which can cause urinary tract infections. This technique is emphasized in North Carolina NNAAP training and is a critical infection control measure.

2A resident at a North Carolina nursing facility is being assisted with a bed bath. When washing the resident's face, the CNA should:

A.Use soap on the face to ensure thorough cleaning

B.Wash the eyes first with soap and water

C.Use plain water without soap and wash eyes first, moving from inner to outer aspect

D.Skip the face and focus on the body only

Explanation: When washing the face, use plain water without soap to avoid drying or irritating the facial skin. The eyes should be washed first using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke, moving from the inner aspect (near the nose) to the outer aspect. This technique prevents cross-contamination and protects the delicate eye area.

3While assisting a resident with eating at a North Carolina long-term care facility, the CNA notices the resident begins coughing and cannot speak. The CNA should FIRST:

A.Offer the resident a drink of water

B.Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) immediately

C.Call for help while leaving the resident

D.Pat the resident firmly on the back

Explanation: If a resident is coughing and cannot speak, this indicates a complete airway obstruction (choking). The CNA must perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) immediately to dislodge the object. Offering water or patting the back can worsen the obstruction. The NNAAP curriculum emphasizes immediate action for choking emergencies in North Carolina facilities.

4A resident with left-sided weakness is being dressed by a CNA at a North Carolina nursing facility. The correct technique is to:

A.Dress the left (weaker) arm first and undress it last

B.Dress the right (stronger) arm first to save time

C.Dress both arms simultaneously

D.Have the resident dress themselves completely

Explanation: The correct technique when dressing a resident with weakness on one side is to dress the weak side first and undress the weak side last. This allows easier manipulation of the garment over the weaker limb. For left-sided weakness, dress the left arm first (it is harder to put the garment on) and when undressing, remove it from the left arm last.

5When providing foot care for a diabetic resident at a North Carolina nursing facility, the CNA should:

A.Clip the toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails

B.Soak the feet for 30 minutes in hot water to soften calluses

C.Report any cuts, redness, or sores to the nurse and avoid nail clipping

D.Apply lotion between the toes to prevent dryness

Explanation: For diabetic residents, CNAs should NOT clip toenails as even minor cuts can lead to serious infections due to poor circulation and reduced sensation. The CNA should inspect the feet for any cuts, redness, or sores and report findings to the nurse. Nail care for diabetics must be performed by a nurse or podiatrist. Lotion should NOT be applied between toes as moisture promotes fungal growth.

6A resident at a North Carolina long-term care facility is receiving a complete bed bath. When washing the body, the CNA should:

A.Start with the perineal area to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned

B.Wash from the cleanest area (face) to the dirtiest area (perineum)

C.Wash the entire body using the same washcloth and water

D.Start with the feet and work upward toward the head

Explanation: When giving a complete bed bath, always wash from the cleanest area to the dirtiest area: face → arms → chest → abdomen → legs → back → buttocks → perineal area last. This prevents cross-contamination and reduces the risk of spreading bacteria from soiled areas to clean areas. Changing washcloths between body regions further reduces infection risk.

7A resident needs assistance with a bedpan. The CNA at a North Carolina facility should position the resident:

A.Flat on their back with knees bent

B.In a side-lying position

C.In Fowler's position (head elevated 30-45 degrees) with knees flexed

D.In a prone position (face down)

Explanation: The resident should be positioned in Fowler's position (head of bed elevated 30-45 degrees) with knees flexed and feet flat on the bed for bedpan use. This position mimics a natural sitting position for elimination, allows gravity to assist, and is more comfortable for the resident. Flat positioning can make elimination difficult and uncomfortable.

8A CNA at a North Carolina nursing facility is measuring a resident's blood pressure. The cuff should be wrapped:

A.Loosely around the arm with 4 fingers fitting underneath

B.Snugly around the arm, approximately 1 inch above the antecubital space

C.Directly over the brachial artery without any clothing underneath

D.Around the upper arm over thick clothing for comfort

Explanation: The blood pressure cuff should be wrapped snugly around the bare upper arm, approximately 1 inch (2-3 cm) above the antecubital space (inner elbow). The cuff should be snug enough that only 1-2 fingers can fit underneath. A loose cuff will give falsely high readings; a cuff over clothing can give inaccurate readings. The stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery.

9When counting a resident's respirations at a North Carolina facility, the CNA should:

A.Tell the resident to breathe normally while watching their chest

B.Count respirations for 15 seconds and multiply by 4

C.Count respirations for a full 60 seconds while the resident is unaware

D.Count only the inhalations and ignore the exhalations

Explanation: Respirations should be counted for a full 60 seconds, especially if the rate is irregular. The resident should be unaware that their respirations are being counted because awareness can cause them to change their breathing pattern (usually making it faster or deeper). The CNA can pretend to be taking the pulse while actually counting respirations. One complete breath = one inhalation + one exhalation.

10A CNA at a North Carolina nursing facility measures a resident's radial pulse and finds it to be irregular. The CNA should:

A.Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4

B.Count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2

C.Count for a full 60 seconds

D.Take the pulse on the opposite wrist instead

Explanation: When the pulse is irregular, it must be counted for a full 60 seconds to ensure accuracy. Counting for shorter periods and multiplying can result in significant errors with irregular rhythms. An irregular pulse may indicate cardiac issues that require accurate measurement and should be reported to the nurse along with the specific rate.

About the North Carolina CNA Exam

The North Carolina CNA exam certifies Nurse Aide I professionals to provide basic patient care in North Carolina. Administered by Credentia using the NNAAP format under the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), it includes a 70-question written test (60 scored + 10 pretest) and a 5-skill clinical demonstration.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

120 minutes written + skills evaluation

Passing Score

Pass/Fail written + 100% skills

Exam Fee

$178 (Credentia / NC DHHS)

North Carolina CNA Exam Content Outline

35%

Basic Nursing Skills

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

22%

Personal Care / ADL

Bathing, grooming, dressing, perineal care, oral hygiene, nail care, elimination, fluid management

Emotional & Mental Health

Depression, dementia, Alzheimer's, grief, end-of-life care, behavioral approaches

Client Rights

Privacy, dignity, right to refuse, advance directives, HIPAA, ombudsman program

Communication

Therapeutic communication, documentation, SBAR, reporting changes, HIPAA

Restorative / Self-Care

Restorative programs, independence, assistive devices, aging changes, contracture prevention

Member of the Health Care Team

Delegation, interdisciplinary team, care planning, chain of command, professional behavior

Legal & Ethical Behavior

NC scope of practice, NCDHHS registry, mandated reporting, OBRA requirements

Spiritual & Cultural Needs

Cultural competence, religious accommodation, spiritual support

How to Pass the North Carolina CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Pass/Fail written + 100% skills
Exam length: 70 questions
Time limit: 120 minutes written + skills evaluation
Exam fee: $178

Keys to Passing

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

North Carolina CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1NC uses Credentia for testing — register at credentia.com/test-takers/ncna

2The written test uses Pass/Fail scoring — 70 questions with 60 scored and 10 pretest items

3Online testing is available through Credentia with live proctoring for the written portion

4Focus on Basic Nursing Skills (35%) and Personal Care (22%) — together they make up 57% of the exam

5Study NCDHHS registry requirements and mandated reporting obligations

6Practice all clinical skills — handwashing is always included in the 5-skill evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the North Carolina CNA exam?

North Carolina CNA exams are administered by Credentia using the NNAAP format under the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). Register through Credentia at credentia.com/test-takers/ncna.

How much does the North Carolina CNA exam cost?

The NC CNA exam costs $178 for the combined written and skills test, paid through Credentia. Training program costs vary from $500 to $2,000.

Can I take the NC CNA written exam online?

Yes, North Carolina offers online written exam testing through Credentia with live proctoring. The clinical skills exam must still be completed in person.

What is the passing score for the NC CNA exam?

The NC CNA written exam uses a Pass/Fail scoring system rather than a specific percentage. The exam has 70 questions (60 scored + 10 pretest items that do not count toward your score). You must also pass all 5 clinical skills with 100% on critical steps.

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

North Carolina allows a maximum of 3 attempts within 2 years of completing your training program. After exhausting attempts or exceeding the 2-year window, you must complete a new DHHS-approved training program.