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Free Practice Questions for New Mexico CNA

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Exam Review

Key Facts: New Mexico CNA Exam

60

Knowledge Test Questions

D&SDT-Headmaster

74%

Passing Score Required

D&SDT-Headmaster NM handbook

60 min

Knowledge Test Time

D&SDT-Headmaster

$140

Knowledge + Skills Fees (plus tax)

D&SDT-Headmaster NM handbook

75 hrs

Training Required

59 didactic + 16 clinical

24 mo

Certification Period

NM HCA

New Mexico uses D&SDT-Headmaster for CNA testing with a 60-question knowledge test (60 minutes, 74% passing score) and a 3-or-4-task skill test. The state requires 75 hours of training (59 classroom + 16 clinical). Unique features: New Mexico pays exam fees for candidates employed by Medicaid-certified nursing facilities, and the state uses the NM TMU (TestMaster Universe) website for registry renewals. CNAs must work at least 8 paid hours every 24 months to maintain certification.

Sample New Mexico CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the New Mexico CNA exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 539+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In New Mexico, the minimum training hours required to become a Certified Nurse Aide is:
A.50 hours of classroom instruction only
B.75 hours total (59 didactic + 16 clinical)
C.90 hours total (60 classroom + 30 clinical)
D.120 hours total (80 classroom + 40 clinical)
Explanation: New Mexico requires a minimum of 75 hours of CNA training, including theory/lab and at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training in a nursing facility (federal OBRA floor; many NM programs use a 59 didactic + 16 clinical split). Training must be completed in a New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) approved program before a candidate can sit for the Headmaster LLP competency exam administered through NM TMU (nm.tmutest.com).
2The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) is responsible for:
A.Setting nurse salaries at all New Mexico healthcare facilities
B.Overseeing the Nurse Aide Registry and certifying CNAs in New Mexico
C.Providing medical care to uninsured residents
D.Operating all nursing homes in the state
Explanation: The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) oversees the Nurse Aide Registry and is responsible for CNA certification, renewal, and regulation in New Mexico. The HCA manages the NM TMU (Test Management Utility) website where CNAs can check their registry status, renew certifications, and access other registry services.
3A CNA working in a Medicaid-certified nursing facility in New Mexico:
A.Must pay all certification and testing fees themselves
B.Has their certification exam fees paid by the state if employed by a Medicaid-certified facility
C.Is not required to pass the Headmaster competency exam
D.Must complete 120 hours of training instead of 75 hours
Explanation: In New Mexico, the state pays for CNA testing fees for candidates who are employed by (or have been offered employment at) a Medicaid-certified nursing facility when the employer verifies employment in TMU. This benefit helps facilities maintain staffing while reducing the financial burden on CNAs. Fees cover the knowledge (written/oral) exam and the clinical skills test administered by Headmaster LLP.
4To renew a CNA certification in New Mexico, the CNA must:
A.Complete 40 hours of continuing education every year with no work requirement
B.Document at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work in 24 months and complete 12 hours of in-service/CE each year
C.Retake and pass both the written and clinical skills exams every renewal cycle
D.Pay a $100 renewal fee annually
Explanation: New Mexico CNA certification renews every two years. Per HCA, the CNA must show at least 8 paid hours of CNA work within the past 24 months AND complete 12 hours of in-service/continuing education each year (24 hours per renewal cycle). The renewal fee is $25.00 (plus applicable NM gross receipts tax) via nm.tmutest.com. Going past the 30-day grace period requires retesting.
5A CNA in New Mexico observes a resident being verbally abused by a staff member. The CNA should:
A.Report the abuse immediately to the nurse in charge or supervisor
B.Confront the staff member directly to stop the abuse
C.Wait to see if it happens again before reporting
D.Tell the resident to ignore the behavior
Explanation: New Mexico law and federal regulations mandate that CNAs must report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents immediately. The report should be made to the nurse in charge, supervisor, or directly to the New Mexico Health Care Authority. Failure to report can result in disciplinary action against the CNA.
6The primary responsibility of a Nurse Aide is to:
A.Diagnose and treat resident illnesses
B.Provide basic nursing care under the supervision of licensed nursing staff
C.Administer medications as ordered by physicians
D.Create care plans for new residents
Explanation: CNAs provide basic nursing care such as assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating), vital signs, and mobility under the supervision of licensed nurses (LPNs or RNs). CNAs cannot diagnose conditions, administer medications, or create care plans as these are outside their scope of practice.
7When a CNA is unsure about how to perform a task assigned by the nurse, the CNA should:
A.Ask another CNA how they do it
B.Attempt the task and hope for the best
C.Ask the nurse for clarification before proceeding
D.Skip the task and document that it was done
Explanation: Patient safety is the priority. If a CNA is uncertain about how to perform a task, they must ask the supervising nurse for clarification or training before proceeding. Attempting a task without proper knowledge can result in resident harm and liability for the CNA and facility.
8The chain of command in a long-term care facility typically follows which order?
A.CNA → Administrator → Director of Nursing → Charge Nurse
B.CNA → Charge Nurse → Director of Nursing → Administrator
C.Administrator → CNA → Charge Nurse → Director of Nursing
D.Director of Nursing → CNA → Charge Nurse → Administrator
Explanation: The chain of command in long-term care typically flows from the CNA (who reports concerns to) the Charge Nurse, who reports to the Director of Nursing (DON), who reports to the Administrator. Following the chain of command ensures proper communication and problem resolution.
9Which of the following is a TRUE statement about a CNA's scope of practice?
A.CNAs can insert urinary catheters with proper training
B.CNAs can give medications if a nurse is on the same unit
C.CNAs cannot perform sterile procedures or administer medications
D.CNAs can assess residents and write care plans
Explanation: CNAs are unlicensed assistive personnel who cannot perform sterile procedures (like catheter insertion), administer medications, assess residents, or write care plans. These tasks require a licensed nurse (LPN or RN). CNAs work within their scope of practice which focuses on basic patient care and activities of daily living.
10Professional boundaries for CNAs include:
A.Accepting small gifts from residents as tokens of appreciation
B.Becoming Facebook friends with interested residents
C.Maintaining a professional relationship and not sharing personal problems with residents
D.Visiting residents at home after they are discharged
Explanation: Professional boundaries require CNAs to maintain appropriate, therapeutic relationships with residents. This means not sharing personal problems, accepting gifts (which can create conflicts of interest), or engaging in social media friendships or off-duty visits. Professional boundaries protect both the resident and the CNA.

About the New Mexico CNA Exam

The New Mexico CNA competency exam is administered by D&SDT-Headmaster on behalf of the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA). The exam has two parts: a 60-question knowledge test (60 minutes, 74% to pass) and a skill test of 3 or 4 tasks in 30 minutes. New Mexico requires completion of a state-approved 75-hour CNA training program (59 didactic hours + 16 clinical hours).

Exam sponsor: D&SDT-Headmaster / New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

60 questions

Time Limit

60 minutes knowledge + 30 minutes skills

Passing Score

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

Exam / Certification Fees

$140 ($40 knowledge + $100 skills) plus 4.875% NM Gross Revenue Tax

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. D&SDT-Headmaster and the New Mexico Health Care Authority 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.

6 of 60

Aging Process and Restorative Care

Normal aging, maintaining physical and psychosocial function, and restorative care

6 of 60

Basic Nursing Skills

Core nurse aide care tasks, positioning, transfers, measurements and safe task performance

2 of 60

Care Impaired

Adapting care for residents with physical or cognitive limitations

6 of 60

Communication

Verbal, nonverbal and written communication with residents, families and the care team

4 of 60

Data Collection

Observing, measuring, recording and reporting resident information

5 of 60

Disease Process

Common disease stages, detection, prevention and treatment support

6 of 60

Infection Control

Infection causes, prevention, hand hygiene, PPE and standard precautions

3 of 60

Mental Health

Residents' mental and emotional well-being, behavior changes and supportive care

4 of 60

Personal Care

Hygiene, grooming, dressing, nutrition, elimination and comfort care

6 of 60

Resident Rights

Dignity, privacy, choice, confidentiality and freedom from abuse or improper restraint

6 of 60

Role and Responsibility

Nurse aide scope of practice, ethics, reporting duties and teamwork

6 of 60

Safety

Resident and staff safety, fall prevention, emergencies and body mechanics

Preparing for the New Mexico 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: 60 questions
  • Time limit: 60 minutes knowledge + 30 minutes skills
  • Exam / certification fees: $140 ($40 knowledge + $100 skills) plus 4.875% NM Gross Revenue Tax Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 539 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

New Mexico CNA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Know that New Mexico uses D&SDT-Headmaster for testing — schedule and pay at nm.tmutest.com
2Understand the 75-hour training requirement: 59 didactic + 16 clinical hours
3Memorize the RACE fire safety protocol: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate
4Know mandatory reporting: New Mexico CNAs must report abuse/neglect to HCA
5Review NM TMU website (nm.tmutest.com) for registry renewals
6Practice infection control: hand hygiene, PPE donning/doffing, standard precautions
7Understand resident rights under OBRA and New Mexico law
8Know that 8 hours of paid employment is required every 24 months for renewal
9Remember: Medicaid facility employees may have exam fees paid by the state

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the New Mexico CNA exam?

The New Mexico CNA competency exam is administered by D&SDT-Headmaster on behalf of the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA). The knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions with a 60-minute time limit and a 74% passing score. The skill test has 3 or 4 tasks in 30 minutes. Schedule through the New Mexico TMU portal at nm.tmutest.com or call D&SDT-Headmaster at (888) 401-0462.

What are the training requirements for New Mexico CNAs?

New Mexico requires completion of a state-approved CNA training program consisting of 75 hours: 59 hours of didactic (classroom) instruction and 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Training programs must be approved by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA).

How much does the New Mexico CNA exam cost?

Under the October 2026 New Mexico handbook, the knowledge test costs $40 ($45 for the audio version) and the skill test costs $100, and each fee is subject to a 4.875% New Mexico Gross Revenue Tax. The State of New Mexico pays test fees for candidates who have been offered employment or are employed by a Medicaid-certified nursing facility.

How do I renew my New Mexico CNA certification?

New Mexico 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 under the supervision of a licensed nurse during the 24-month certification period. Renewal is processed through the NM TMU (TestMaster Universe) website at nm.tmutest.com. The renewal fee is $25 plus the 4.875% New Mexico Gross Revenue Tax.

How do I report suspected abuse or neglect in New Mexico?

New Mexico CNAs are mandatory reporters. Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation should be reported to the New Mexico Health Care Authority and your supervisor immediately. For emergencies, call 911. The New Mexico Adult Protective Services Division investigates complaints. Failure to report is a violation of New Mexico law.

What is the contact information for the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry?

The New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA). Contact: Certified Nurse Aide Registry Coordinator at 505-476-9040, or email nar@state.nm.us. The mailing address is 2040 S. Pacheco Street, Room 413, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Registry lookup is available on the HCA website.