200+ Free Pennsylvania CNA Practice Questions

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Question 1

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When giving a bed bath, the CNA should wash the resident's face with:

Hot water and antibacterial soap

Warm water without soap for the face

Cold water to wake the resident up

Alcohol-based cleanser

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Pennsylvania CNA Exam

70-80%

First-Time Pass Rate

Industry estimate

Written Questions

60 scored + 10 pretest

70%

Passing Score

42/60 scored questions

120 hrs

Training Required

PA DOH (one of highest in US)

$165

Total Exam Fee

Credentia/PA DOH

24 months

Testing Window

After training completion

The Pennsylvania CNA exam uses the NNAAP format with 70 written questions and a 5-skill practical evaluation. First-time pass rates range from 70-80%. Pennsylvania requires 120 hours of approved training - one of the highest in the nation. The exam costs $165 total and is administered by Credentia for PA DOH. Candidates have 2 hours for the written exam and must pass 100% of critical steps in the skills evaluation.

Sample Pennsylvania CNA Practice Questions

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

1When giving a bed bath, the CNA should wash the resident's face with:

A.Hot water and antibacterial soap

B.Warm water without soap for the face

C.Cold water to wake the resident up

D.Alcohol-based cleanser

Explanation: The face should be washed with warm water. Soap is not necessary for the face during a bed bath and can dry the skin. Hot water can burn, and cold water is uncomfortable. Alcohol-based cleansers are too harsh for facial skin.

2The proper order for washing a resident during a bed bath is:

A.Feet, legs, abdomen, chest, arms, face

B.Face, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, feet

C.Chest, face, arms, abdomen, legs, feet

D.Face, chest, arms, abdomen, legs, perineum last

Explanation: Wash from cleanest to dirtiest areas: start with the face, then move down the body (chest, arms, abdomen, legs) and save the perineal area (genital and anal areas) for last to prevent spreading microorganisms.

3When assisting a resident with a tub bath, the water temperature should be:

A.As hot as the resident prefers

B.Between 105-110°F (40-43°C)

C.Lukewarm only, never warm

D.Cold water to improve circulation

Explanation: Tub bath water should be comfortably warm, typically between 105-110°F (40-43°C). Water that is too hot can cause burns, especially in elderly residents who may have decreased sensation. Always test the water temperature before the resident enters the tub.

4A resident with dementia becomes fearful during a shower. The BEST response is to:

A.Force the shower to finish quickly

B.Stop the shower, reassure the resident, and consider alternatives like a bed bath

C.Give the resident a sedative before showers

D.Skip bathing for the next week

Explanation: Residents with dementia may fear showers due to sensory issues, past trauma, or confusion. Forcing the shower causes distress. Alternative approaches include bed baths, hand-held showerheads, or sponge baths. Report bathing difficulties to the nurse for care plan modification.

5Under Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations, residents have the right to:

A.Choose their bathing schedule and method when possible

B.Refuse all hygiene care indefinitely

C.Demand specific CNAs for their care

D.Request medications during bathing

Explanation: Pennsylvania DOH regulations under the Resident's Rights guarantee residents the right to participate in care planning, including preferences for bathing schedules and methods. While residents can refuse care, persistent refusal must be reported to the nurse.

6When drying a resident after a bath, the CNA should:

A.Rub vigorously to stimulate circulation

B.Pat dry gently, paying attention to skin folds

C.Leave slightly damp to apply lotion better

D.Use a blow dryer on warm setting

Explanation: Pat skin dry gently to avoid irritation. Pay special attention to skin folds (under breasts, groin, abdominal folds, between toes) where moisture can cause skin breakdown or fungal infections. Apply moisturizer after drying.

7A resident has a reddened area on their sacrum that does not blanch. The CNA should:

A.Massage the area to increase circulation

B.Report it to the nurse immediately and avoid pressure on the area

C.Apply a heating pad to the area

D.Ignore it if the resident is not complaining of pain

Explanation: Non-blanching redness is a Stage 1 pressure injury. Do NOT massage (can cause tissue damage). Report immediately to the nurse, keep the area pressure-free, and follow the care plan for positioning and skin protection.

8When assisting a resident with oral care for natural teeth, the CNA should:

A.Use only water, never toothpaste

B.Brush all tooth surfaces gently in a circular motion

C.Clean only the chewing surfaces

D.Use mouthwash instead of brushing

Explanation: Brush all tooth surfaces (outer, inner, chewing) using gentle circular motions with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Proper oral care prevents infection, aspiration pneumonia, and maintains dignity.

9For a resident with dentures, the CNA should:

A.Clean dentures with hot water and abrasive cleaner

B.Clean dentures daily with cool water and mild soap or denture cleaner

C.Leave dentures in the resident's mouth overnight

D.Soak dentures in bleach solution

Explanation: Clean dentures daily with cool or lukewarm water (hot water can warp them) using mild soap or denture cleaner. Dentures should be removed at night to allow gum tissues to rest. Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners.

10When shampooing a resident who is on bed rest, the CNA should:

A.Use an inflatable shampoo basin or no-rinse shampoo

B.Skip hair washing until the resident can get up

C.Pour water directly onto the pillow

D.Use only dry shampoo for all bed-bound residents

Explanation: Use appropriate equipment like inflatable shampoo basins, shampoo trays, or no-rinse shampoo products for bed-bound residents. Hair hygiene is important for comfort and preventing scalp infections.

About the Pennsylvania CNA Exam

Pennsylvania CNA certification exam using the NNAAP format. Tests Physical Care Skills (61%), Psychosocial Care Skills (13%), and Role of the Nurse Aide (26%). Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 120 hours of training, one of the highest requirements in the nation. Prepare with 200+ practice questions aligned with Pennsylvania DOH requirements.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours written + 25-35 min skills

Passing Score

70% written/oral + 100% skills (critical steps)

Exam Fee

$165 ($55 written + $110 skills) (Credentia / Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH))

Pennsylvania CNA Exam Content Outline

61%

Physical Care Skills

Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, grooming, nutrition), Basic Nursing Skills (vital signs, positioning, infection control), and Restorative Skills (range of motion, assistive devices)

13%

Psychosocial Care Skills

Emotional and Mental Health Needs (caring for cognitively impaired, behavioral health), Spiritual and Cultural Needs (cultural competence, end-of-life care)

26%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Communication, Residents' Rights, Legal and Ethical Issues, and being a member of the healthcare team

How to Pass the Pennsylvania CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% written/oral + 100% skills (critical steps)
Exam length: 70 questions
Time limit: 2 hours written + 25-35 min skills
Exam fee: $165 ($55 written + $110 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

Pennsylvania CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master hand hygiene and infection control - tested in every skills evaluation

2Practice all 22 possible skills until you can perform them without hesitation

3Focus on critical steps - missing even one means automatic failure of that skill

4Study Pennsylvania-specific regulations including the 120-hour training requirement

5Take all 200+ practice questions to identify weak areas before the exam

6Know mandatory abuse reporting requirements under Pennsylvania law

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Pennsylvania CNA exam?

The Pennsylvania CNA written exam has 70 multiple-choice questions (60 scored, 10 pretest). You have 2 hours to complete the written exam. The skills evaluation tests 5 randomly selected skills and takes 25-35 minutes to complete.

What is the passing score for the Pennsylvania CNA exam?

You need 70% (42/60 scored questions) on the written exam and 100% on critical steps for all 5 skills. Missing any critical step results in automatic failure of the skills exam, even if other steps are performed correctly.

How many hours of training are required in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 120 hours of state-approved CNA training, one of the highest requirements in the nation. This significantly exceeds the federal minimum of 75 hours. Training programs must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and include classroom, laboratory, and clinical components.

How much does the Pennsylvania CNA exam cost?

The Pennsylvania CNA exam costs $165 total: $55 for the written or oral exam and $110 for the skills evaluation. Fees are paid to Credentia when scheduling. Some Pennsylvania training programs or employers may cover exam fees.

How long do I have to pass the exam after completing training?

Pennsylvania allows 24 months from training completion to pass both exam portions. You are allowed 3 attempts within this window. If you do not pass within 3 attempts, you must complete a new state-approved training program before retesting.

How do I renew my Pennsylvania CNA certification?

Pennsylvania CNA certifications must be renewed every 2 years. To maintain your certification, you must have worked at least 8 hours performing nursing or nursing-related services during the 24-month certification period. Renewal is processed through the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.