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200+ Free Tennessee CNA Practice Questions

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Questions by Category

Cna-Tn-Role-Responsibility26 questions
Cna-Tn-Basic-Nursing-Skills25 questions
Cna-Tn-Communication24 questions
Cna-Tn-Safety20 questions
Cna-Tn-Personal-Care20 questions
Cna-Tn-Disease-Process19 questions
Cna-Tn-Care-Impaired19 questions
Cna-Tn-Resident-Rights18 questions
Cna-Tn-Mental-Health10 questions
Cna-Tn-Infection-Control8 questions
Cna-Tn-Data-Collection6 questions
Cna-Tn-Aging-Process5 questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Tennessee CNA Exam

100

Knowledge Test Questions

Headmaster / TN HFC (as of Oct 2024)

90 min

Knowledge Test Time

Headmaster (100 questions)

5 tasks

Clinical Skills Required

Headmaster / TN HFC

$98

Knowledge Exam Fee

Headmaster 2026 ($30 + fees)

75 hrs

Training Required

TN DOH

24 months

Testing Window

TN HFC

Tennessee uses Headmaster/D&S to administer its CNA competency exam — 100 questions in 90 minutes with a 75% passing threshold (75/100 correct). The clinical skills portion requires demonstrating 5 randomly selected skills (handwashing always included) with 80% accuracy required. Knowledge exam fees are approximately $98 ($30 knowledge + test site fees); skills test fees vary by site. Candidates have 24 months from training completion to pass both exams. Tennessee requires 75 hours of training (minimum 16 hours clinical). The Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health; CNAs must perform at least 8 hours of paid work every 24 months to remain active.

About the Tennessee CNA Exam

The Tennessee CNA competency evaluation has two parts: a 100-question Knowledge Test (90 minutes) and a Clinical Skills Test (5 randomly selected tasks). Passing lists you on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health. Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) administers the exam on behalf of the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (HFC). Effective October 21, 2024, the knowledge exam increased from 75 to 100 questions.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

90 min knowledge + skills test (5 tasks)

Passing Score

75% knowledge (75/100) + 80% skills

Exam Fee

$98 (knowledge $30 + skills varies) + $40 test site fee (Headmaster / D&S Diversified Technologies (Tennessee HFC))

Tennessee CNA Exam Content Outline

10%

Basic Nursing Skills (10 questions)

Vital signs, positioning, transfers, ROM, nutrition, I&O, body mechanics, bed making, catheter care, specimen collection

10%

Role & Responsibility (10 questions)

CNA role, delegation, scope of practice, professionalism, reporting, documentation, chain of command, Tennessee HFC regulations

10%

Mental Health (10 questions)

Depression, anxiety, mental illness, coping behaviors, cultural factors, end-of-life emotional support, grief

10%

Resident Rights (10 questions)

OBRA rights, privacy, dignity, right to refuse, advance directives, HIPAA, grievance process, ombudsman, abuse/neglect reporting

10%

Safety & Emergency (10 questions)

Fall prevention, body mechanics, emergency procedures, fire safety, equipment safety, RACE/PASS, seizure precautions

9%

Personal Care (9 questions)

Bathing, grooming, dressing, perineal care, oral hygiene, nail care, elimination, bedpan/urinal use, skin care

8%

Communication (8 questions)

Therapeutic communication, reporting changes, documentation, SBAR, family interaction, cultural competency, barriers to communication

8%

Infection Control (8 questions)

Standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, PPE usage, sterile technique, bloodborne pathogens

7%

Disease Process (7 questions)

Common diseases, chronic conditions, warning signs, complications, observation and reporting related to disease processes

6%

Care of Cognitively Impaired (6 questions)

Dementia care, Alzheimer's, cognitive impairment, wandering, sundowning, validation therapy, behavioral interventions

6%

Aging Process & Restorative Care (6 questions)

Normal aging changes, age-related conditions, psychosocial aspects of aging, restorative care, independence promotion

6%

Data Collection (6 questions)

Vital signs measurement, weight measurement, intake/output recording, observation skills, reporting abnormal findings

How to Pass the Tennessee CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75% knowledge (75/100) + 80% skills
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 90 min knowledge + skills test (5 tasks)
  • Exam fee: $98 (knowledge $30 + skills varies) + $40 test site fee

Keys to Passing

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

Tennessee CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (HFC) — they contract with Headmaster/D&S to administer the exam. The Tennessee Department of Health maintains the Nurse Aide Registry.
2Understand the 75-hour training requirement: 60 classroom + 16 clinical hours (with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training).
3Memorize the 24-month testing window — you must pass both exams within 24 months of completing your training program.
4Know the 75% passing score for the Knowledge Exam (75/100 correct). Focus on the top sections: Basic Nursing Skills, Role & Responsibility, Mental Health, Resident Rights, and Safety (10% each)
5Practice under timed conditions — 100 questions in 90 minutes means less than 1 minute per question.
6Study the 12 Headmaster subject areas — they differ from NNAAP format used in other states. Know the weight of each area.
7Handwashing is ALWAYS one of the 5 clinical skills tested — know every step perfectly including 20+ seconds of friction.
8Understand mandatory reporting in Tennessee — immediate reporting of abuse, neglect, and misappropriation to the nurse supervisor and DOH.
9Focus on delegation and scope of practice questions — Role & Responsibility is 15% of the exam.
10Know the difference between the 24-month testing window and the 24-month renewal cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Tennessee CNA exam?

The Tennessee CNA competency evaluation is administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies LLP) on behalf of the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (HFC). The Tennessee Department of Health maintains the Nurse Aide Registry.

How many questions are on the Tennessee CNA Knowledge Test?

Effective October 21, 2024, the Tennessee Knowledge Test has 100 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. You need 75% (75 correct out of 100) to pass. The exam follows the Headmaster format with 12 subject areas. Previously, the exam had 75 questions until this update.

What does the Tennessee CNA Skills Test involve?

You must demonstrate 5 randomly selected skills/tasks. Handwashing is always included and must be performed first. The tasks are ranked by difficulty (Rank I, II, and III). You must complete all critical steps and achieve 80% overall accuracy to pass each skill.

How much does the Tennessee CNA exam cost?

The Knowledge Exam costs $98. The Clinical Skills Test fee varies by testing site. Fees are paid to Headmaster/D&S. Check the current fee schedule on the Headmaster website.

How long do I have to pass the Tennessee CNA exam?

You have 24 months from the date you complete your CNA training program to pass both the Knowledge Exam and Skills Test. If you don't pass within 24 months, you must retake the training program.

How many times can I take the Tennessee CNA exam?

You may attempt each test (Knowledge and Skills) multiple times within the 24-month testing window. There is no specific limit on attempts, but you must pass both portions within 24 months of training completion.

What training is required for Tennessee CNA certification?

Tennessee requires a minimum 75-hour training program: 60 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. The program must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Health.

How do I renew my Tennessee CNA certification?

Tennessee CNAs must renew every 24 months. Requirements include: performing at least 8 hours of paid nursing/nursing-related services and completing any required in-service education. Renewal is processed through the Tennessee Department of Health.

What is mandatory reporting in Tennessee?

Tennessee CNAs are mandatory reporters of abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident property. Reports must be made immediately to the nurse supervisor and the Tennessee Department of Health. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties and registry placement.