200+ Free Virginia CNA Practice Questions

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When assisting a Virginia nursing home resident with a complete bed bath, which area should be washed LAST?

The face and neck

The arms and hands

The back and buttocks

The perineal area

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Virginia CNA Exam

$140

Exam Fee (VA)

Credentia ($45+$95)

Written Questions

NNAAP format

80%

Written Passing Score

Highest in nation

140 hrs

Min. Training Required

VA BON (eff. May 2023)

120 days

Provisional Work Period

VA BON

2 years

Renewal Cycle

VA DHP

The Virginia CNA exam is administered by Credentia and costs $140 total ($45 Written/Oral + $95 Skills). Virginia requires 140 hours of CNA training (effective May 2023; programs started before May 2023: 120 hours). The written test has 70 questions in 2 hours with an 80% passing score — one of the highest passing thresholds in the nation. Skills test evaluates 5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes. Must pass both exams within 24 months of training. Virginia offers a 120-day provisional work period while awaiting certification. Renewal every 2 years with proof of paid nursing work.

Sample Virginia CNA Practice Questions

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

1When assisting a Virginia nursing home resident with a complete bed bath, which area should be washed LAST?

A.The face and neck

B.The arms and hands

C.The back and buttocks

D.The perineal area

Explanation: The perineal area should always be washed last during a complete bed bath, moving from the cleanest area (face) to the dirtiest (perineal). This prevents cross-contamination and reduces infection risk. This principle is emphasized in Virginia Board of Nursing regulations for nurse aide training programs.

2A resident at a Virginia long-term care facility has left-sided weakness following a stroke. When helping the resident get dressed, the CNA should:

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

B.Dress the left (weaker) arm first to minimize discomfort

C.Have the resident choose which arm to dress first

D.Ask the nurse for permission before assisting with dressing

Explanation: The correct technique is to dress the weak or affected side first and undress the strong side first. When dressing the weaker arm first, the garment is positioned over the arm with limited mobility before threading the stronger arm through. This reduces pain and injury risk. The mnemonic is: "Dress the worst first, undress the best first."

3When providing oral care to an unconscious resident at a Virginia nursing facility, the CNA should position the resident:

A.Flat on the back to prevent neck strain

B.In a sitting position at 90 degrees

C.On the side (lateral position) with the head turned to allow drainage

D.Prone (face-down) to keep the airway clear

Explanation: An unconscious resident must be positioned on their side (lateral/Sims position) with the head turned during oral care to prevent aspiration of fluids into the lungs. The supine position is dangerous because secretions and fluids can pool in the throat and be aspirated. This is a critical safety measure taught in all Virginia Board of Nursing-approved CNA training programs.

4A resident at a Virginia nursing facility requests privacy during a bed bath. The CNA should:

A.Refuse and explain that continuous observation is required

B.Leave the room but check back every 2 minutes

C.Respect the resident's right to privacy and modify the approach

D.Notify the charge nurse that the resident is refusing care

Explanation: Residents have the right to privacy and to refuse or modify care per OBRA regulations, enforced in Virginia by the Department of Health Professions and Department of Health. The CNA should work with the resident to find an acceptable approach, such as having the resident wash certain areas independently or draping appropriately.

5When performing nail care for a diabetic resident at a Virginia long-term care facility, the CNA should:

A.Clip toenails straight across and file smooth

B.Clip and round the toenails to prevent ingrown nails

C.Refer all nail care for diabetic residents to the nurse or podiatrist

D.Soak feet for 30 minutes before clipping to soften nails

Explanation: CNAs should NOT clip the toenails of diabetic residents. Diabetics have reduced circulation and sensation in the feet, making even minor cuts potentially serious. Toenail care for diabetic residents must be performed by a nurse or licensed podiatrist. The CNA can soak and clean feet but must refer nail trimming to licensed professionals per Virginia scope of practice.

6A resident at a Virginia nursing facility has dentures. When storing dentures overnight, the CNA should:

A.Store them dry in a labeled container

B.Place them in a labeled container with cool water or denture solution

C.Wrap them in a tissue and place on the bedside table

D.Store them in hot water to kill bacteria

Explanation: Dentures should be stored in a labeled container with cool water or denture cleanser solution. Hot water can warp dentures; storing dry can cause cracking. Tissues are inappropriate because dentures can be accidentally thrown away. Virginia regulations require all personal items, including dentures, to be properly labeled with the resident's name.

7When assisting a female resident with perineal care following urinary catheter use in Virginia, the CNA should clean:

A.In a circular motion around the catheter tubing

B.From the catheter insertion site outward using a clean stroke each time

C.Back to front using gentle pressure

D.From the outer areas moving toward the catheter insertion site

Explanation: Catheter perineal care should start from the urethral meatus (insertion site) and move outward, using a clean stroke each time to avoid introducing bacteria toward the urethra. This technique, along with cleaning the tubing for several inches, reduces catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which Virginia nursing facilities closely monitor.

8When helping a resident use a bedpan at a Virginia nursing facility, the CNA should:

A.Place the bedpan and leave for 15 minutes

B.Warm a metal bedpan before use and provide privacy with call light within reach

C.Position the resident flat on the back with legs elevated

D.Remove the bedpan uncovered to check contents

Explanation: When using a bedpan, warm cold metal bedpans with warm water to prevent discomfort. Always ensure privacy and leave the call light within reach. The resident should be in a semi-sitting position (30-45 degrees) when possible. Cover the bedpan when removing it to maintain dignity.

9A Virginia CNA notices a resident's incontinence brief is soiled. The CNA should change it:

A.Only at scheduled times to maintain routine

B.Immediately upon discovering it is soiled

C.After informing the charge nurse

D.Only if the resident complains of discomfort

Explanation: Soiled briefs must be changed immediately to prevent skin breakdown, pressure injuries, and infections. Prolonged contact with waste causes skin maceration and irritation that can progress to serious pressure injuries. Virginia nursing homes are inspected by the Department of Health for proper incontinence care.

10A resident with contractures in both hands is receiving a bed bath. When cleaning between the fingers, the CNA should:

A.Force the fingers open to clean thoroughly

B.Gently work within the resident's range of motion without forcing joints

C.Skip this area to avoid causing pain

D.Use a cotton swab to insert between closed fingers

Explanation: Residents with contractures have permanently flexed joints. The CNA should gently work within the resident's range of motion, carefully opening the hand as much as comfortable, then cleaning between fingers without forcing. Forcing joints can cause severe pain, tears, or fractures. Skipping hygiene leads to skin breakdown and infection.

About the Virginia CNA Exam

The Virginia CNA exam certifies nursing assistants to provide basic patient care in Virginia. Administered by Credentia using the NNAAP format under the Virginia Board of Nursing (part of the Department of Health Professions/DHP), it includes a 70-question written/oral test and a 5-skill clinical demonstration. Virginia requires 140 hours of training effective May 2023.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours written + 30 min skills test

Passing Score

80% written + 100% skills

Exam Fee

$140 (Credentia / Virginia Board of Nursing (DHP))

Virginia CNA Exam Content Outline

35%

Basic Nursing Skills

Vital signs, positioning, transfers, ROM, infection control, safety

22%

Personal Care Skills

Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, perineal care, oral care, nutrition

18%

Psychosocial Care

Emotional/mental health needs, cultural competence, spiritual needs, dementia care

13%

Legal/Ethical

Residents' rights, HIPAA, abuse reporting, advance directives, ethics

10%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Scope of practice, delegation, communication, documentation, healthcare team

Virginia Regulations

Board of Nursing rules, 140-hour training, renewal requirements, registry

How to Pass the Virginia CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80% written + 100% skills
Exam length: 70 questions
Time limit: 2 hours written + 30 min skills test
Exam fee: $140

Keys to Passing

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

Virginia CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Virginia requires 80% to pass — study thoroughly as this is higher than most states

2Register through Credentia for the Virginia NNAAP exam

3Virginia requires 140 hours of training (effective May 2023) — one of the highest in the nation

4Psychosocial Care (18%) and Legal/Ethical (13%) together make up 31% — study these carefully

5Know Virginia Board of Nursing (DHP) regulations and mandatory reporting requirements

6Master all clinical skills — 5 are randomly selected from the full skills list

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Virginia CNA exam?

Virginia CNA exams are administered by Credentia using the NNAAP format under the Virginia Board of Nursing (part of the Department of Health Professions/DHP). Register through Credentia.

Why does Virginia require 80% to pass?

Virginia requires 80% on the written/oral exam — one of the highest passing thresholds for CNA exams in the nation. Most states require only 70-75%. This reflects Virginia's commitment to ensuring nursing assistants have strong foundational knowledge.

How many training hours does Virginia require?

Virginia requires 140 hours of CNA training (effective May 2023), including at least 40 hours of clinical training in a nursing facility. Programs started before May 2023 may follow the previous 120-hour requirement.

How much does the Virginia CNA exam cost?

The Virginia CNA exam costs $140 total, broken down as $45 for the Written/Oral exam and $95 for the Clinical Skills exam, paid through Credentia.

Can I work while waiting for Virginia CNA certification?

Yes, Virginia offers a 120-day provisional work period while awaiting certification. During this period you can work as a nurse aide under supervision while your certification is being processed.