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498+ Free Virginia CNA Practice Questions

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Key Facts: Virginia CNA Exam

$140

Exam Fee (VA)

Credentia ($45+$95)

70

Written Questions

NNAAP format

Not published

Numeric Passing Cut

Credentia Virginia handbook

140 hrs

Min. Training Required

VA BON (eff. May 2023)

3

Attempts per Component

Credentia eligibility criteria

2 years / annual

Initial / Later Renewal

VA DHP

The Virginia CNA exam costs $140 total ($45 Written or Oral + $95 Skills). A current Virginia-approved program has at least 140 hours, including 20 skills-lab hours and 40 hours of direct clinical care. Candidates receive 70 knowledge items and five assigned skills, have three attempts per component within their eligibility window, and must complete both components within 24 months. Official numeric cut scores and statewide pass rates are not published. Initial certification expires after two years; subsequent renewal is annual with qualifying paid nursing-related 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 498+ 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 is Credentia's NNAAP knowledge and skills assessment for placement on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. The written option presents 70 multiple-choice items (60 scored and 10 pretest); the oral alternative presents 60 multiple-choice plus 10 word-recognition items. The skills evaluation assigns hand hygiene and four random skills for completion within 30 minutes.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours written + 30 min skills test

Passing Score

Official numeric cut scores are not published; pass both knowledge and all five assigned skills

Exam Fee

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

Virginia CNA Exam Content Outline

22% (13 scored questions)

Activities of Daily Living

Hygiene, dressing, grooming, nutrition, hydration, elimination, rest, sleep, and comfort

35% (21 scored questions)

Basic Nursing Skills

Infection control, safety, emergencies, therapeutic procedures, data collection, and reporting

7% (4 scored questions)

Self Care/Independence

Mobility, range of motion, assistive devices, and promoting independence

8% (5 scored questions)

Emotional and Mental Health Needs

Behavior, dementia, emotional support, mental health, and person-centered care

2% (1 scored question)

Spiritual and Cultural Needs

Respecting spiritual practices, culture, preferences, and dignity

7% (4 scored questions)

Communication

Resident, family, and care-team communication and reporting

8% (5 scored questions)

Client Rights

Privacy, choice, dignity, confidentiality, abuse prevention, and complaint rights

5% (3 scored questions)

Legal and Ethical Behavior

Scope, delegated tasks, documentation, mandatory reporting, and professional conduct

6% (4 scored questions)

Member of the Health Care Team

Role boundaries, supervision, assignments, care plans, and team responsibilities

How to Pass the Virginia CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Official numeric cut scores are not published; pass both knowledge and all five assigned 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

1Do not plan around an unofficial percentage; Credentia does not publish the Virginia numeric knowledge cut score
2Register through Credentia for the Virginia NNAAP exam
3Know that the written exam has 60 scored items plus 10 pretest items, while the oral alternative includes 10 word-recognition items
4Use the official nine-area NNAAP outline, led by Basic Nursing Skills (35%) and Activities of Daily Living (22%)
5Know Virginia Board of Nursing (DHP) regulations and mandatory reporting requirements
6Master all 23 listed clinical skills; hand hygiene is assigned every time and four others are selected randomly

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.

What score is required to pass the Virginia CNA exam?

Credentia and the Virginia Board do not publish a numeric knowledge cut score. Candidates must pass the knowledge component and all five assigned skills.

How many training hours does Virginia require?

Current Virginia-approved programs require at least 140 hours, including 20 skills-lab hours, 40 direct-clinical hours, and 24 hours before client contact.

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?

A Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facility may employ an individual as a nurse aide for up to four months while training and competency requirements are completed.