200+ Free Washington CNA Practice Questions

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When providing a complete bed bath for a resident in a Washington nursing facility, which body area should the CNA wash LAST?

The face and neck

The arms and chest

The perineal area

The back and buttocks

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Washington CNA Exam

108

Training Hours Required

WA DOH - highest in US

Written Questions

Credentia exam

75-85%

First-Time Pass Rate

Industry estimate

$155

Total Exam Fee

$100 skills + $55 written

2 years

Certification Period

Renews on birthday

4 months

NAR to NAC Deadline

For nursing home workers

The Washington CNA exam uses Credentia for the 70-question written exam ($55) and training programs administer the skills test ($100). Total cost is $155. Washington requires 108 hours of training (35 classroom + 33 lab + 40 clinical). Skills test must be passed before registering for the written exam. Credentials renew every 2 years on the holder's birthday.

Sample Washington CNA Practice Questions

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

1When providing a complete bed bath for a resident in a Washington nursing facility, which body area should the CNA wash LAST?

A.The face and neck

B.The arms and chest

C.The perineal area

D.The back and buttocks

Explanation: The perineal area (genital and anal area) should always be washed last during a complete bed bath to prevent cross-contamination. Bathing should proceed from cleanest to dirtiest areas: face, neck, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, buttocks, and finally the perineal area. This sequence minimizes the risk of spreading microorganisms and causing urinary tract infections.

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

A.Dress the left (weaker) side first to minimize discomfort and strain

B.Dress the right (stronger) side first to prevent muscle fatigue

C.Have the resident choose which side to dress first

D.Dress both sides simultaneously to speed up the process

Explanation: When dressing a resident with one-sided weakness, always dress the affected (weaker) side first and undress it last. This technique reduces pain, prevents injury, and makes dressing easier because the weaker limb can be positioned in the garment before the stronger side. When undressing, remove the garment from the strong side first.

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

A.Flat on the back to prevent aspiration

B.In a sitting position at 90 degrees

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

D.In the prone (face-down) position

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 (flat on back) position is dangerous for unconscious patients because secretions and fluids can pool in the throat and be aspirated, potentially causing pneumonia or death.

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

A.Refuse, as CNAs must maintain visual contact at all times

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

C.Leave the room and return in 30 minutes

D.Explain that privacy is not allowed for safety reasons

Explanation: Residents have the right to privacy and dignity per OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) regulations enforced by the Washington State Department of Health. The CNA should work with the resident to find an acceptable approach, such as allowing the resident to wash certain areas independently while remaining nearby for safety.

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

A.Clip toenails straight across and file smooth

B.Soak feet for 30 minutes to soften the nails before clipping

C.Refer all nail care to the nurse or podiatrist

D.Apply lotion between the toes after nail care

Explanation: CNAs should NOT clip the toenails of diabetic residents. Diabetics have reduced circulation and nerve 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 may soak and clean the feet but must refer nail trimming to licensed professionals.

6A resident at a Washington 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 sanitize them

Explanation: Dentures should be stored in a labeled container filled with cool water or denture cleanser solution when not being worn. Hot water can warp dentures, causing them to not fit properly. Storing them dry can cause the plastic to crack or distort. Tissues are inappropriate because dentures can accidentally be thrown away.

7When providing perineal care to a female resident with an indwelling catheter in a Washington facility, the CNA should clean:

A.From the catheter insertion site outward using clean strokes

B.In a circular motion around the catheter

C.From back to front using gentle pressure

D.Only the outside areas, avoiding the catheter

Explanation: Catheter perineal care should be performed starting from the urethral meatus (catheter insertion site) and moving outward away from the body, using a clean stroke each time. This technique, along with cleaning the catheter tubing for several inches, reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

8When assisting a resident with using a bedpan in a Washington nursing facility, the CNA should FIRST:

A.Warm the bedpan if it is metal

B.Position the resident flat on their back

C.Leave the room to provide privacy for 30 minutes

D.Document that the bedpan was provided

Explanation: When using a metal bedpan, the CNA should first warm it by running warm water over it. Cold metal can cause discomfort and skin injury. After warming, position the resident comfortably with the head elevated 30-45 degrees if possible, provide privacy with the call light within reach, and never leave a resident on a bedpan for extended periods.

9A CNA in Washington discovers a resident's incontinence brief is soiled. The CNA should change it:

A.Immediately upon discovery

B.Only at scheduled times to maintain routine

C.After finishing other assigned tasks

D.Only if the resident complains of discomfort

Explanation: Soiled briefs must be changed immediately upon discovery to prevent skin breakdown, pressure injuries, and infections. Prolonged contact with urine and feces causes skin maceration and irritation that can quickly progress to serious pressure injuries. This is a key quality measure in Washington nursing facilities regulated by the Department of Health.

10When making an occupied bed for a resident in a Washington nursing facility, the CNA should:

A.Remove all linens at once before applying clean sheets

B.Work from one side at a time with the far side rail up for safety

C.Lower both side rails to make the bed quickly

D.Have two CNAs change the linens simultaneously

Explanation: When making an occupied bed, raise the bed to working height, then lower the rail on the working side while keeping the far side rail UP to prevent the resident from falling. Work from one side at a time, rolling the resident from side to side as needed. Removing all linens at once exposes the resident unnecessarily and removes the protective barrier.

About the Washington CNA Exam

Washington State Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) exam using Credentia testing. Tests Physical Care Skills (ADLs, Basic Nursing), Psychosocial Care Skills, and Role of the Nurse Aide. Washington requires 108 hours of training (35 classroom + 33 lab + 40 clinical), the highest in the nation. Prepare with 200+ practice questions aligned with Washington State DOH and NCQAC requirements.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours written + skills test

Passing Score

Passing score set by DOH + 100% skills (critical steps)

Exam Fee

$155 (Credentia / Washington State Department of Health)

Washington CNA Exam Content Outline

61%

Physical Care Skills

Activities of Daily Living (22% - hygiene, dressing, grooming, nutrition), Basic Nursing Skills (35% - vital signs, positioning, infection control), and Restorative Skills (4% - range of motion, assistive devices)

13%

Psychosocial Care Skills

Emotional and Mental Health Needs (8% - caring for cognitively impaired, behavioral health, depression), Spiritual and Cultural Needs (5% - cultural competence, end-of-life care)

26%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Communication (7%), Residents' Rights (8%), Legal and Ethical Behavior (5%), and Member of the Healthcare Team (6%)

How to Pass the Washington CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Passing score set by DOH + 100% skills (critical steps)
Exam length: 70 questions
Time limit: 2 hours written + skills test
Exam fee: $155

Keys to Passing

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

Washington CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master hand hygiene - it is always tested in the skills exam

2Study Washington-specific regulations including 108-hour training requirements and mandatory reporting laws

3Focus on Physical Care Skills (61% of written exam) - especially Basic Nursing Skills

4Practice all 22 skills until you can perform them without prompts

5Remember that critical steps must be performed 100% correctly - missing one means automatic failure

6Understand the difference between NAR and NAC designations

7Know the Department of Health reporting requirements for abuse and neglect

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of training are required for Washington CNA certification?

Washington requires 108 hours of training through a state-approved program - the highest requirement in the nation. This includes 35 hours of classroom/theory, 33 hours of skills labs, and 40 hours of clinical training in a nursing facility. This exceeds the federal minimum of 75 hours.

How many questions are on the Washington CNA written exam?

The Washington CNA written exam has 70 multiple-choice questions. You have 2 hours to complete the exam. The exam is administered online by Credentia. You must pass the skills test before registering for the written exam.

What is the cost of the Washington CNA exam?

The Washington CNA exam costs $155 total: $100 for the skills test (paid to your training program or testing site) and $55 for the written exam (paid to Credentia). These fees are subject to change.

What is the passing score for the Washington CNA exam?

The passing score for the written exam is set by the Washington State Department of Health. For the skills test, you must perform 100% of critical steps correctly for each skill. Missing any critical step results in automatic failure of that skill.

How do I register for the Washington CNA exam?

You must first pass the skills test administered by your training program or an approved testing site. After passing skills, you will receive information to register for the written exam through Credentia. You will need your NAC credential number to register.

How often must I renew my Washington CNA certification?

Washington CNA certifications must be renewed every 2 years on the holder's birthday. To renew, you must have worked at least once providing nursing or nursing-related services for compensation during the 2-year period. Renewal is handled through the Washington State Department of Health.

What is the difference between NAR and NAC in Washington?

NAR (Nursing Assistant-Registered) is an entry-level designation requiring no training that allows work in nursing homes while completing training. NARs must become NAC (Nursing Assistant-Certified) within 4 months. NAC is the full certification requiring 108 hours of training and passing both exams.