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498+ Free Washington CNA Practice Questions

Pass your Washington Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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The fire alarm sounds in the facility. Which action should the CNA take FIRST?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Washington CNA Exam

108

Training Hours

WA DOH

70

Written Questions

Credentia

10

Pretest Items

Credentia

$155

Exam Fee Total

WABON/Credentia

4

Written Attempts

Credentia

4 mo

NAR-to-NAC Nursing Home Rule

WA DOH

Washington CNA searchers are preparing for the official Washington Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) pathway. Current WABON guidance says candidates should pass the in-person skills test first, then register for the Credentia online written/oral knowledge exam. The written exam has 70 multiple-choice questions, including 10 pretest items, and the exam fee structure is $100 skills plus $55 written/oral.

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 498+ 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 Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) testing has two parts: an in-person skills test through a Washington training program or WABON regional skills process, and an online written or oral knowledge test handled by Credentia. Standard applicants complete at least 108 hours of Washington-approved training: 35 classroom/theory, 33 skills lab, and 40 facility/clinical hours.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours written + skills test

Passing Score

Set by Washington/Credentia; skills require critical elements plus enough total steps for the skill cut score

Exam Fee

$155 exam total: $100 skills + $55 written/oral (Washington State Board of Nursing / Washington DOH / Credentia)

Washington CNA Exam Content Outline

22%

Activities of Daily Living

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

35%

Basic Nursing Skills

Infection control, safety/emergency, therapeutic and technical procedures, and data collection/reporting.

7%

Self-care and Independence

Prevention, restorative support, resident independence, and safe assistance without over-helping.

10%

Psychosocial Care Skills

Emotional, mental health, spiritual, and cultural needs.

about 25%

Role of the Nurse Aide

Communication, resident rights, legal/ethical behavior, and member-of-team responsibilities.

How to Pass the Washington CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Set by Washington/Credentia; skills require critical elements plus enough total steps for the skill cut score
  • Exam length: 70 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours written + skills test
  • Exam fee: $155 exam total: $100 skills + $55 written/oral

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

1Treat Washington CNA as Washington NAC in official paperwork and registration.
2Confirm your eligibility route before scheduling, especially if you are not a recent Washington-approved program graduate.
3Pass the in-person skills test first, then register for the Credentia written or oral knowledge test.
4Use the October 2024 NNAAP outline: Basic Nursing Skills and ADLs are the largest knowledge domains.
5Practice skills with attention to critical element steps and enough total steps to meet the passing standard.
6Do not rely on outdated vendor instructions; Washington knowledge testing now uses Credentia.
7Know the four-attempt written/oral retake rule and the no-show/cancellation consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official name of the Washington CNA credential?

Most students search for Washington CNA, but Washington official pages use Nursing Assistant Certified, or NAC. The pathway involves Washington Board of Nursing and Department of Health credentialing, DSHS OBRA registry context, a skills test, and a Credentia written or oral knowledge exam.

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

Washington DOH requires at least 108 hours of training through a state-approved program for standard applicants. The required minimum is 35 hours of classroom/theory, 33 hours of skills labs, and 40 hours of facility/clinical training.

How many questions are on the Washington CNA written exam?

The Washington written knowledge exam has 70 multiple-choice questions and a two-hour time limit. Credentia states that 10 items are pretest, non-scored items. The oral option has 60 multiple-choice items plus 10 reading-comprehension or word-recognition items.

Do I take the Washington skills test or written test first?

Current Washington Board of Nursing guidance says exam candidates should take the skills test first and are expected to pass skills before registering for the written test. Testing out of order can delay certification, and applicants must pass both parts to be considered for certification.

Who administers the Washington CNA exams?

Current Washington guidance separates the two parts. Training programs now provide the skills test, with WABON regional scheduling available when needed. Credentia handles the online written or oral knowledge test in Washington.

What is the cost of the Washington CNA exam?

Current Washington guidance lists a $100 skills test fee and a $55 written or oral knowledge test fee, for a $155 exam total before training-program tuition or other credentialing costs. Nursing homes may be required to pay exam costs for covered employees under federal and Washington rules.

How many times can I retake the Washington written exam?

Credentia states that state and federal regulations allow four attempts to pass the written or oral examination. After four failures, the candidate must complete a state-approved training program and retake both parts. A new exam fee is required for each retake.

What is the difference between NAR and NAC in Washington?

NAR means Nursing Assistant Registered and does not require formal training. Nursing assistants registered and employed in a nursing home have four months to complete an approved training program and testing for certification. NAC means Nursing Assistant Certified and requires meeting training or eligibility requirements and passing the competency exam parts.