200+ Free Wisconsin CNA Practice Questions

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When assisting a Wisconsin nursing home resident with a complete bed bath, which area should the CNA wash LAST?

The face and neck

The arms and chest

The back and buttocks

The perineal area

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Wisconsin CNA Exam

$125

Exam Fee (WI)

Headmaster

Written Questions

Headmaster

71%

Written Passing Score

Unique to Wisconsin

90 min

Written Time Limit

Headmaster

75 hrs

Min. Training Required

Wisconsin DHS

24 hrs

Abuse Reporting Deadline

Chapter DHS 83

The Wisconsin CNA exam is administered by Headmaster and costs $125. Wisconsin requires a DHS-approved training program (minimum 75 hours). The written test has 75 questions in 90 minutes with a 71% passing score — a unique threshold specific to Wisconsin. Maximum 3 attempts per test section before needing to repeat training. Mandatory abuse/neglect reporting within 24 hours to administrator or DHS. Governed by Chapter DHS 83. Renewal every 24 months with proof of at least one paid nursing service. Wisconsin Caregiver Law background check required.

Sample Wisconsin CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin nursing home resident with a complete bed bath, which area should the CNA wash LAST?

A.The face and neck

B.The arms and chest

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. Wisconsin DHS regulations under DHS 83.22 require CNAs to follow proper infection control practices during personal care.

2A resident at a Wisconsin 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

B.Dress the right (stronger) side first to maintain independence

C.Have the resident choose which side to dress first

D.Call the nurse for assistance with all dressing

Explanation: The correct technique is to dress the weak or affected side first and undress the strong side first. When dressing the left (weaker) side 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."

3While providing oral care to an unconscious resident at a Wisconsin facility, the CNA should position the resident:

A.Flat on the back (supine) for stability

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 emphasized in Wisconsin-approved CNA training programs per DHS 129.04.

4A Wisconsin nursing facility resident requests that the CNA leave the room during a bed bath. The CNA should:

A.Refuse and explain that the bath is required

B.Leave but check back every 5 minutes

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

D.Notify the nurse of non-compliance

Explanation: Residents have the right to privacy and to refuse or modify care per OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), enforced in Wisconsin facilities by DHS Division of Quality Assurance. The CNA should work with the resident to find an acceptable approach. Wisconsin's Patient Rights Law (Wis. Stat. § 50.09) specifically guarantees nursing home residents the right to privacy during personal care.

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

A.Clip toenails straight across and file smooth

B.Refer all nail care to the nurse or podiatrist

C.Soak feet for 20 minutes before clipping

D.Apply lotion between the toes after care

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 per Wisconsin scope of practice. The CNA can clean feet but must refer nail trimming to licensed professionals.

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

A.Store them dry in a labeled container

B.Rinse with hot water and store in a drawer

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

D.Wrap them in a tissue on the bedside table

Explanation: Dentures should be stored in a labeled container with cool water or denture cleanser solution. Hot water can warp dentures. Storing them dry can cause plastic to crack. Tissues are inappropriate because dentures can accidentally be thrown away. Each resident's denture container must be labeled with their name per Wisconsin facility standards.

7While assisting with perineal care for a female resident with a urinary catheter at a Wisconsin facility, 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.Starting from outer areas moving toward the 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 reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Wisconsin DHS requires proper catheter care techniques to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

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

A.Place the bedpan and leave for 30 minutes

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

C.Position the resident flat on their back

D.Remove the bedpan immediately without covering

Explanation: When using a bedpan, warm a cold metal bedpan by running warm water over it (cold metal can cause discomfort). Always ensure privacy and leave the call light within reach. The resident should be raised to 30-45 degrees when possible. Cover the bedpan when removing it to maintain dignity.

9A Wisconsin 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 discovery to prevent skin breakdown

C.After getting nurse approval

D.Only if the resident complains

Explanation: Soiled briefs must be changed immediately to prevent skin breakdown, pressure injuries, and infections. Prolonged contact with waste causes skin maceration that can progress to serious pressure injuries. Wisconsin DHS DHS 83.22 requires facilities to maintain skin integrity through prompt incontinence care.

10A resident with hand contractures is receiving a bed bath at a Wisconsin facility. When cleaning between the fingers, the CNA should:

A.Force the fingers open to clean thoroughly

B.Gently open the hand and clean without forcing the joints

C.Skip this area to avoid pain

D.Use a cotton swab to insert between closed fingers

Explanation: Residents with contractures have permanently flexed joints. The CNA should work within the resident's range of motion, carefully opening the hand as much as is comfortable without forcing the joints. Forcing contracted joints can cause severe pain, muscle tears, or fractures. Skipping hygiene in flexed areas leads to skin breakdown.

About the Wisconsin CNA Exam

The Wisconsin CNA exam certifies nursing assistants to provide basic patient care in Wisconsin. Administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) under the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), it includes a 75-question written knowledge test and a 5-skill clinical demonstration. Governed by Chapter DHS 83.

Questions

75 scored questions

Time Limit

90 min written + 30 min skills test

Passing Score

71% written + 100% skills

Exam Fee

$125 (Headmaster (D&S) / Wisconsin DHS)

Wisconsin CNA Exam Content Outline

35%

Physical Care Skills - Basic Nursing

Vital signs, infection control, PPE, Standard Precautions, fall prevention, body mechanics, positioning, transfers, emergency response

22%

Physical Care Skills - ADL

Bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, dressing, toileting, perineal care, nutrition/hydration, feeding, elimination

12%

Psychosocial - Emotional & Mental Health

Dementia/Alzheimer's care, therapeutic communication, depression, grief, behavioral interventions

Role - Communication

Reporting observations, documentation, SBAR, HIPAA, healthcare team communication

Role - Client Rights

OBRA 1987 rights, Wisconsin resident rights, dignity, privacy, right to refuse, advance directives

Physical Care Skills - Restorative

ROM exercises, ambulation, assistive devices, self-care independence, bowel/bladder retraining

Role - Legal & Ethical

Wisconsin DHS scope of practice, mandatory reporting within 24 hours, Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry

Psychosocial - Spiritual & Cultural Needs

Cultural competency, religious accommodations, spiritual support

How to Pass the Wisconsin CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 71% written + 100% skills
Exam length: 75 questions
Time limit: 90 min written + 30 min skills test
Exam fee: $125

Keys to Passing

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

Wisconsin CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Wisconsin requires 71% to pass — slightly higher than the common 70% standard

2Schedule through Headmaster at hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/wisconsin/

3Know Chapter DHS 83 — the Wisconsin code governing CNA training and certification

4Mandatory abuse/neglect reporting within 24 hours to your administrator or DHS

5Basic Nursing Skills (35%) and ADL (22%) together make up 57% — master these first

6Wisconsin Caregiver Law requires a separate background check before employment

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Wisconsin CNA exam?

Wisconsin CNA exams are administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) under the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). Schedule through hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/wisconsin/.

What is the Wisconsin CNA passing score?

Wisconsin requires 71% on the written test — a unique threshold specific to Wisconsin. Most states require 70% or 75%. You also must pass all critical steps on the 5 clinical skills with 100% accuracy.

What is Chapter DHS 83?

Chapter DHS 83 is the Wisconsin administrative code that governs nurse aide training, testing, and registry requirements. It defines scope of practice, training program standards, and certification requirements for Wisconsin CNAs.

What is the Wisconsin Caregiver Law?

The Wisconsin Caregiver Law requires background checks for all individuals working in care settings, including CNAs. This background check must be completed before employment and is separate from the CNA exam process.

How do I renew my Wisconsin CNA certification?

Wisconsin CNA certification renews every 24 months with proof of at least one paid nursing service during the renewal period. After passing, Headmaster reports results to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry maintained by DHS.