Free California CNA Exam Prep
California Certified Nursing Assistant
Prepare for the California CNA exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
Quick Facts
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California Certified Nursing Assistant Exam Prep 2026-2027: Complete Study Guide with 500+ Practice Questions & Detailed Answer Explanations
By Nash, Bernadine Bethany
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California CNA License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation
Complete CDPH-Approved 160-Hour Training
Enroll in and complete a California CDPH-approved training program (160 hours: 60 classroom/theory + 100 supervised clinical). Additional skills lab time is useful but CDPH does not count it toward the required classroom or clinical hours.
Master California-Specific RegulationsYou are here
Study Title 22 regulations, the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA), CDPH Nurse Aide Registry requirements, California POLST forms, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Basic Nursing Skills & Safety
Master vital signs, repositioning based on each resident's needs (22 CCR 72315), catheter care, fall prevention, RACE/PASS fire response, elopement prevention (WanderGuard), and infection control (Cal/OSHA standards).
Skills Test Practice
Practice the manual skills for your testing vendor's hands-on test. D&SDT-Headmaster assigns 3 or 4 tasks in 30 minutes, starting with a mandatory task that includes embedded soap-and-water handwashing; Credentia and the Regional Testing Center assign 5 skills in 30 minutes, always including handwashing and one measurement skill. Common California skills include urine output measurement, catheter/perineal care, blood pressure, gait belt ambulation, range of motion, and positioning.
Can You Take the California CNA Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Training program must be CDPH-approved under Title 22 regulations
- •Must pass BOTH the written/knowledge exam (75% with D&SDT-Headmaster; 70% with the Regional Testing Center) AND the skills demonstration test
- •TB test (tuberculin skin test or chest X-ray) required before clinical training
- •Health clearance and immunization verification required by most clinical sites
- •California requires COVID-19 vaccination proof for most healthcare facility clinical sites
- •Criminal convictions reviewed by CDPH — contact cna@cdph.ca.gov for pre-screening (916-327-2445)
California CNA Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
2-8 weeks after completing 160-hour training
From start to license in hand
Exam Provider
CDPH-approved vendors: D&SDT-Headmaster, Credentia, or Regional Testing Center (not Prometric)
Retake Policy
California candidates have 3 attempts to pass each exam portion within 2 years of training-program completion; the D&SDT-Headmaster, Credentia, and Regional Testing Center handbooks all state this rule. If the 2-year window expires or attempts are exhausted, you must complete a new CDPH-approved training program before further attempts. Each retake is scheduled and paid through your testing vendor.
Total Cost Breakdown
Free California CNA Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: Not published by CDPH. These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.
606+ Practice Questions
Practice by topic with detailed answer explanations
AI Tutor Explains Mistakes
Understand why answers are wrong, not just which ones
Independent Study Resources
Check the exam sponsor for current requirements
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What You'll Study
6 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Chapter 1: Certification and Exam Process
3 sections
Chapter 2: Role, Resident Rights, and Communication
4 sections
Chapter 3: Safety and Infection Control
4 sections
Chapter 4: Basic Nursing Skills
4 sections
Chapter 5: Specialized and Restorative Care
3 sections
Chapter 6: California Law, Disease Processes, and Final Prep
2 sections
California CNA Exam Details
California Certified Nursing Assistant
Administered by California Department of Public Health (CDPH) via approved vendors D&SDT-Headmaster, Credentia, or Regional Testing Center
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official California Department of Public Health (CDPH) via approved vendors D&SDT-Headmaster, Credentia, or Regional Testing Center content outline
Vital signs, positioning, transfers, nutrition, catheter care, data collection and reporting
Fall prevention, fire safety (RACE/PASS), elopement prevention (WanderGuard), body mechanics, emergency response
California Title 22 resident rights, privacy, mail/telephone rights, advance directives, POLST, financial rights, Ombudsman
Scope of practice under CDPH, delegation, CDPH Nurse Aide Registry, mandated reporting (EADACPA)
Hand hygiene, PPE, standard/transmission-based precautions, Cal/OSHA bloodborne pathogen requirements
Dementia care, sundowning, depression recognition, therapeutic communication, validation therapy
Alzheimer's behaviors, redirection techniques, safety in memory care units, MDS assessment role
SBAR reporting, therapeutic communication, language and interpreter needs, objective documentation
ADL assistance, bed bath technique, oral care, nail care (diabetic restrictions), dressing with hemiplegia
I&O measurement, objective vs. subjective data, incident and unusual-occurrence reporting (22 CCR 72541)
CHF, COPD, diabetes, stroke (FAST), pressure injury staging, DVT recognition, seizure care
Normal aging changes, contracture prevention, ROM exercises, ambulation assistance, restorative nursing
What's Included
6 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
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What's Next After the California CNA?
After passing the California CNA, you can pursue these career paths
California CNA Exam FAQ
Official California Department of Public Health (CDPH) via approved vendors D&SDT-Headmaster, Credentia, or Regional Testing Center Resources
Verify information with these official sources
More Free Resources
Ready to Start Your Free California CNA Prep?
Review the study guide, practice key concepts, and use the free tools at your own pace.