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Free North Carolina CNA Exam Prep

North Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant

Pass your North Carolina CNA exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

North Carolina CNA License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to maximize your chances of passing on the first try

1

Complete NC DHHS-Approved CNA Training

Enroll in and complete a North Carolina DHHS-approved Nurse Aide I training program (minimum 75 hours). Programs offered at community colleges, nursing facilities, and vocational schools throughout North Carolina.

0
hours
2

Basic Nursing Skills & Personal Care (57% of Exam)You are here

Master the two largest content areas: vital signs, body mechanics, repositioning, transfers, bathing sequences, catheter care, ROM exercises, and proper documentation.

30
hours
3

Client Rights, Legal/Ethical Behavior & NC Regulations

Focus on OBRA resident rights, HIPAA, NC Nurse Aide Registry requirements (NCDHHS), mandated reporting, scope of practice, and the NC Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.

20
hours
4

Infection Control, Safety & Emergency Response

Study hand hygiene, PPE selection, standard/transmission-based precautions, fall prevention, fire safety (RACE/PASS), restraint alternatives, and emergency procedures.

15
hours
5

Clinical Skills Practice

Practice all clinical skills from the Credentia skills list. Handwashing is always included. Simulate the skills test under timed conditions.

15
hours
Estimated total study time
80 hours
That's about 8 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the North Carolina CNA Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
16 years or older
Education
Complete a North Carolina DHHS-approved Nurse Aide I Training Program (minimum 75 hours)
Background Check
Required — criminal background check for registry listing
Fingerprinting
May be required by employer
Additional Requirements
  • Must pass both the Written/Oral Examination (70 questions, 120 min) AND the Clinical Skills Evaluation (5 randomly selected skills)
  • Maximum 3 attempts within 2 years of completing training; must retake training after exhausting attempts or exceeding 2-year window
  • Online written exam available through Credentia with live proctoring
  • NC Nurse Aide Registry managed by NCDHHS
  • Registry renewal every 24 months: must demonstrate paid nurse aide work during the renewal period

North Carolina CNA Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

2-6 weeks after completing training (schedule through Credentia)

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

Credentia (on behalf of NC DHHS)

Remote Testing Available
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Maximum 3 attempts within 2 years of completing training. After exhausting 3 attempts or exceeding 2 years, must complete a new NC DHHS-approved training program before retesting.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$178 (Written + Skills combined)
Background Check$25-60
Pre-License Education$500-2,000 (CNA training program, varies by school)
Total Estimated Cost$603-2,238 total (training + exam + background check)
Why Choose Us

Free North Carolina CNA Prep That Actually Works

The official pass rate is ~70-80% (first-time, NC Credentia NNAAP). Our students do better.

200+ Practice Questions

More free questions than most paid courses

AI Tutor Explains Mistakes

Understand why answers are wrong, not just which ones

Updated for 2026

Content reflects latest exam changes

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What You'll Study

6 chapters covering everything you need to pass

North Carolina CNA Exam Details

North Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant

Administered by Credentia / NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

Official Source
Pass/Fail (written) + 100% satisfactory on all clinical skills
Passing Score
70
Questions
120
Minutes
$178 total (written + skills)
Exam Fee
Study time: 50-100 hours
Prerequisites: Complete a North Carolina DHHS-approved Nurse Aide I Training Program (minimum 75 hours)
Valid for: 2 years — must work as CNA every 24 months to renew

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official Credentia / NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) content outline

Basic Nursing Skills35%

Vital signs, positioning, transfers, ROM, nutrition, I&O, wound observation, body mechanics, catheter care

Personal Care / ADL22%

Bathing, grooming, dressing, perineal care, oral hygiene, nail care, elimination, fluid management

Emotional & Mental Health8%

Depression, dementia, Alzheimer's, grief, end-of-life care, behavioral approaches

Client Rights8%

Privacy, dignity, right to refuse, advance directives, HIPAA, ombudsman program

Communication7%

Therapeutic communication, documentation, SBAR, reporting changes, HIPAA

Restorative / Self-Care7%

Restorative programs, independence, assistive devices, aging changes, contracture prevention

Member of the Health Care Team6%

Delegation, interdisciplinary team, care planning, chain of command, professional behavior

Legal & Ethical Behavior5%

NC scope of practice, NCDHHS registry, mandated reporting, OBRA requirements

Spiritual & Cultural Needs2%

Cultural competence, religious accommodation, spiritual support

What's Included

6 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

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What's Next After the North Carolina CNA?

After passing the North Carolina CNA, you can pursue these career paths

North Carolina CNA Exam FAQ

Official Credentia / NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Resources

Verify information with these official sources

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