CNA Exam Prep Guide

The California Nurse Assistant Certification Exam is the final step between you and your CNA career. Here's everything you need to know to pass it.

Exam Format

The exam has two parts. The written (or oral) knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions. You have two hours to complete it. The clinical skills test requires you to demonstrate five randomly selected nursing skills in front of an evaluator.

What the Written Test Covers

Questions cover nine content areas: patient rights, communication, safety and emergency procedures, infection control, personal care skills, mental health needs, care of the cognitively impaired, basic nursing skills, and restorative care. Most questions test practical knowledge, not memorization.

What the Skills Test Requires

You'll perform five nursing assistant skills from a standardized list. Common skills include hand washing, taking vital signs, positioning patients, range of motion exercises, catheter care, and feeding assistance. Each skill has specific steps that must be completed in order.

How to Study

Practice the skills repeatedly. The skills test is pass-fail on each skill, and you must pass all five. For the written test, use practice exams that mirror the actual format. Focus on understanding why something is done, not just what to do. CNA Pathways includes full exam preparation with practice tests and skills demonstrations as part of the program.

Exam Day Tips

Arrive early. Bring two forms of identification. For the skills test, talk through what you're doing as you perform each skill. Evaluators want to see that you understand the reasoning. Read every written question twice before answering. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first.

What If You Don't Pass?

You can retake each section separately. If you pass the written test but not the skills test, you only need to retake the skills portion. California allows multiple retake attempts. Most students who complete an approved training program pass on their first attempt.