What Are Some Questions on the CNA Test? Examples & Tips
Published September 7, 2026
If you're preparing to become a Certified Nurse Aide, you've probably asked yourself, "What are some questions on the CNA test?" Understanding the format and content of the CNA exam is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and boost your score. The CNA test is divided into two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills test. This guide focuses on the written portion, giving you real examples of the types of questions you'll encounter, along with tips for answering them correctly.
Understanding the CNA Written Exam
The written CNA exam typically consists of 60 to 75 multiple-choice questions. You'll be given about 90 minutes to complete it. The questions cover a range of topics that reflect the daily responsibilities of a nurse aide. While the exact content varies by state, most exams are based on the federal nurse aide training curriculum and focus on the following areas:
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
- Basic Nursing Skills: vital signs, infection control, safety, and mobility.
- Psychosocial Care: communication, patient rights, and emotional support.
- Role of the Nurse Aide: legal and ethical responsibilities, teamwork, and scope of practice.
- Specialized Care: caring for residents with dementia, diabetes, or other conditions.
To get a feel for the real test, you can try a free CNA practice test with answers that simulates the exam experience.
Sample CNA Test Questions by Category
1. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Questions
ADL questions assess your ability to help residents with everyday tasks. Here are a few examples:
- Question: When assisting a resident with a bed bath, you should:
- A. Use a back-and-forth motion to dry the skin.
- B. Wash from the dirtiest area to the cleanest area.
- C. Use long, firm strokes toward the heart.
- D. Expose the entire body at once to save time.
- Question: A resident who has had a stroke has weakness on one side. How should you dress the resident?
- A. Dress the weak side first.
- B. Dress the strong side first.
- C. Dress both sides at the same time.
- D. It doesn't matter which side you dress first.
For more practice in this area, check out the Activities of Daily Living CNA practice test.
2. Basic Nursing Skills Questions
These questions test your knowledge of vital signs, infection control, and safety. Examples include:
- Question: What is the normal range for an adult's resting heart rate?
- A. 40–60 beats per minute
- B. 60–100 beats per minute
- C. 100–120 beats per minute
- D. 120–140 beats per minute
- Question: When should you perform hand hygiene?
- A. Only after touching blood or body fluids.
- B. Before and after every resident contact.
- C. Only before handling food.
- D. Only after removing gloves.
3. Psychosocial Care Questions
Psychosocial questions focus on communication and emotional support. For example:
- Question: A resident is crying and says, "I just want to go home." What is your best response?
- A. "Don't cry. You'll get used to it here."
- B. "I understand you feel sad. Would you like to talk about it?"
- C. "You can't go home. This is where you live now."
- D. "Let me call your doctor to see if you can go home."
4. Role of the Nurse Aide Questions
These questions cover legal and ethical issues. For instance:
- Question: A nurse aide is asked by a resident's family member to share the resident's medical information. What should the aide do?
- A. Provide the information since the family asked.
- B. Ask the charge nurse before sharing any information.
- C. Tell the family member to look at the chart themselves.
- D. Share only the information that seems non-confidential.
What to Expect on the Skills Test
While the written test covers theory, the skills test evaluates your hands-on ability. You'll be asked to perform 3–5 skills, such as handwashing, measuring blood pressure, or transferring a resident. Many students find the skills test more stressful, but with practice, you can master it. For guidance, read our article on how to pass the CNA exam on the first try.
How to Study for the CNA Written Test
To succeed, you need a solid study plan. Here are some effective strategies:
- Use practice exams: Taking practice tests helps you become familiar with the question format and identify weak areas. Try the free Prometric CNA practice test for a realistic simulation.
- Focus on high-yield topics: Infection control, safety, and vital signs are heavily tested. Make sure you know the standard precautions and normal vital sign ranges.
- Review your state's requirements: Each state has its own testing provider (like Prometric or Pearson VUE) and passing score. Check your state's nurse aide registry for specifics.
- Join a study group: Discussing questions with peers can deepen your understanding and help you remember key facts.
For more in-depth study materials, explore the CNA written exam practice tests available at CNA TestBank.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many test-takers miss points due to careless errors. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Misreading the question: Look for keywords like "except" or "not." These change the answer completely.
- Choosing the first answer that seems right: Read all options before selecting. Sometimes multiple answers seem plausible, but only one is best.
- Second-guessing yourself: Your first instinct is often correct. Only change an answer if you're certain you initially misread the question.
For more insights, check out our article on common CNA exam mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what types of questions appear on the CNA test is half the battle. By studying sample questions and understanding the core topics, you'll walk into the exam with confidence. Remember, the CNA test is designed to ensure you can provide safe, effective care, so focus on the fundamentals. With regular practice and a positive attitude, you'll be well on your way to passing and starting your rewarding career as a nurse aide.