How long is the CNA exam?
The CNA exam has two parts: a written test and a skills test. In states that use the NNAAP exam, the written test has 70 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours, and the skills test has you perform 5 nurse aide skills in 30 minutes. That is about 2.5 hours of testing, not counting check-in. Your state sets the vendor and format, so check your state's handbook.
In more detail
The written test is 70 multiple-choice questions with 2 hours on the clock, about 1 minute 43 seconds per question. An oral version is also offered in many states for candidates who need it: 60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions, also in 2 hours. You have to pass the written test and the skills test to get certified.
In the skills test an evaluator gives you 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills to perform, and all 5 have to fit into 30 minutes, which is about 6 minutes per skill. The skills are scored step by step against a checklist, so the clock matters less than doing every required step in order.
These numbers are for the NNAAP exam, run by Credentia in many states. Other states use Prometric or another approved vendor, and the number of questions, the time limit and the number of skills can differ. The state nurse aide registry or testing vendor publishes the current candidate handbook, and that is the number to trust.
CNA exam parts in states that use the NNAAP (Credentia)
| Part | Content | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Written test | 70 multiple-choice questions | 2 hours |
| Oral version | 60 multiple-choice + 10 reading comprehension | 2 hours |
| Skills test | 5 randomly selected skills | 30 minutes |
Step by step
- 1
Find your state's nurse aide registry or testing vendor and download the candidate handbook.
- 2
Write down the question count, the time limit and the number of skills for your state.
- 3
Pace the written test at under 2 minutes per question, and flag any question that takes longer.
- 4
Rehearse each skill out loud against the state checklist, and keep every one within about 6 minutes.
- 5
Take a full timed practice test of the written part before test day.
- 6
Check whether your state tests the written part and the skills on the same day, and plan your travel and time off.
How StudyPDF helps
Upload your CNA course notes, textbook chapters or skills checklists, and StudyPDF builds flashcards, quizzes and a timed practice test from them, so you can drill the written part at the real pace. The skills test you still rehearse with your hands. The free plan covers about 4 materials a week, no card. A free 15-question written-style sampler is at CNA Practice Test.
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More questions
How many questions are on the CNA written exam?
In states that use the NNAAP exam, 70 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours. Other states and vendors can differ, so check your candidate handbook.
How long is the CNA skills test?
In NNAAP states you perform 5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes. Other states can use a different number of skills or time limit.
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