CNA Practice Test 2026: Free Questions, Answers & Explanations

by | Jun 11, 2026 | CNA & MEDICAL MCQ | 0 comments

CNA Practice Test 2026 – Free CNA Exam Questions With Answers and Explanations

CNA Practice Test 2026 – Free CNA Exam Questions With Answers and Explanations

Preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam can feel challenging, but the right study materials can improve your confidence and increase your chances of passing on the first attempt. This free CNA Practice Test includes realistic exam-style questions, detailed answer explanations, and essential nursing concepts commonly tested on state CNA exams.

Whether you are a nursing assistant student, healthcare worker, or preparing for a CNA certification test, these questions will help you review infection control, safety, communication, resident rights, and basic nursing skills.

What Is the CNA Exam?

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam evaluates the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective care to residents in long-term care facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings.

The exam generally consists of:

  • Written or oral knowledge test
  • Skills demonstration test
  • Resident safety and care procedures
  • Communication and infection control practices

Passing the CNA exam demonstrates that you have the competencies required to work as a nursing assistant.

CNA Practice Questions With Answers

Question 1

A resident begins to choke while eating. What should the CNA do first?









Question 2

Which position helps prevent aspiration during feeding?









Question 3

Before touching a resident, a CNA should:









Question 4

A resident tells the CNA, “I do not want to get out of bed today.” What should the CNA do first?









Question 4

CNA Exam Tip

Resident rights are a common CNA exam topic. Residents have the right to refuse care, make choices about daily activities, and be treated with dignity and respect.

Question 5

Question 5

When transferring a resident from the bed to a wheelchair, what should the CNA do first?









CNA Exam Tip

Always remember: Lock wheelchair brakes, position the wheelchair correctly, and use proper body mechanics during transfers. Questions about resident safety and fall prevention are very common on the CNA exam.

CNA Practice Test 2026 – Free CNA Exam Questions With Answers and Explanations

Question 6

A CNA notices that a resident’s skin is red over the tailbone area. What should the CNA do?









CNA Exam Tip

Pressure ulcer prevention is a frequently tested CNA topic. Watch for:

  • Redness over bony areas
  • Skin breakdown
  • Moisture from incontinence
  • Residents who stay in one position for long periods

Report changes promptly and assist with repositioning as directed.

Question 7

A resident’s care plan states that intake and output (I&O) must be measured. What should the CNA do?









CNA Exam Tip

Intake includes:

  • Water
  • Coffee and tea
  • Milk
  • Juice
  • Soup
  • Ice cream and gelatin (liquids at room temperature)

Output includes:

  • Urine
  • Vomit
  • Drainage (when instructed)

Questions about I&O measurement and documentation are common on the CNA state exam.

Question 8

While making an occupied bed, the CNA should:









CNA Exam Tip

When making an occupied bed:

  • Explain the procedure before starting.
  • Provide privacy.
  • Keep side rails up as required.
  • Use proper body mechanics.
  • Never leave the resident in an unsafe position.
  • Ensure linens are wrinkle-free to help prevent skin breakdown.

Occupied bed-making is a common CNA skills test and written exam topic.

Question 9

A resident appears confused and is suddenly acting differently than usual. What should the CNA do?









CNA Exam Tip

Always report:

  • Sudden confusion
  • Changes in behavior
  • Changes in consciousness
  • Unusual weakness
  • Signs of illness or injury

Observation and reporting are major CNA responsibilities and are frequently tested on the CNA exam.

Question 10

Which action helps maintain a resident’s dignity during personal care?









CNA Exam Tip

Resident rights include:

  • Privacy
  • Dignity
  • Respect
  • Confidentiality
  • The right to make choices
  • The right to refuse care

Questions about resident rights and dignity are among the most common topics on the CNA written exam.

Question 11

A CNA is assisting a resident with walking. Which safety device should be used if listed in the care plan?









CNA Exam Tip

When assisting with ambulation:

  • Apply the gait belt securely.
  • Walk slightly behind and to the side of the resident.
  • Use proper body mechanics.
  • Encourage the resident to wear non-skid footwear.
  • Report dizziness, weakness, or difficulty walking.

Gait belt use and ambulation safety are frequently tested on both the CNA written exam and skills test.

Question 12

A resident spills water on the floor. What should the CNA do first?









CNA Exam Tip

Common fall hazards include:

  • Wet floors
  • Cluttered walkways
  • Poor lighting
  • Loose rugs
  • Unlocked wheelchairs

Always identify and remove hazards as soon as possible. Fall prevention and resident safety are major topics on the CNA exam and skills test.

Question 13

While feeding a resident, the CNA notices the resident is coughing after each bite. What should the CNA do?









CNA Exam Tip

Signs of aspiration or swallowing difficulty include:

  • Coughing during meals
  • Choking
  • Gurgling voice after swallowing
  • Food remaining in the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing

When these signs occur, stop feeding and report them promptly. Questions about feeding safety and aspiration prevention are common on the CNA exam.

Question 14

A CNA enters a resident’s room to provide care. What should the CNA do first?









CNA Exam Tip

Before providing any care:

  • Knock before entering.
  • Introduce yourself.
  • Identify the resident.
  • Explain the procedure.
  • Provide privacy.
  • Wash your hands.

These steps are commonly evaluated during both the CNA written exam and skills test.

Question 15

Which observation should the CNA report to the nurse immediately?









CNA Exam Tip

Report these symptoms immediately:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe bleeding
  • Signs of stroke
  • Falls with injury

Emergency recognition and reporting are important CNA responsibilities and are frequently tested on certification exams.

Question 16

When providing oral care for an unconscious resident, the CNA should position the resident:









CNA Exam Tip

For unconscious residents:

  • Place the resident in a side-lying position.
  • Use gentle oral care techniques.
  • Keep the mouth clean and moist.
  • Watch for signs of aspiration.
  • Follow infection-control procedures.

Oral care for unconscious residents is a common CNA skills test scenario and a frequently tested written exam topic.

Question 17

A resident refuses to take a bath. What should the CNA do?









CNA Exam Tip

If a resident refuses care:

  • Stay calm and respectful.
  • Do not argue or force care.
  • Ask if there is a reason for the refusal.
  • Offer the care again later if appropriate.
  • Report the refusal to the nurse.

Resident rights and refusal of care are very common topics on the CNA written exam and skills test.

Question 18

Which action helps prevent the spread of infection when a CNA coughs or sneezes?









CNA Exam Tip

Standard precautions include:

  • Hand hygiene
  • Proper glove use
  • Respiratory hygiene
  • Safe disposal of contaminated items
  • Cleaning equipment properly

Infection prevention and standard precautions are among the most frequently tested topics on the CNA certification exam.

Question 19

A resident who uses a walker needs assistance walking to the dining room. What should the CNA do?









CNA Exam Tip

When assisting a resident with a walker:

  • Ensure the walker is in good condition.
  • Encourage non-skid footwear.
  • Stay close in case assistance is needed.
  • Allow the resident to move at a comfortable pace.
  • Promote independence whenever possible.

Assistive devices and ambulation safety are common topics on both the CNA written exam and skills evaluation.

Question 20

While taking a resident’s pulse, the CNA counts 110 beats per minute. What should the CNA do?









CNA Exam Tip

When taking vital signs:

  • Measure carefully and accurately.
  • Record exactly what you observe.
  • Never guess or alter results.
  • Report abnormal findings promptly.
  • Follow facility procedures for documentation.

Vital signs, observation, reporting, and documentation are major CNA exam topics and frequently appear on state certification tests.

Question 21

A resident is wearing elastic anti-embolism stockings (TED hose). What should the CNA do when applying them?









CNA Exam Tip

When applying TED hose:

  • Check the care plan.
  • Ensure the stockings are wrinkle-free.
  • Observe the skin for redness or irritation.
  • Do not roll or fold the tops.
  • Report signs of poor circulation.

Applying anti-embolism stockings (TED hose) is one of the most commonly tested CNA skills on state competency exams.

Question 22

A resident complains of feeling dizzy while walking. What should the CNA do first?









CNA Exam Tip

If a resident reports dizziness:

  • Stay with the resident.
  • Help them sit or lie down safely.
  • Do not leave them unattended.
  • Observe for additional symptoms.
  • Report the situation promptly.

Fall prevention and resident safety are among the highest-priority topics on the CNA written and skills exams.

Question 23

A CNA is providing perineal care to a female resident. In which direction should the CNA clean?









CNA Exam Tip

For female perineal care:

  • Wear gloves.
  • Use a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke.
  • Clean from front to back.
  • Maintain privacy and dignity.
  • Observe and report redness, irritation, drainage, or unusual odors.

Perineal care is one of the most frequently tested CNA skills on state competency exams.

Question 24

A resident uses a call light. What should the CNA do?









CNA Exam Tip

When responding to a call light:

  • Answer promptly.
  • Introduce yourself.
  • Ask how you can help.
  • Ensure the resident is safe before leaving.
  • Place the call light within reach.

Call light response and resident safety are common topics on both the CNA written exam and skills evaluation.

Question 25

Before leaving a resident’s room after providing care, the CNA should:









CNA Exam Tip

Before leaving any resident’s room, remember the “Safety Check”:

  • Bed in lowest position
  • Wheels locked (if applicable)
  • Call light within reach
  • Personal items nearby
  • Resident comfortable
  • Wash hands

These final safety steps are frequently evaluated during the CNA Skills Test and appear often on the written certification exam.

CNA 21 Skills Checklist

The CNA skills exam may include one or more of the following skills:

  1. Hand Washing
  2. Indirect Care
  3. Measuring Blood Pressure
  4. Measuring Pulse
  5. Measuring Respiration
  6. Transfer Using Gait Belt
  7. Ambulation with Gait Belt
  8. Range of Motion Exercises
  9. Feeding a Resident
  10. Denture Care
  11. Perineal Care
  12. Catheter Care
  13. Dressing Resident
  14. Bed Bath
  15. Mouth Care
  16. Modified Bed Making
  17. Occupied Bed Making
  18. Measuring Urinary Output
  19. Applying Elastic Stockings
  20. Positioning Resident
  21. Partial Bed Bath

Essential CNA Exam Tips

1. Master Hand Washing

Hand hygiene is evaluated in both written and skills examinations.

2. Focus on Resident Safety

Always prioritize resident safety during every procedure.

3. Communicate Clearly

Introduce yourself, explain procedures, and maintain resident dignity.

4. Practice Vital Signs

Know normal ranges for:

  • Temperature
  • Pulse
  • Respiration
  • Blood Pressure

5. Learn Resident Rights

Questions about privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CNA exam?

The number varies by state but usually ranges from 60 to 100 questions.

What score is needed to pass the CNA exam?

Passing scores differ by testing provider and state requirements.

Is the CNA exam difficult?

Most students pass with adequate preparation and regular practice.

What are the most important CNA skills?

Hand washing, transfer techniques, vital signs, feeding, and infection control are among the most frequently tested skills.

How long should I study for the CNA exam?

Many candidates prepare for several weeks using practice questions and skills checklists.

Conclusion

Consistent practice is one of the best ways to prepare for the CNA exam. Review infection control, resident rights, communication, safety procedures, and the 21 CNA skills regularly. Taking multiple CNA practice tests with answer explanations can improve knowledge retention and increase confidence on exam day.

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