Headmaster CNA Practice Test
Free Headmaster-format practice questions for the CNA written exam, plus walkthroughs for all 22 clinical skills. Aligned with current D&SDT-Headmaster testing standards used across 21 U.S. states and territories.
What is Headmaster?
Headmaster (officially D&SDT-Headmaster LLP) is a testing company that administers the CNA certification exam for several state nurse aide registries, primarily in the Western and Mountain states. If your state uses Headmaster, you'll register, schedule, and take both the written knowledge exam and the clinical skills evaluation through Headmaster's testing system.
Headmaster's CNA exam format is similar to other national providers but with a few state-specific differences. The written portion is typically 75 multiple-choice questions delivered at a regional test site or by a state-approved testing coordinator. The skills portion requires you to perform 5 randomly assigned skills (out of 22 possible).
Headmaster CNA Exam Format
Two parts, one certification. Here's what you'll face on test day.
Written Knowledge Exam
- 75 multiple-choice questions
- 2 hours to complete
- Available in English and Spanish
- Delivered at approved regional test sites
- Passing score: ~80% (varies by state)
Clinical Skills Evaluation
- 5 skills randomly selected from 22
- Performed in front of an RN evaluator
- Handwashing and indirect care always scored
- Approximately 30–40 minutes total
- Each step rated satisfactory or unsatisfactory
Headmaster vs Credentia vs Prometric
Three different vendors run CNA testing across the U.S. The one your state uses changes the question count, time limit, and even the skills list. Here's how Headmaster compares head-to-head.
| Headmaster (D&SDT) | Credentia (NNAAP) | Prometric | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written questions | 60–75 (state-dependent) | 70 (60 scored + 10 pretest) | 60–70 (state-dependent) |
| Time limit | 90–120 minutes | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 70–80% (state-dependent) | ~70% (42 of 60) | 70–75% (state-dependent) |
| Skills evaluated | 5 randomly selected | 5 of 23 (random) | 5 randomly selected |
| States served | 22 states | 17 states & territories | 14 states |
| Test delivery | In-person at regional sites | Online (ExamRoom.AI) + regional sites | Test centers + regional sites |
| Unique feature | Most written questions — up to 75 | Online proctoring option | Oral (audio) exam option |
| Official site | hdmaster.com | credentia.com | prometric.com |
Not sure which provider your state uses? Find your state's CNA testing provider →
How to Register for the Headmaster CNA Exam
Once you've completed a state-approved nurse aide training program, here's how to schedule and take your Headmaster exam.
- 1
Complete state-approved CNA training
Federal law requires at least 75 hours; many Headmaster states require 75–120 hours before you can test. Your program verifies your completion record to your state registry.
- 2
Download the candidate handbook
Get your state's Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook from hdmaster.com. Headmaster publishes state-specific handbooks — fees, skills lists, and scheduling processes vary.
- 3
Submit your application & fee
Mail or submit online the completed candidate application with training verification and the testing fee. You'll receive a scheduling notice within 1–2 weeks.
- 4
Schedule at a regional test site
Headmaster tests are delivered in person at regional test sites through approved testing coordinators. Pick an available date and location from the list provided.
- 5
Show up prepared on test day
Bring a government-issued photo ID and your scheduling confirmation. Arrive 30 minutes early. Wear scrubs and closed-toe non-slip shoes for the skills portion.
Typical Headmaster Exam Costs
Fees are set by your state nurse aide registry and vary considerably — Headmaster states range from under $90 to over $130. Many state-approved training programs cover the first attempt. Confirm exact pricing in your state's Headmaster handbook.
What's Actually on the Headmaster Written Exam
Headmaster's 60–75 written questions are distributed across three major CNA knowledge domains. Here's the breakdown so you know where to focus your study time.
Physical Care Skills
Hands-on nursing skills and activities of daily living — the largest domain by far.
- Basic nursing skills35%
- Personal care (ADLs)15%
- Restorative services10%
Psychosocial Care Skills
Emotional, mental health, spiritual, and cultural needs of residents.
- Emotional & mental health10%
- Spiritual & cultural needs3%
Role of the Nurse Aide
Communication, resident rights, ethics, and being part of the healthcare team.
- Communication9%
- Resident rights7%
- Legal & ethical behavior3%
- Healthcare team member8%
Study tip: Headmaster has the most written questions of the three providers (up to 75) so time management matters. Drill basic nursing skills and ADLs first — those two categories alone cover the majority of scored questions.
All 22 Headmaster Skills Tested
You'll perform 5 of these 22 skills on your skills exam. Headmaster selects them randomly, so you need to be ready for every one.
Free Headmaster CNA Practice Questions
Sample questions in the same format as the Headmaster written exam. Click any question to reveal the answer.
Q1 Before entering a resident's room to provide care, the CNA should first: Resident Rights
Why this is correct: Knocking and identifying yourself respects the resident's right to privacy and is scored as an indirect-care step on every Headmaster skill performed.
Q2 A resident has had a stroke affecting their right side. When dressing the resident, the CNA should: Personal Care
Why this is correct: Always dress the weak/affected side first and undress it last. This minimizes strain and joint stress on the weaker side and is a core rehabilitation principle.
Q3 When recording a resident's intake and output, the CNA should document: Measurement
Why this is correct: Intake and output tracking requires measuring all fluids in (beverages, soup, IV fluids, ice chips) and all fluids out (urine, emesis, drainage). Accurate I&O is critical for detecting fluid imbalance.
Q4 The safest way to respond to a resident who is beginning to fall is to: Safety
Why this is correct: You cannot safely stop a full-weight fall without injuring yourself or the resident. Easing them to the floor while protecting the head minimizes injury. Never try to catch them in midair.
Q5 A resident with dementia becomes agitated during care. The CNA should: Psychosocial
Why this is correct: Agitation during dementia care often signals overstimulation or discomfort. Stopping, using a calm voice, and returning later (with approach adjustments) is the evidence-based response. Restraints are never a first-line response.
Q6 Which of the following is a sign that a resident may be dehydrated? Observation
Why this is correct: Dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine, and poor skin turgor are classic dehydration signs. Older adults have a blunted thirst response, so CNAs must watch for these objective signs and report them promptly.
Ready for the full prep experience?
500+ Headmaster-format practice questions, full skills walkthrough videos, and an AI study coach that adapts to the questions you get wrong.
States & Territories That Use Headmaster
21 states and U.S. territories use Headmaster for CNA certification testing. Click your state for state-specific exam prep.
Headmaster CNA Exam — Common Questions
Is the Headmaster CNA exam hard?
The Headmaster CNA exam is passable for candidates who prepare with state-aligned practice questions and full skills walkthroughs. First-time pass rates typically run 75–85% for candidates who complete a structured prep course. The skills portion is where most candidates struggle because indirect-care steps are scored on every skill.
How many questions are on the Headmaster CNA written exam?
Headmaster's CNA written exam is typically 75 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit. A few states use slightly different counts, so check your state's Headmaster candidate handbook for specifics.
How many clinical skills does Headmaster test?
Headmaster evaluates 5 clinical skills randomly selected from a pool of 22. Handwashing is almost always included, and indirect-care steps (privacy, communication, comfort, safety) are scored on every skill you perform.
Where do I take the Headmaster CNA exam?
Headmaster delivers the CNA exam at state-approved regional test sites, often hosted at community colleges, nursing homes, or training schools. Register through your state's Headmaster portal to see available locations and dates.
How much does the Headmaster CNA exam cost?
Headmaster CNA testing fees vary by state and typically range from $95 to $135 for the combined written and skills exams. Many state-approved training programs cover the first-attempt fee. Retake fees apply separately, usually $40–$70 per portion.
What's the passing score on the Headmaster CNA exam?
Most states require 70–80% on the written portion and a satisfactory rating on every critical step of every skill performed. Failing one critical step — such as breaking infection control or skipping handwashing — can result in failing the entire skills exam regardless of overall performance. Check your state's Headmaster handbook for the exact cutoff.
What states use Headmaster for CNA testing?
22 states use Headmaster (D&SDT) for CNA certification testing: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. California, Maryland, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and South Dakota are dual-provider states.
Is Headmaster the same as D&SDT?
Yes. D&SDT-Headmaster LLP is the full company name, commonly shortened to "Headmaster" or "D&SDT." Their website is hdmaster.com. The CNA testing product itself is often referred to as the D&SDT CNA exam.
What happens if I fail one part of the Headmaster CNA exam?
If you pass one portion (written or skills) but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed part. Most Headmaster states give you 3 attempts within 24 months of training completion before you must retrain. Each attempt requires a new application and fee.
How soon can I retake the Headmaster CNA exam?
Retake scheduling depends on regional test-site availability, which can mean a 2–4 week wait in rural states. Some states impose a 30-day waiting period between attempts. Check your state-specific Headmaster handbook on hdmaster.com for exact retake rules.
What do I need to bring on Headmaster CNA test day?
Bring two forms of government-issued ID (one with photo), your scheduling confirmation, and a pen. Wear scrubs and closed-toe non-slip shoes for the skills portion. Leave phones, smartwatches, and study materials in your car — they're not allowed in the testing room.
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