Prometric CNA Practice Test
Free Prometric-format practice questions for the CNA written exam, plus walkthroughs for all 22 clinical skills. Aligned with current Prometric testing standards used across 14 U.S. states and territories.
What is Prometric?
Prometric is a global testing company that administers the CNA certification exam on behalf of many state nurse aide registries. If your state uses Prometric, you'll register, schedule, and take both the written (oral) knowledge exam and the clinical skills evaluation through Prometric's testing system.
Prometric's CNA exam format varies slightly by state, but the structure is consistent: 60 multiple-choice written questions delivered at a Prometric test center or approved regional site, and a clinical skills portion where you perform 5 randomly assigned skills (out of 22 possible) while a Registered Nurse evaluator scores each critical step.
Prometric CNA Exam Format
Two parts, one certification. Here's what you'll face on test day.
Written Knowledge Exam
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- 90 minutes to complete
- Available in English, Spanish, and more
- Oral version available for candidates who prefer audio
- Passing score: ~75% (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
Prometric vs Credentia vs Headmaster
Three different vendors run CNA testing across the U.S. The one your state uses changes the question count, time limit, and even whether you can test online. Here's how Prometric compares head-to-head.
| Prometric | Credentia (NNAAP) | Headmaster (D&SDT) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written questions | 60–70 (state-dependent) | 70 (60 scored + 10 pretest) | 60–75 (state-dependent) |
| Time limit | 90 minutes | 90 minutes | 90–120 minutes |
| Passing score | 70–75% (state-dependent) | ~70% (42 of 60) | 70–75% (state-dependent) |
| Skills evaluated | 5 randomly selected | 5 of 23 (random) | 5 randomly selected |
| States served | 14 states | 17 states & territories | 22 states |
| Test delivery | Prometric test centers + regional sites | Online (ExamRoom.AI) + regional sites | In-person only |
| Oral exam option | Yes — audio read-aloud version | Read-only on computer | Varies by state |
| Official site | prometric.com | credentia.com | hdmaster.com |
Not sure which provider your state uses? Find your state's CNA testing provider →
How to Register for the Prometric CNA Exam
Once you've completed a state-approved nurse aide training program, here's how to schedule and take your Prometric exam.
- 1
Complete state-approved CNA training
Federal law requires at least 75 hours, but most Prometric states require 75–120 hours before you can test. Your program submits your completion record to your state registry.
- 2
Submit your candidate application
Download your state's Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook from prometric.com and submit the application form with your training verification.
- 3
Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT)
Prometric emails your Candidate ID and ATT once your training record is verified. You can't schedule without it.
- 4
Schedule through the Prometric portal
Log in at prometric.com, pick a written exam slot at a Prometric test center or approved regional site, and choose a skills date.
- 5
Show up prepared on test day
Bring a government-issued photo ID and your confirmation. Arrive 30 minutes early. Wear scrubs and closed-toe shoes for the skills portion.
Typical Prometric Exam Costs
Fees are set by your state nurse aide registry, not by Prometric itself. Many state-approved training programs cover the first attempt. Confirm exact pricing on your state's Prometric page.
What's Actually on the Prometric Written Exam
Prometric's 60–70 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 skills38%
- Personal care (ADLs)15%
- Restorative services10%
Psychosocial Care Skills
Emotional, mental health, spiritual, and cultural needs of residents.
- Emotional & mental health8%
- Spiritual & cultural needs3%
Role of the Nurse Aide
Communication, resident rights, ethics, and being part of the healthcare team.
- Communication8%
- Resident rights7%
- Legal & ethical behavior3%
- Healthcare team member8%
Study tip: Over 60% of the Prometric test covers physical care. Drill basic nursing skills (vitals, positioning, infection control) and ADLs (bathing, feeding, grooming) first — those two categories alone cover the majority of scored questions.
All 22 Prometric Skills Tested
You'll perform 5 of these 22 skills on your skills exam. Prometric selects them randomly, so you need to be ready for every one.
Free Prometric CNA Practice Questions
Sample questions in the same format as the Prometric written exam. Click any question to reveal the answer.
Q1 The first thing a nursing assistant should do before providing any resident care is: Infection Control
Why this is correct: Handwashing is always the first step in any care task on the Prometric skills exam. It is also scored on every skill as an indirect-care step.
Q2 A resident is complaining of chest pain. The nursing assistant should: Emergency Response
Why this is correct: Chest pain may indicate a cardiac emergency. The CNA should remain with the resident for safety and immediately alert the licensed nurse so advanced care can be provided.
Q3 When measuring a resident's blood pressure, the CNA should: Vital Signs
Why this is correct: Accurate blood pressure readings require the arm to be supported at heart level with a properly sized cuff on bare skin. An incorrect cuff or arm position can produce false readings.
Q4 A CNA notices a resident has a reddened area over their tailbone that does not fade after repositioning. The CNA should: Skin Integrity
Why this is correct: A non-blanching red area is a Stage 1 pressure injury. The CNA must report it immediately so a care plan can be initiated. Rubbing the area can worsen tissue damage.
Q5 Which action best protects a resident's right to privacy during personal care? Resident Rights
Why this is correct: Privacy is a resident right protected under federal law. Closing the door, pulling the privacy curtain, and draping are scored as indirect-care steps on every Prometric skill.
Q6 When feeding a resident who has difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), the CNA should: Personal Care
Why this is correct: An upright 90-degree position and small bites reduce aspiration risk. Lying flat or rushing the meal significantly increases the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia.
Ready for the full prep experience?
500+ Prometric-format practice questions, full skills walkthrough videos, and an AI study coach that adapts to the questions you get wrong.
States & Territories That Use Prometric
14 states and U.S. territories use Prometric for CNA certification testing. Click your state for state-specific exam prep.
Prometric CNA Exam — Common Questions
Is the Prometric CNA exam hard?
The Prometric CNA exam is passable for candidates who prepare with state-aligned practice questions and full skills walkthroughs. The national first-time pass rate is roughly 80–90% for candidates who complete a structured prep course. The clinical skills portion is where most candidates struggle because indirect-care steps are scored on every skill.
How many questions are on the Prometric CNA written exam?
Prometric's CNA written exam typically has 60 multiple-choice questions, though a few states use slightly different counts. You have 90 minutes to complete it, and an oral version is available for candidates who prefer audio.
How many clinical skills does Prometric test?
Prometric 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.
Can I take the Prometric CNA exam online?
The written portion of the Prometric CNA exam must be taken in person at an approved Prometric test center or regional test site. The clinical skills evaluation is always performed in person with a Registered Nurse evaluator observing.
How much does the Prometric CNA exam cost?
Prometric CNA testing fees vary by state and typically range from $95 to $130 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 Prometric CNA exam?
Most states require 70–75% 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.
What states use Prometric for CNA testing?
14 states use Prometric for CNA certification testing: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. Alabama, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and South Dakota are dual-provider states where you can also test with Credentia or Headmaster.
Is the Prometric CNA test the same as NNAAP?
No. NNAAP is the Credentia exam, not Prometric's. Prometric develops its own state-approved CNA exam content, although the topics and skills overlap heavily with NNAAP because both are based on the same federal training standards (75-hour minimum curriculum under OBRA).
What happens if I fail one part of the Prometric CNA exam?
If you pass one portion (written or skills) but fail the other, you only need to retake the part you failed. Most Prometric states give you 3 attempts within 24 months of training completion before you must retrain. Retake fees apply for each attempt.
How soon can I retake the Prometric CNA exam?
You can typically schedule a retake as soon as the next available test-center slot, often within a few days. Some states impose a 30-day waiting period between attempts — check your state's Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook on prometric.com for exact rules.
What do I need to bring on Prometric CNA test day?
Bring two forms of government-issued ID (one with photo), your ATT or confirmation email, and a black 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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