NCSBN (administered by Credentia)
NNAAP CNA
National Nurse Aide Assessment Program — CNA Written Exam
The written knowledge exam most states use to place certified nursing assistants on the state nurse aide registry. Paired with a hands-on skills evaluation, it is the entry credential for CNA jobs in long-term care and hospitals.
What's on the exam
2024 NNAAP Written Examination Content Outline (effective April 2024)
Physical Care Skills
64%Activities of daily living (hygiene, dressing, nutrition, elimination, rest/comfort) — 22% · Basic nursing skills (infection control, safety/emergency, technical procedures, data collection) — 35% · Self-care and independence — 7%
Psychosocial Care Skills
10%Emotional and mental health needs — 8% · Spiritual and cultural needs — 2%
Role of the Nurse Aide
26%Communication — 7% · Client rights — 8% · Legal and ethical behavior — 5% · Member of the health care team — 6%
Frequently asked questions
How much does the NNAAP CNA cost?
Fees vary. Varies by state; written + skills package commonly $100–$160.
How long is the NNAAP CNA and how many questions does it have?
70 items (60 scored, 10 unscored) — 2 hours.
What do you need to pass the NNAAP CNA?
State-set scaled passing score (pass/fail).
Can you retake the NNAAP CNA?
State-dependent; typically up to 3 attempts before retraining is required.
What is the best way to study for the NNAAP CNA?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Physical Care Skills 64%, Psychosocial Care Skills 10%, Role of the Nurse Aide 26%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
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