CNA practice test 2026: a free, full-length written exam

1. CNA-style question 1 · Basic nursing skills

   While taking morning vital signs, which finding should the nurse aide report to the nurse right away?

   1. AA resident who is usually talkative is suddenly drowsy and confused
   2. BA resident with a regular pulse of 72 beats per minute
   3. CA resident with respirations of 16 that are quiet and even
   4. DA resident with an oral temperature of 98.4 F
   Worked answer+

   A: A resident who is usually talkative is suddenly drowsy and confused. A sudden change in alertness or thinking can signal a serious problem such as infection, low oxygen or stroke, and needs prompt reporting. The other findings are normal and expected, even though they are still recorded.

2. CNA-style question 2 · Measurement and recording

   The nurse aide counts a regular radial pulse for 30 seconds and gets 35 beats. What pulse rate should be recorded?

   1. A140 beats per minute
   2. B35 beats per minute
   3. C70 beats per minute
   4. D80 beats per minute
   Worked answer+

   C: 70 beats per minute. A regular radial pulse counted for 30 seconds is multiplied by 2 to give the rate per minute: 35 × 2 = 70. If the rhythm is irregular, count for a full 60 seconds instead.

3. CNA-style question 3 · Spiritual and cultural needs

   A client is about to receive a bed bath. The client explains that personal space and touch from strangers make her uncomfortable. What is the best approach for the nurse aide?

   1. AAsk a family member to complete the bath
   2. BExplain each step before touching, ask permission, and report the concern to the nurse
   3. CComplete the bath quickly to reduce discomfort
   4. DTell the client touch is required for care
   Show the answer+

   B: Explain each step before touching, ask permission, and report the concern to the nurse. Comfort with touch and personal space varies by person and culture. Explaining steps, asking permission, and informing the nurse respects the client. Rushing ignores the concern and may cause distress.

4. CNA-style question 4 · Member of the care team

   A client's care plan requires two staff members for transfers. A coworker says, "We are short-staffed and he is light, so just do it alone." What should the nurse aide do?

   1. ATransfer him alone since he has been fine before
   2. BTransfer him alone but move very slowly and carefully
   3. CFollow the care plan and wait for a second person or ask the nurse for help
   4. DAsk him to hold the bed rail and stand up on his own
   Show the answer+

   C: Follow the care plan and wait for a second person or ask the nurse for help. The care plan is the guide for safe care, and aides follow it even when busy. A transfer done alone against the plan risks a fall or injury to the client and the aide. Ask for help instead.

5. CNA-style question 5 · Measurement and recording

   A care plan says a client should be turned at 2345. What time is that on a 12-hour clock?

   1. A1:45 AM
   2. B11:45 AM
   3. C9:45 PM
   4. D11:45 PM
   Show the answer+

   D: 11:45 PM. For hours 13 to 23, subtract 12 and use PM: 23 − 12 = 11, so 2345 is 11:45 PM.

These come from our public sample set, so none of them is in a paid mock or drill.