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California CNA Practice Test
Free California CNA exam practice: full question sets for Physical Care Skills, Basic Nursing Skills, Psychosocial Care Skills, and the Role of the Nurse Aide, each question explained and mapped to the public exam content outline. The California nurse aide exam is administered by Credentia (one of three CDPH-approved testing vendors) for the state registry.
California CNA exam facts
| State registry | California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — Nurse Assistant Certification |
|---|---|
| Testing vendor | Credentia (one of three CDPH-approved testing vendors) |
| Official candidate handbook | California Nurse Assistant Candidate Handbook (Credentia) (official) |
| Written (knowledge) exam | 70 multiple-choice questions; 120 minutes allowed (plus a separate hands-on clinical skills evaluation) |
| Passing score | Not published. This state/vendor does not release an exact written-exam cut score; states that publish one commonly set it around 70–75%. Our practice tests use 75% as a practice target. |
| Exam fees | $120 for both parts (written + clinical skills), first attempt Written-only retest $40 (Credentia fee schedule in effect since March 1, 2022) |
| Languages & formats | Written exam in English; an oral (audio) English version is available for candidates who have difficulty reading English |
Facts above are drawn from the official candidate handbook or vendor bulletin listed for California. Where a state does not publish a figure, we say so instead of guessing. Always confirm current details in the official handbook before you schedule.
Sources
- Credentia California Nurse Assistant Candidate Handbook (Aug 2024): 70 multiple-choice questions (60 scored + 10 pretest), 2-hour limit; fee table effective March 1, 2022 (written + skills $120, written-only retest $40).
- CDPH approves three testing vendors (Credentia, D&SDT-Headmaster, Regional Testing Center); formats and fees differ by vendor.
Start practicing — California
Physical Care Skills
Helping residents with daily living: bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, toileting, mobility, skin care, and restorative care. 170 questions live now.
Basic Nursing Skills
Measuring vital signs, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, and observing and reporting changes in a resident's condition. 170 questions live now.
Psychosocial Care Skills
Emotional and mental-health support, dementia and Alzheimer's care, cultural and spiritual needs, and care of the dying resident. 110 questions live now.
Role of the Nurse Aide
Communication, resident rights, legal and ethical behavior, confidentiality, documentation, and working as part of the health care team. 150 questions live now.
How to become a CNA in California
- Complete a California-approved nurse aide training program (federal rules require at least 75 hours; many states require more).
- Apply for the competency exam through Credentia (one of three CDPH-approved testing vendors) and review the official candidate handbook.
- Pass both parts of the exam: the written (knowledge) test — drilled on this page — and the hands-on clinical skills evaluation.
- Get listed on the California Nurse Aide Registry, which employers check before hiring.
- Keep your listing active by working as a nurse aide and renewing on your state’s schedule.
This is a general outline, not legal advice. Requirements change; the official candidate handbook and registry site are the final word.