What's the difference between STNA and CNA in Ohio?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
There's no practical difference: STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) is Ohio's long-standing name for the same nurse aide credential other states call CNA, and the Ohio Department of Health's current pages use "Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)". You train in an approved program, pass Ohio's competency exam, and are listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry either way.
| STNA | CNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | State Tested Nurse Aide | Certified Nurse Aide |
| Used by | Long-standing Ohio term; still common in job ads | Ohio Department of Health's current pages; most other states |
| Training | State-approved training program | Same |
| Exam | Ohio competency exam (knowledge + skills) | Same |
| Registry | Ohio Nurse Aide Registry | Same |
Ohio's exam
The Ohio Department of Health names D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) as the testing vendor. The current Ohio candidate handbook lists a 79-question multiple-choice knowledge test in 90 minutes and 3–4 skill tasks. See our Ohio page.
Job titles vs credential
Employers may still post "STNA" jobs. If you're on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry in good standing, you hold the credential those jobs need.
Quick answers
- Is there a free Ohio STNA practice test?
- Our free CNA practice test covers the standard nurse aide topics. Check the Ohio handbook for its official content outline.
- Ohio STNA test with D&S/Headmaster: what to expect?
- A multiple-choice knowledge test (audio version available) and a skills test with a few tasks from the handbook's list. See our Ohio page.
- Which skills are on the Ohio STNA skills test?
- You're assigned 3–4 tasks from the list in the Ohio candidate handbook. Prepare with our skills checklists.
What to do next
Practice the knowledge test before your Ohio exam.
Take the free practice testRelated guides
- Ohio CNA exam guide
- How do you pass the CNA skills test?
- How many questions are on the CNA exam?
- What is the Illinois CNA exam pass rate?
- How do I transfer my CNA license to another state?
- My CNA certification expired — do I have to retest?
- Can you take the CNA exam without a CNA class? (Challenge exam rules)
- What is the passing score for the California CNA exam?
Sources
- Ohio Department of Health — Nurse Aide Registry
- Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (D&S)
- D&S Diversified Technologies — Ohio CNA
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.