How does the California CNA exam work?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
California's nurse aide competency exam has two parts you must pass: a knowledge test (written, or oral if you choose — federal rules require that option) and a hands-on skills test. The testing program and its candidate handbook are linked from California Department of Public Health's official page. Passing gets you listed on the California nurse aide registry.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | CDPH — Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) |
| State agency | California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Licensing & Certification | Official page |
| Testing vendor | Named in your candidate handbook | CDPH — Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) |
| Oral option | Yes — you may choose an oral exam instead of written | 42 CFR 483.154 |
| Attempts | At least three opportunities (state may set further rules) | 42 CFR 483.154 |
Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.
Steps to get certified in California
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (federal minimum: 75 clock hours including 16 supervised practical hours), unless your state accepts another route.
- Apply and schedule your exam through the testing program described in the California candidate handbook.
- Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the skills test.
- Confirm your listing on the California nurse aide registry before you start work.
What's specific to California
California's competency exam is given through CDPH-approved testing programs, and the format (number of questions, time, number of skills) is set in the candidate handbook of the program that tests you. Ask your training program which testing program you'll use, then download that handbook.
Federal rules require that you can choose an oral version of the knowledge test instead of the written one.
How to prepare
The knowledge test covers standard nurse aide topics: residents' rights, infection control, safety, personal care, basic nursing skills, communication, mental health, the aide's role, vital signs and nutrition. Take the free 20-question practice test to see your weakest topics, rehearse every skill with our skills checklists, and do a timed full exam the week before.
Quick answers
- What is on the California CNA written exam?
- Standard nurse aide content: resident rights, infection control, safety, personal care, basic nursing skills, communication and the aide's role. The exact outline is in the handbook of your testing program.
- What is the passing score for the California CNA exam?
- It's set by your testing program and printed in its candidate handbook. See California CNA exam passing score.
- Can I take the California CNA exam in Spanish?
- Language options depend on the testing program. Check its candidate handbook or ask your training program before you schedule.
- Can I take the California CNA exam orally?
- Yes. Federal rules require that candidates can choose an oral exam instead of the written one. The candidate handbook explains how to request it.
- How many times can I take the California CNA exam?
- Federal rules guarantee at least three opportunities to pass the competency evaluation; check the handbook for retest fees, waiting periods and retraining rules.
What to do next
Find your weak topics before California test day — free, no sign-up, about 15 minutes.
Take the free practice testRelated
Other states
Sources
- CDPH — Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- CDPH — How to complete your initial CNA application
- 42 CFR 483.154 — Nurse aide competency evaluation (Cornell LII)
- 42 CFR 483.152 — Nurse aide training requirements (Cornell LII)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.