How does the North Carolina CNA exam work?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
North Carolina'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. NC Department of Health and Human Services names Credentia as the testing vendor. Passing gets you listed on the North Carolina nurse aide registry.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Nurse Aide I (CNA) | NCDHHS — North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry |
| State agency | NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Nurse Aide I Registry | Official page |
| Testing vendor | Credentia | NCDHHS — North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry |
| Written test | 70 questions (60 scored + 10 pretest) in 2 hours | Credentia (NC) — Exam overview |
| Skills test | 5 skills, one of which is always hand hygiene | Credentia (NC) — Exam overview |
| 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 North Carolina
- 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 North Carolina candidate handbook.
- Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the skills test.
- Confirm your listing on the North Carolina nurse aide registry before you start work.
What's specific to North Carolina
North Carolina calls the entry credential Nurse Aide I; Nurse Aide II is a separate, more advanced listing.
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
- Is hand hygiene always on the North Carolina skills test?
- Credentia's NC exam overview says one of the 5 skills is always hand hygiene. Check the current overview before test day.
- What is a CNA II in North Carolina?
- Nurse Aide II is a separate NCDHHS listing with its own training requirements; it builds on Nurse Aide I.
- Can I take the North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina test day — free, no sign-up, about 15 minutes.
Take the free practice testRelated
Other states
Sources
- NCDHHS — North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry
- Credentia (NC) — Exam overview
- Credentia — North Carolina test-taker page
- 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.