How does the Ohio CNA exam work?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Ohio'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. Ohio Department of Health names D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) as the testing vendor. Passing gets you listed on the Ohio nurse aide registry.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Certified Nurse Aide (CNA; long called STNA) | Ohio Department of Health — Nurse Aide Registry |
| State agency | Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Nurse Aide Registry | Official page |
| Testing vendor | D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) | Ohio Department of Health — Nurse Aide Registry |
| Knowledge test | 79 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes (audio version available) | Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (D&S) |
| Skills test | 3–4 skill tasks | Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (D&S) |
| 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 Ohio
- 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 Ohio candidate handbook.
- Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the skills test.
- Confirm your listing on the Ohio nurse aide registry before you start work.
What's specific to Ohio
Ohio's official pages now use "Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)"; "STNA" (State Tested Nurse Aide) is the long-standing Ohio term you'll still hear. See STNA vs CNA in Ohio.
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's the difference between STNA and CNA in Ohio?
- They refer to the same nurse aide credential; Ohio's official pages now say CNA. See STNA vs CNA.
- How long is the Ohio STNA written exam?
- The current Ohio handbook lists 79 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Check the latest handbook before test day.
- Which skills are on the Ohio STNA skills test?
- You perform 3–4 skill tasks from the list in the Ohio candidate handbook, which includes the checklists.
- Can I take the Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio test day — free, no sign-up, about 15 minutes.
Take the free practice testRelated
Other states
Sources
- Ohio Department of Health — Nurse Aide Registry
- Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (D&S)
- D&S Diversified Technologies — Ohio CNA
- 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.