How does the Pennsylvania CNA exam work?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Pennsylvania'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. Pennsylvania Department of Health names Credentia as the testing vendor. Passing gets you listed on the Pennsylvania nurse aide registry.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Nurse Aide (CNA) | Pennsylvania Department of Health — Nurse aide testing |
| State agency | Pennsylvania Department of Health | Official page |
| Testing vendor | Credentia | Pennsylvania Department of Health — Nurse aide testing |
| Written test | Credentia's Pennsylvania exam overview lists 70 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours | Credentia (PA) — Exam overview |
| Oral option | 60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions | Credentia (PA) — Exam overview |
| Skills test | 5 skills | Credentia (PA) — 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 Pennsylvania
- 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 Pennsylvania candidate handbook.
- Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the skills test.
- Confirm your listing on the Pennsylvania nurse aide registry before you start work.
What's specific to Pennsylvania
Fees and the passing standard are in the current Pennsylvania candidate handbook from Credentia. See Pennsylvania CNA exam cost.
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
- How much does the PA CNA test cost?
- Check the current fee in the Pennsylvania candidate handbook on Credentia's PA page. Federal rules bar charging aides who are employed by, or have an offer from, a nursing facility. See PA exam cost.
- What's the passing score for the Pennsylvania nurse aide exam?
- The passing standard is explained in the Pennsylvania candidate handbook. Check the current version before your test.
- PA CNA skills test: is hand washing always on it?
- Check the skills section of the current Pennsylvania handbook; it states how hand hygiene is tested.
- Can I take the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania test day — free, no sign-up, about 15 minutes.
Take the free practice testRelated
Other states
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Health — Nurse aide testing
- Credentia (PA) — Exam overview
- Credentia — Pennsylvania 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.