How does the Tennessee CNA exam work?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Tennessee'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. Tennessee Health Facilities Commission names Credentia (since June 1, 2026) as the testing vendor. Passing gets you listed on the Tennessee nurse aide registry.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) | Tennessee Health Facilities Commission — Nurse aide information |
| State agency | Tennessee Health Facilities Commission | Official page |
| Testing vendor | Credentia (since June 1, 2026) | Tennessee Health Facilities Commission — Nurse aide information |
| Written test | 75 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours (oral version available) | Credentia (TN) — Exam overview |
| Skills test | 5 skills | Credentia (TN) — 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 Tennessee
- 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 Tennessee candidate handbook.
- Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the skills test.
- Confirm your listing on the Tennessee nurse aide registry before you start work.
What's specific to Tennessee
Tennessee changed its nurse aide registry and testing vendor in 2026. Older study guides may describe the previous program — use the current Credentia handbook.
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
- My Tennessee CNA expired — do I have to retest?
- Under federal rules, 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work means new training and/or a new competency evaluation. See expired CNA renewal.
- Did Tennessee change CNA testing vendors?
- Yes. The Health Facilities Commission says Credentia became the registry and testing vendor effective June 1, 2026.
- Can I take the Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee test day — free, no sign-up, about 15 minutes.
Take the free practice testRelated
Other states
Sources
- Tennessee Health Facilities Commission — Nurse aide information
- Credentia (TN) — Exam overview
- Credentia — Tennessee 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.