CA CNA State Exam Practice Test 2026 [Official Study Guide]

Last Updated on May 18, 2026

CA CNA State Exam Practice Test 2026 [Official Study Guide]. You prepare yourself for the NNAAP nursing assistant or nurse aide exam in California. We provide official practice test questions and answers in PDF format.

The Healthcare Workforce Branch (HWB), through the Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section (HPCTS), oversees nurse assistant certification and ensures that all applicants comply with Sections 1337–1338.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.

California CNA State Exam Practice Test 2026

If you want to appear for this exam, you must be at least 16 years old, complete a California department-approved training program that includes an examination on basic patient care knowledge and skills, and successfully obtain a criminal background clearance.

State Nursing Assistant or Nurse Aide Exam
Total Itms: 70 Multiple Choice
Time Duration: Untimed

1) A resident says, “I am in pain.” What should the nursing assistant do?

2) A nursing assistant is caring for a resident with dementia. Which approach is best?

3) A nursing assistant hears a resident threaten self-harm. What should the assistant do?

4) What is the correct way to collect a urine specimen?

5) What should the nursing assistant do before taking an oral temperature?

6) A resident refuses a bath. What should the nursing assistant do?

7) Which observation should be reported to the nurse?

8) Which action is appropriate when documenting care?

9) The nursing assistant should knock before entering a resident’s room because it:

10) A resident complains that another staff member was rough during care. What should the nursing assistant do?

11) If a nursing assistant spills a resident’s urine specimen, what should the assistant do?

12) Which of the following is a normal responsibility of a nursing assistant?

13) When moving a resident up in bed, the nursing assistant should:

14) A resident with dentures is ready for sleep. What should the nursing assistant do?

15) A confused resident keeps trying to get out of bed without help. What is the best action?

16) A resident has a new hearing aid. What should the nursing assistant do?

17) How should dirty linen be handled?

18) What should the nursing assistant do before taking a resident’s blood pressure?

19) Which statement shows good infection control?

20) Which action is correct when removing gloves?

21) Which of the following is a sign that a resident may be in distress?

22) What is the purpose of a gait belt?

23) A resident with diabetes begins sweating and shaking. What should the nursing assistant do first?

24) Which action is proper when making an unoccupied bed?

25) A nursing assistant enters a resident’s room and finds the resident crying. What should the nursing assistant do first?

26) Which action should a nursing assistant take before using a mechanical lift?

27) A resident is on fluid intake and output. What should the nursing assistant do?

28) A resident is on strict bed rest. Which action helps prevent complications?

29) A resident with weak swallowing starts coughing during a meal. What should the nursing assistant do first?

30) A nursing assistant is asked to do a task that is not allowed by facility policy. What should the assistant do?

31) If a resident begins to choke and cannot speak or cough, the nursing assistant should:

32) Which action is correct when using a wheelchair?

33) A resident with dementia becomes upset and says, “I need to go home now.” What is the best response?

34) A resident suddenly says, “My left arm feels numb,” and looks confused. What should the nursing assistant do first?

35) Which action protects a resident’s privacy?

36) During transfer, a resident begins to fall. What should the nursing assistant do?

37) Which action is outside the nursing assistant’s role?

38) If a resident has a seizure, the nursing assistant should:

39) Which resident should the nursing assistant see first?

40) Which action would break confidentiality?

41) A resident’s respirations are difficult and noisy. What should the nursing assistant do?

42) Which action helps build trust with residents?

43) Which action helps prevent aspiration during feeding?

44) A nursing assistant notices that a resident’s skin is pale, cool, and clammy. What should the assistant do?

45) If a resident is on isolation precautions, the nursing assistant should:

46) A resident wants to know the result of a medical test. What should the nursing assistant say?

47) What is the correct way to help a resident use a cane?

48) Which action best shows respect for a resident’s independence?

49) Which action would be considered neglect?

50) A resident falls while walking to the bathroom. What should the nursing assistant do first?

51) A nursing assistant notices redness on a resident’s heel. What is the best action?

52) When assisting with a bed bath, the nursing assistant should:

53) A resident has one weak side from a stroke. When helping the resident walk, the nursing assistant should:

54) A nursing assistant enters a room and smells smoke. What should be done first?

55) If a resident begins vomiting, the nursing assistant should:

56) Which action is an example of respecting resident rights?

57) A nursing assistant should identify a resident before care by checking:

58) Which action is appropriate when caring for a resident who is dying?

59) What should the nursing assistant do after removing soiled gloves?

60) Which task can generally be done by a nursing assistant?

61) Why should a nursing assistant wear gloves during perineal care?

62) A resident is incontinent. Good perineal care is important mainly to:

63) Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?

64) A nursing assistant is helping a resident dress. The resident has weakness on one side. What should the assistant do?

65) What is the best way to help a resident who is visually impaired?

66) Which of the following should be reported immediately?

67) Which vital sign should be reported to the nurse right away?

68) What should the nursing assistant do when serving a meal tray?

69) Which action helps maintain a resident’s dignity?

70) Which resident statement may suggest abuse?

Your score is

 Nurse Aide Exam 

 National Nurse Aide Official Test 

 State Nurse Aide Official Test 

Exam Format

The California CNA certificate is generally valid for 2 years. To renew certification, CNAs must meet California renewal requirements, including working a required number of paid nursing-related hours during the certification period.

FEE

  • Written Exam: about $40
  • Oral Exam: about $45–$55
  • Skills Test: about $80–$100

Exam fees can vary slightly depending on the testing provider.

Test Name California Nursing Assistant
Minimum Age 16 years
Validity Two Years
Renewal fee $40 to $50
Language offered English
Total MCQs 70 Questions
Test Duration 120 Minutes
Test Link https://www.hdmaster.com

Officail Link: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/CNA.aspx