How Many Questions Are on the CNA Written Exam? (2025 Update)

When I first started preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, one of the first things I wanted to know was: “How many questions are on the CNA written exam?” Understanding the test format helps you plan your study time and practice effectively. The answer depends slightly on your state and testing vendor, but there are general guidelines you can rely on for 2025.

CNA Written Exam Format (2025)

The CNA exam includes two parts:

  1. Written Exam (or Oral Exam option).
  2. Skills Exam (hands-on evaluation).

For the written portion, here’s what you can expect:

  • Number of Questions: Most states use 60–70 multiple-choice questions.
  • Time Limit: About 90 minutes.
  • Question Style: Scenario-based, with a single best answer.
  • Languages: English is standard, but some states offer the oral exam in Spanish or other languages.

Variation by Testing Vendor

The exact number of CNA written exam questions depends on the testing provider your state uses:

  • Pearson VUE: 70 multiple-choice questions.
  • Prometric: 60 multiple-choice questions.
  • Headmaster: 75 multiple-choice questions (some states).

👉 Always check your state’s CNA Candidate Handbook for the exact number, since requirements can vary slightly.

What the Questions Cover

The written exam questions are designed to test the knowledge you’ll use daily as a CNA. Common categories include:

  • Infection Control & Safety Procedures
  • Basic Nursing Skills (feeding, bathing, vital signs, repositioning)
  • Personal Care Skills (toileting, grooming, oral care)
  • Psychological & Social Needs (resident rights, communication, cultural sensitivity)
  • Role of the CNA (ethics, documentation, reporting)

How Many Questions Do You Need to Get Right?

While the number of questions varies, most states require 70–75% correct answers to pass. For example:

  • If you have 60 questions → need about 42–45 correct.
  • If you have 70 questions → need about 50–53 correct.

Pro Study Tip 📘

Don’t just memorize — practice with CNA-style questions to get used to how they’re worded.

👉 Check out our CNA Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with hundreds of questions covering all CNA exam domains, plus detailed rationales so you know why each answer is correct.

CNA Written Exam Questions

Testing Vendor Number of Questions Passing Score Time Limit
Pearson VUE 70 ~75% 90 minutes
Prometric 60 ~70% 90 minutes
Headmaster 75 (varies by state) ~70–75% 90 minutes

✅ Final Thought: The CNA written exam usually has 60–70 multiple-choice questions, depending on your state and testing vendor. With at least 70–75% required to pass, practice and preparation are the best ways to make sure you meet the score on your first attempt.

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