What Is a Passing Score for the CNA Exam? (2025 Update)

When I was preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, one of my biggest questions was: “What score do I need to pass?” Understanding the passing requirements helps you study smarter and walk into test day with confidence. While the exact cutoff can vary by state, there are clear national guidelines for 2025.

CNA Exam Overview (2025)

The CNA exam has two parts, and you must pass both to become certified:

  1. Written (or Oral) Exam – Multiple-choice knowledge test.
  2. Skills Exam – Hands-on evaluation of CNA skills.

👉 Passing requires meeting the minimum score on the written test and successfully performing all critical steps on the skills test.

Passing Score for the CNA Written Exam

The written exam contains 60–70 multiple-choice questions, depending on your state and testing vendor.

  • Passing Score (2025): Most states require 70–75% correct.
  • That means:
    • On a 60-question exam → at least 42–45 correct.
    • On a 70-question exam → at least 50–53 correct.

  • Vendors like Pearson VUE, Prometric, and Headmaster set slightly different cutoffs, but the national standard remains within this range.

Passing Score for the CNA Skills Exam

The skills evaluation doesn’t have a numeric score — it’s pass/fail.

  • You’ll be randomly assigned 5 skills to demonstrate.
  • Hand washing is always included.
  • You must correctly perform all critical steps (infection control, patient safety, resident rights).
  • Missing a critical step usually means failing the skill.

👉 You can still pass if you make minor mistakes, but failing a critical step results in failing the entire skills test.

What Happens If You Don’t Reach the Passing Score?

  • If you fail either part, you won’t receive certification.
  • Most states allow two or three retakes within a set time frame (often 12 months).
  • If you fail multiple times, you may be required to re-enroll in CNA training before trying again.

Pro Study Tip 📘

Aim higher than the minimum passing score — shoot for 80–85% on practice tests. That way, you’ll have a buffer on exam day.

👉 Check out our CNA Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with full-length CNA practice exams, detailed rationales, and complete skills checklists to make sure you pass on your first attempt.

CNA Exam Passing Score

Exam Component Passing Score Notes
Written Exam 70–75% (varies by state/vendor) ~42–53 correct answers, depending on total questions
Skills Exam Pass/Fail Must complete all critical steps correctly

✅ Final Thought: To pass the CNA exam, you’ll need at least 70–75% on the written portion and a successful demonstration of all critical skills in the hands-on test. With the right preparation, these scores are absolutely within reach — and the payoff is becoming a certified nursing assistant ready to start your healthcare career.

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