What Kind of Questions Are on the CNA Written Exam? (2025 Guide)

When I first started preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, one of my biggest concerns was: “What kind of questions are on the CNA written exam?” Knowing the types of questions you’ll face can make studying much easier and less stressful. In 2025, the CNA written exam is made up of scenario-based multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of daily CNA duties, safety, infection control, and patient rights.

CNA Written Exam Format (2025)

• Number of Questions: 60–70 (varies by state/vendor).
• Format: Multiple choice (4 options, 1 best answer).
• Time Limit: About 90 minutes.
• Passing Score: 70–75% depending on the state.

👉 The exam focuses less on memorization and more on applying CNA knowledge in real-life scenarios.

Common Topics Covered on the CNA Written Exam

1. Infection Control & Safety

• Hand hygiene, glove use, PPE.
• Preventing falls, burns, or injuries.
• Responding to emergencies (choking, fire, cardiac arrest).

Sample Question:
A resident begins coughing violently during a meal and is unable to speak. What should the CNA do first?
A) Call for the nurse immediately
B) Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts)
C) Offer a glass of water
D) Pat the resident firmly on the back

(Correct answer: B — abdominal thrusts for choking.)

2. Basic Nursing Skills

• Taking and recording vital signs.
• Measuring height, weight, and intake/output.
• Bed-making and positioning residents.

Sample Question:
Which vital sign must be reported immediately if it is abnormal?
A) Temperature of 98.4°F
B) Pulse of 72 beats per minute
C) Blood pressure of 180/100 mmHg
D) Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute

(Correct answer: C — dangerously high blood pressure.)

3. Personal Care Skills

• Assisting with bathing, grooming, and toileting.
• Providing catheter care and perineal care.
• Feeding residents safely.

Sample Question:
When feeding a resident who has difficulty swallowing, the CNA should:
A) Feed them quickly to finish the meal.
B) Use a straw for liquids.
C) Tilt the resident’s head back while feeding.
D) Offer small bites and encourage swallowing before giving more food.

(Correct answer: D — small bites, slow pace, and upright positioning.)

4. Resident Rights & Communication

• Respecting dignity, privacy, and autonomy.
• Communicating with residents and families.
• Reporting and documenting observations.

Sample Question:
If a resident refuses a bath, the CNA should:
A) Insist and proceed anyway.
B) Notify the nurse and respect the resident’s choice.
C) Skip hygiene care entirely.
D) Report the resident as uncooperative.

(Correct answer: B — respecting resident rights while notifying the nurse.)

Pro Study Tip 📘

The CNA written exam questions are straightforward if you practice with realistic scenarios.

👉 Check out our CNA Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with hundreds of exam-style questions, detailed rationales, and complete coverage of all CNA exam domains.

What’s on the CNA Written Exam

Category	Question Style	Example Topics
Infection Control & Safety	Scenario-based	Hand washing, PPE, choking, fall prevention
Basic Nursing Skills	Application-focused	Vital signs, bed-making, intake/output
Personal Care Skills	Step-by-step	Feeding, bathing, toileting, catheter care
Resident Rights & Communication	Ethics & communication	Privacy, autonomy, documentation

✅ Final Thought: The CNA written exam consists of 60–70 multiple-choice questions that focus on real-world nursing assistant duties. Expect questions on infection control, safety, vital signs, personal care, and resident rights. With enough practice, you’ll be ready for both the knowledge and application-based scenarios.