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CNA Certification: What Does YOUR State Require?

As you study for the written portion of your CNA examination, you’re probably wondering if online practice tests cover the information that you need to know.

The good news is that using online websites, such as CNA Plus, to prepare for your examination is a great method. The foundation of CNA training is based on solid principles of patient care. Every accredited CNA program provides the same information and clinical skills. No matter where you go to school, you’ll learn the same ways to give safe and effective care as other CNA students across the country.

When it comes to state requirements for training and certification, there are differences.

When it comes to state requirements for training and certification, there are differences. Not in the training: The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 governs how CNAs are certified across the United States, so the training course content is similar. (This means you can move to another state and find a CNA job without returning to school.)

However, each state differs in what is necessary to be listed on its CNA Registry:

  • How many classroom hours are required
  • How much clinical time is necessary
  • How many questions are in the written examination
  • How long the written examination will last

Here are some useful links to help you find out what your state requires:

Learn how to become a CNA in your state

  • Eligibility to become a CNA
  • State-approved CNA schools
  • Cost of training
  • How many hours of training are necessary
  • Applying for certification
  • What to expect at the exam
  • Renewing your certification

Read about the exam in your state

  • Completing the application
  • Cost of the application and test
  • Testing sites and what to bring
  • Categories of test questions
  • How many questions are on the test
  • How much time is allowed
  • Passing score for the exam
  • Receiving your scores

Once you know what your state requires, you can turn your attention to studying for the written examination.

CNA Plus offers practice tests in every category on the exam. Some questions are even the same as those on the actual exam!

Take the tests as many times as you like. Each time, the questions and the four choices are shuffled into a new order. If you’re not certain of the correct response, click below the answers to get a hint. When you make a mistake, an explanation pops up to help you learn and remember. You can even track your progress with the grid at the top left of the screen. It’s a fun and proven way to study!

Suzanne Ball, RN

About the Author

Winona Suzanne Ball

Nursing Adviser, RN | MHS, Governors State University, IL
Full member of the American Nurses Association. Learn more

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The CNA Plus Academy was established in October 2017 to help aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants pass their state CNA test. We provide online practice tests that simulate the official exam. All test questions are based on the 2024 National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®), which is the written test that most states use. Visit our sister site Nurse Plus to access free NCLEX questions.