CNA guide · updated 2026-09-29

What is the passing score for the CNA written exam?

There is no single national passing score. The NNAAP written exam is reported as pass or fail, and the passing standard is set for each state program, not published as one number by NCSBN. Aim for 80% or better on timed practice, which covers the higher end of what candidates report.

Pass or fail, not a scaled score

Unlike exams such as the PTCB or NREMT, the NNAAP written exam does not give you a scaled score to compare against a national cut. Your score report tells you whether you passed or failed. If you fail, federal rules require that you are told which areas you did not pass, so you know what to study before retesting.

Only the 60 scored questions count. The 10 pretest questions do not affect your result.

Why you see different numbers online

Study sites quote everything from 70% to 80%. Those numbers come from individual state programs and older vendor documents, and they are not interchangeable. Credentia's state handbooks describe the result as pass or fail and do not print one national percentage.

If your state publishes its standard, it will be in your state's Credentia handbook or on the nurse aide registry page. Check that before test day, not a third-party blog.

What to aim for on practice tests

80% or higher on a full 70-question timed mock is a comfortable target. It clears every standard commonly quoted.
No domain below 70%. Role of the Nurse Aide is 26% of the exam, so a weak spot there costs roughly 16 questions' worth of exposure.
Two mocks in a row at your target, taken on different days, before you book or sit the exam.

You must pass both parts

Certification requires passing the written (or oral) exam and the skills evaluation. They are scored separately. In Pennsylvania, for example, the skills evaluation requires performing all five selected skills correctly. Passing the written exam alone does not put you on the registry.

If you pass one part and fail the other, you usually retest only the part you failed. Retake rules and fees are set by your state.

How many attempts you get

Federal regulation (42 CFR 483.154) requires states to allow at least three opportunities to complete the competency evaluation. Many states add a time limit, such as finishing within a set period after training, so read your state handbook.

Reading your practice score here

The practice tests on this site show a percentage from your raw score and a breakdown by domain. Because the real exam is pass or fail against your state's standard, use the percentage as a readiness signal, not a prediction. A steady 80% or better across two timed mocks, with no domain below 70%, is a sensible point to book.

Frequently asked questions

Is 70% enough to pass the CNA written exam?

It may be in some states, but there is no national rule. Treat 70% on practice as the floor, not the target.

Will I see my score right away?

Score reporting depends on the state and delivery mode. Your report shows pass or fail, and failing reports list the areas to improve.

Does the oral exam have a different passing rule?

The oral exam adds a reading comprehension section, and you must pass both the multiple-choice and the reading comprehension parts.

Try the free CNA practice test

Questions tagged to the official outline, with an explanation for every answer. 15 free a day, no sign-up.

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Sources: Credentia NNAAP Handbook: The NNAAP Written (or Oral) Examination · 42 CFR 483.154 - Nurse aide competency evaluation · 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline (NCSBN / Credentia). Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NCSBN or Credentia.