Question 1

California CNA Certification Overview

Accepted Answer

To become a Certified Nurse Assistant in California, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the California Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation administered by CDPH-approved testing vendors on behalf of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

California has the most rigorous training requirements in the nation — 160 hours of instruction, compared to the federal minimum of 75 hours. Of those 160 hours, at least 50 must be hands-on clinical training.

The exa

Question 2

California CNA Written Exam — What Is Tested

Accepted Answer

The California written exam follows the NNAAP (Nurse Aide Assessment Program) format. All 70 questions come from six content areas:

• Physical Care Skills (45%) — bathing, grooming, feeding, transfers, positioning, catheter care, elimination
• Safety & Emergency Procedures (14%) — fall prevention, RACE protocol, Heimlich maneuver, seizure response
• Infection Control (14%) — hand hygiene, PPE order, isolation precautions, standard precautions
• Resident Rights (11%) — OBRA regulations, right to

Question 3

California CNA Testing Locations

Accepted Answer

The California CNA exam is administered by three CDPH-approved testing vendors: Credentia, D&S Diversified Technologies (HDmaster), and the Regional Testing Center in Huntington Beach. Testing is available across all major regions:

• Los Angeles area
• San Diego
• San Francisco Bay Area
• Sacramento
• Fresno
• San Jose
• Bakersfield
• Riverside and San Bernardino

To find testing locations and available dates, visit credentia.com or hdmaster.com and search for California nurse assistant. Your s

Question 4

California CNA Skills Test — What to Expect

Accepted Answer

The clinical skills evaluation is conducted at a CDPH-approved testing site run by your assigned vendor. You will be evaluated by a trained skills observer and asked to demonstrate 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills using a mannequin and standard equipment.

Handwashing is evaluated as part of every skill — you must wash your hands at the start and end of each skill demonstration. Failure to perform the handwashing steps correctly can result in failing the entire skills test.

Commonly tested

Question 5

How to Prepare for the California CNA Exam

Accepted Answer

California's written exam pass rate for first-time candidates is typically around 65–70%. The additional training hours required in California mean candidates are generally well-prepared — but the exam still requires focused study.

Recommended study approach:

1. Take a full 70-question diagnostic practice test before studying. Identify your weakest topics by section.

2. Focus on Physical Care Skills first — nearly half the exam comes from this section. Master bathing technique, gait belt use,

Question 6

After You Pass — California Nurse Assistant Registry

Accepted Answer

Once you pass both parts of the California exam, your name is added to the California Nurse Assistant Registry (CNAR) maintained by the CDPH. Employers are required to verify registry status before hiring.

Your California CNA certification is valid for 24 months. To maintain your listing, you must work as a nurse assistant for at least 8 hours for pay during each 24-month renewal period. You must also complete 48 hours of in-service training during the same period.

If your certification lapses

Free CNA Practice Test California — NNAAP Exam Prep Guide

California CNA Certification Overview

California CNA Written Exam — What Is Tested

California CNA Testing Locations

California CNA Skills Test — What to Expect

How to Prepare for the California CNA Exam

After You Pass — California Nurse Assistant Registry

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