Question 1
A nurse aide is giving catheter care. How should the aide clean the catheter tubing?
The California CNA exam
California uses the NNAAP exam to place nurse assistants on the California Nurse Assistant Registry. You must pass the written (or oral) exam and the skills evaluation.
| Written exam | 70 multiple-choice questions: 60 scored, 10 unscored |
|---|---|
| Time | 2 hours |
| Window | 2 years from finishing your training program |
| Certificate | Valid for 24 months from issue |
Who can test
You must be at least 16, pass a criminal background check and have completed a state-approved nurse assistant training program. The handbook also describes a route for people with equivalent training, reciprocity or a previous certificate.
The exam
The written exam has 70 multiple-choice questions in English; an oral version is available if you ask when you apply. The skills evaluation is five skills in 30 minutes, and you must pass all five. You do not have to take both parts on the same day.
Retakes
Your score report tells you how to retake a part you failed. If you fail either part three times, or are scheduled three times without becoming certified, you must retrain and take both parts again.
Planning for nursing school next?
Many nurse aides go on to nursing programs, which often ask for an entrance test. We have courses for the two most common ones.
Try 3 questions
Question 2
Before leaving a client's room, where should the nurse aide place the call light?
Question 3
A client is hard of hearing. Which way of speaking helps the client understand best?
Next step
Questions people ask
Does California use the NNAAP exam?
Yes. Credentia's California handbook describes the NNAAP written (or oral) exam and skills evaluation for the California Nurse Assistant Registry.
How long do I have to pass the California CNA exam?
Two years from the date you completed your training program. After that you must retrain.
How long is a California nurse assistant certificate valid?
24 months from the date it was issued, according to the handbook.