How it works
This California CNA practice test is free, with no account. It is unofficial and not affiliated with the California Department of Public Health, D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) or Credentia.
Read the full guide
Two testing companies, one bank
Two companies publish a California handbook, each with its own outline. Read October 12, 2026: Headmaster lists twelve subject areas for 75 questions, Credentia nine areas for 70. The 67 care questions here sit in nine groups both outlines cover.
California's own rules
Thirty-six questions come from Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations: mail unopened, clergy visits at any time, no restraint with a lock, no seclusion, no more than 14 hours between supper and breakfast.
Where the answers come from
Each answer names its public source: Title 22, a California Department of Public Health page, one of the two handbooks, a federal rule or a MedlinePlus page.
- Eight more questions cover the certificate itself: minimum age, the 48 renewal hours and reactivating a lapsed certificate.
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the California CNA state exam?
75 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, with 75% or better to pass, by Headmaster's California handbook. Credentia's handbook gives 70 questions, ten of them unscored. Ask your training program which company gives your test.
What is on the California CNA written exam?
Headmaster's knowledge test has 75 questions in twelve subject areas, the largest being basic nursing skills (15), resident rights (8) and safety (8). Credentia's 2024 outline gives basic nursing skills 35% of its scored questions and activities of daily living 22%.
How many times can you take the CNA exam in CA?
Three attempts at each part within two years of finishing training, by both handbooks. After a third failure of either part, or after two years, an approved training program is completed again.
Are these real California CNA test questions?
No. Federal rule 42 CFR 483.154 keeps the real pool from being disclosed. These are our own questions, written from public sources. The sample questions in the two handbooks were not used.