MD GNA Practice Test

Unofficial Maryland GNA practice: 60 questions of our own in the content areas of the written exam's published outline.

Which water temperature does MedlinePlus give for the basin of a bed bath?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 60 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 60 questions, no time limit.

More options

Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Maryland Board of Nursing or Credentia. Bank checked October 8, 2026.

The real exam, as Maryland's candidate handbook describes it

Retakes
Four attempts in the two years after training. After that, a state-approved training program again.
Parts
A written (or oral) examination and a skills evaluation. Both must be passed.
Written
70 multiple-choice questions. 10 are unscored pretest questions, so 60 count.
Oral
60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions, asked for with the application.
Skills
Five skills in 30 minutes: hand hygiene, one measurement skill and three others. All five must be passed.
Who gives it
Credentia, under contract with the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Checked October 8, 2026 against Maryland nursing assistant candidate handbook (Credentia) and Maryland Code, Health Occupations §8-6A-01. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The Maryland Board of Nursing's nursing assistant page

Next step CNA skills practice questionsCNA practice test: three more sets

All 60 questions

Activities of daily living 13

  • A dying resident is no longer drinking. What does MedlinePlus suggest for the mouth? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Palliative care - what the final days are like, What you can do. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • A person with dementia has trouble using utensils. What does MedlinePlus suggest? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Dementia - daily care, Eating and Nutrition. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • An older person cannot fall asleep. After how long in bed does MedlinePlus say to get up and do a quiet activity? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in sleep, Prevention and Treatment. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • How large a bite does MedlinePlus advise for a person with swallowing problems? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Swallowing problems, Home Care. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
Show all 60 questions (56 more)

Activities of daily living, continued

  • Skin repairs itself more slowly with age. How much slower can wound healing be, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in skin, Effect of Changes. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • Which habit does MedlinePlus say can cause constipation? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Constipation - self-care, Signs, Symptoms, and Causes. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • Which measure does MedlinePlus list to help an older person sleep? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in sleep, Prevention and Treatment. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • Which of these does MedlinePlus list as a sign of severe dehydration? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Dehydration, Symptoms. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • Which water temperature does MedlinePlus give for the basin of a bed bath? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Bathing a patient in bed, Supplies for a Bed Bath. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • Why does MedlinePlus not recommend bath oils for older people? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in skin, Prevention. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • With age the bladder wall becomes stiffer and less stretchy. What follows, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in the kidneys and bladder, Changes in the bladder. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • With age the layer of fat under the skin thins. What does this increase, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in skin, Aging Changes. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).
  • With age the oil glands of the skin produce less oil. What does MedlinePlus say this makes harder? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in skin, Aging Changes. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.A Activities of Daily Living (13 of 60 scored questions).

Basic nursing skills 21

  • A resident has fallen and may have hurt the neck or back. What does MedlinePlus say not to do? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, After a fall in the hospital, After the Fall. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • A resident is on droplet precautions. Who should wear a surgical mask, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Isolation precautions, Transmission-based Precautions. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • An older resident becomes dizzy on standing up too fast. What does MedlinePlus call this drop in blood pressure on standing? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in vital signs, Blood Pressure. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • Germs such as C difficile and norovirus call for which precautions, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Isolation precautions, Transmission-based Precautions. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • Hand sanitizer should be at least what percent alcohol, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Handwashing, How to Wash Your Hands. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • How far should oxygen be kept from candles and space heaters, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Oxygen safety, Have Your Home Ready. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • How full should a leg bag be when it is emptied, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Urine drainage bags, Emptying Your Leg Bag. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • How long must a person have rested before a resting heart rate is taken, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Pulse, How to Prepare for the Test. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • To prevent falls, how low should a bed be, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Preventing falls, Home Setup. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • What does aging do to the ability to sweat, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in vital signs, Body Temperature. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • What does MedlinePlus say about gloves that are too small? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Wearing gloves in the hospital, Choose the Right Gloves. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • What does MedlinePlus say not to use near the place where an indwelling catheter enters the body? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Indwelling catheter care, Cleaning Your Skin. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • What should anyone put on before entering the room of a person on airborne precautions, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Isolation precautions, Transmission-based Precautions. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • When checking skin for pressure sores, which reddened areas does MedlinePlus say to look for? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Skin care and incontinence, If You Are Bedridden or Using a Wheelchair. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • When does MedlinePlus say to put on compression stockings? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Compression stockings, Putting on Your Compression Stockings. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • When the use of restraints is indicated, what does 42 CFR 483.12 require of the facility? 42 CFR 483.12, paragraph (a)(2). Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • Which cushion does MedlinePlus say not to sit on in a wheelchair? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Preventing pressure injuries, If You Use a Wheelchair. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • Which light does MedlinePlus say makes it easier for an older person to see in a darkened hallway or bathroom? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in the senses, Vision. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • Which medicines may cause the pulse of an older person to slow, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in vital signs, Effects of Medicines on Vital Signs. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • Why does the risk of injury rise with age, by MedlinePlus's page on the bones, muscles and joints? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints, Common Problems. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).
  • Why is fever an important sign in older people, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in vital signs, Body Temperature. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.B Basic Nursing Skills (21 of 60 scored questions).

Self-care and independence 4

  • During a bed bath, what does MedlinePlus say about the person's own part in it? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Bathing a patient in bed, Why a Patient Might Need Bed Baths. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.C Self-care and Independence (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • People who cannot move by themselves, or who do not stretch their muscles, may get what, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints, Common Problems. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.C Self-care and Independence (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • What does MedlinePlus say is among the best means of slowing or preventing muscle, joint and bone problems? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints, Prevention. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.C Self-care and Independence (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • Why does lying in bed or sitting for a long time put an older person at risk of lung infection, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in the lungs, Prevention. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, I.C Self-care and Independence (4 of 60 scored questions).

Emotional and mental health needs 5

  • A person with dementia sees things that are not there. Which does MedlinePlus advise? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Dementia - behavior and sleep problems, Tips For Behavior And Sleep Problems. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, II.A Emotional and Mental Health Needs (5 of 60 scored questions).
  • A resident is suddenly and severely confused. What does MedlinePlus say this condition, delirium, usually is? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Delirium, Causes. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, II.A Emotional and Mental Health Needs (5 of 60 scored questions).
  • Should grief be prevented, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Grief, Prevention. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, II.A Emotional and Mental Health Needs (5 of 60 scored questions).
  • Sleep problems in an older person are a common symptom of which condition, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in sleep, Effect of Changes. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, II.A Emotional and Mental Health Needs (5 of 60 scored questions).
  • What can the sensory changes of aging lead to, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in the senses, opening section. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, II.A Emotional and Mental Health Needs (5 of 60 scored questions).

Spiritual and cultural needs 1

  • Hospice care looks after mind, body and spirit. Which service is on MedlinePlus's list of what it may include? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Hospice care, What Hospice Care Offers. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, II.B Spiritual and Cultural Needs (1 of 60 scored questions).

Communication 4

  • A person understands others but has trouble saying and writing words correctly. Which type of aphasia is this, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Communicating with someone with aphasia, What to Expect at Home. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III.A Communication (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • A person who has hearing loss does not catch a phrase. What does MedlinePlus advise? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Talking to someone with hearing loss, Tips That Can Help. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III.A Communication (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • How far away does MedlinePlus say to stand or sit when talking to someone with hearing loss? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Talking to someone with hearing loss, Tips That Can Help. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III.A Communication (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • Which sounds does age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) affect in particular, by MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Aging changes in the senses, Hearing. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III.A Communication (4 of 60 scored questions).

Residents' rights 5

  • May a nursing home require a resident to deposit personal funds with the facility, under 42 CFR 483.10? 42 CFR 483.10, paragraph (f)(10)(i). Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III, the row printed as a second Communication (5 of 60 scored questions), given here to residents' rights (42 CFR 483.152(b)(7)).
  • Two married residents live in the same nursing home. What right does 42 CFR 483.10 give them? 42 CFR 483.10, paragraph (e)(4). Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III, the row printed as a second Communication (5 of 60 scored questions), given here to residents' rights (42 CFR 483.152(b)(7)).
  • Under 42 CFR 483.10, what must a resident receive before the resident's room or roommate is changed? 42 CFR 483.10, paragraph (e)(6). Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III, the row printed as a second Communication (5 of 60 scored questions), given here to residents' rights (42 CFR 483.152(b)(7)).
  • Under 42 CFR 483.10, when may staff attend a resident group meeting? 42 CFR 483.10, paragraph (f)(5)(ii). Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III, the row printed as a second Communication (5 of 60 scored questions), given here to residents' rights (42 CFR 483.152(b)(7)).
  • Which of these does 42 CFR 483.10 give the resident the right to choose? 42 CFR 483.10, paragraph (f)(1). Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III, the row printed as a second Communication (5 of 60 scored questions), given here to residents' rights (42 CFR 483.152(b)(7)).

Member of the health care team 4

  • A hospice team usually includes aides. Which other member is on MedlinePlus's list? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Hospice care, What Hospice Care Offers. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III Member of the Health Care Team (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • A resident has fallen and has been checked by medical staff. What does MedlinePlus say about recording the fall? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, After a fall in the hospital, After the Fall. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III Member of the Health Care Team (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • By the Maryland candidate handbook, what may a student in an approved nursing home training program not do before certification? Maryland nursing assistant candidate handbook (Credentia), Frequently Asked Questions, question 2. Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III Member of the Health Care Team (4 of 60 scored questions).
  • Under Maryland Health Occupations §8-6A-01, a certified nursing assistant performs nursing tasks delegated by whom? Maryland Code, Health Occupations §8-6A-01 (text in effect April 1, 2026), subsection (m). Outline: Maryland candidate handbook, 2024 NNAAP Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline, III Member of the Health Care Team (4 of 60 scored questions).

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the 2024 National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Written (Oral) Examination Content Outline in the Maryland nursing assistant candidate handbook of Credentia (https://kb-maryland.credentia.com/en/article/the-2024-national-nurse-aide-assessment-program-nnaap-written-oral-examination-content-outline, linked as "MD Handbook" from https://www.credentia.com/test-takers/maryland; read 2026-10-08). The outline, in effect since October 2024, gives 70 multiple-choice items, 10 of them unscored pretest items, and these scored counts: Activities of Daily Living 13, Basic Nursing Skills 21, Self-care and Independence 4, Emotional and Mental Health Needs 5, Spiritual and Cultural Needs 1, Communication 4, a second row also printed as Communication 5, Legal and Ethical Behavior 3, Member of the Health Care Team 4. The bank holds the same count in each; the five questions of the second Communication row are on residents' rights, a required course subject under 42 CFR 483.152(b)(7). Every fact was read on 2026-10-08 in the public source the question names: the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia of the National Library of Medicine (medlineplus.gov/ency), 42 CFR 483.10 and 483.12 on ecfr.gov, Maryland Code, Health Occupations §8-6A-01 on mgaleg.maryland.gov and the handbook itself. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free Maryland GNA practice test has 60 questions of our own, in the content areas of the NNAAP written exam the state uses. It is unofficial and not affiliated with the Maryland Board of Nursing or Credentia.

Read the full guide

GNA is now CNA-I

Since April 1, 2026, Maryland law (Health Occupations §8-6A-01) calls a nursing assistant who was certified as a geriatric nursing assistant a certified nursing assistant-I. The Maryland GNA exam and the Maryland CNA exam are one test, the NNAAP Examination.

What the written exam covers

The candidate handbook's outline, read October 8, 2026, gives each content area a count of scored questions. This bank holds the same 60, from 21 on basic nursing skills to 1 on spiritual and cultural needs.

Written for the care of older residents

Many answers come from MedlinePlus pages on how skin, sleep, hearing, bones and vital signs change with age.

  • The handbook page prints Communication twice, for 4 and 5 questions. The second five here are on residents' rights.

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the Maryland GNA test?

70 multiple-choice questions, 10 of them unscored pretest questions, by the handbook's outline. The oral version has 60 questions and 10 on reading comprehension. The handbook's exam pages give no time limit or pass mark for the written part.

How many times can you take the GNA exam in Maryland?

Four attempts in the two years after finishing training, by the handbook's score reporting page. After four failures of either part, a state-approved training program is completed again and both parts are retaken.

Who gives the Maryland CNA exam?

Credentia, which the Maryland Board of Nursing has contracted to schedule, give and score the NNAAP Examination. The Board certifies nursing assistants and keeps the registry.

Is a 2023 GNA practice exam for Maryland still current?

It predates the current content outline, which took effect in October 2024. This bank follows that outline, read on October 8, 2026.

Are these real Maryland GNA test questions?

No. Federal rule 42 CFR 483.154 keeps the question pool from being disclosed. These are our own questions from public sources, and none comes from the handbook's sample questions or self-assessment.

More tests

Show 8 more

Browse Safety and Trades