Pass Your CNA
State Exam

The CNA state certification exam is a two-part test required to become a certified nursing assistant. It consists of:

• Written/Knowledge Test: Multiple-choice questions covering patient care, safety, infection control, and communication
• Clinical Skills Test: Hands-on demonstration of 3-5 randomly selected skills from a list of 25+ required competencies

Both parts must be passed to receive your CNA certification.

You must be proficient in all 25+ clinical skills on your state's competency list, as you won't know which 3-5 skills you'll be tested on until exam day. Common skills include:

• Hand hygiene and infection control
• Taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration)
• Assisting with ambulation and transfers
• Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Positioning and turning patients
• Measuring weight and height
• Catheter care and toileting assistance

Blend helps you practice all required skills with interactive simulations.

The skills exam is scored on a pass/fail basis. Examiners use an official checklist to evaluate your performance on each skill. Key scoring factors include:

• Critical Steps: Missing any critical step results in automatic failure for that skill
• Proper Technique: You must demonstrate correct body mechanics and procedures
• Safety: Patient safety and infection control must be maintained throughout
• Communication: Proper patient interaction and explanation of procedures

Blend's AI coach evaluates your performance against these same criteria and provides instant feedback.

The national CNA exam pass rate is approximately 70% for first-time test takers. However, students who practice with Blend achieve an 85% first-attempt pass rate — significantly higher than the national average.

The key to passing is thorough preparation and repeated practice of all skills until they become second nature. Our AI-powered simulations help you:

• Identify and correct mistakes before test day
• Build muscle memory through repetition
• Gain confidence in your technique
• Track your readiness with skill mastery scores

Most students need 2-4 weeks of focused practice after completing their CNA training program. The exact time depends on:

• Your comfort level with clinical skills
• How recently you completed hands-on training
• How much time you dedicate to daily practice

We recommend:

• Week 1-2: Practice all 25+ skills at least once, focusing on critical steps
• Week 3: Focus on skills where you're weakest based on your mastery scores
• Week 4: Full exam simulations and final review of critical steps

Blend tracks your progress and estimates when you'll be ready to test.

If you fail either portion of the exam, you can retake it. Policies vary by state but typically include:

• You must retake only the portion(s) you failed
• A waiting period of 1-4 weeks before retesting
• A retake fee (usually $30-$150 depending on your state)
• Limited number of attempts within 2 years of completing training

Avoid retakes by preparing thoroughly the first time. Blend's AI coach identifies your weak spots and helps you master every skill before test day.

No, Blend is a certification exam prep tool, not a replacement for state-required CNA training.

To sit for the CNA exam, you must first:

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours)
• Finish required clinical hours (typically 16+ hours)
• Obtain authorization to test from your state nursing board

Blend helps after you complete training by providing unlimited practice of exam skills so you can:

• Refresh your memory on all required skills
• Practice anytime, anywhere (no lab access needed)
• Build confidence before exam day
• Pass your certification exam on the first try

Blend is an independent exam prep resource, not a state-approved training program. However, our content is:

• Aligned with National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) standards
• Customized to match each state's specific exam requirements
• Based on official skill competency checklists
• Developed in consultation with nursing educators and CNAs

Students in all 50 states use Blend to prepare for their state certification exams. Our practice simulations mirror the same skills you'll be tested on, regardless of which state you're testing in.