Career Resources: CNA Testing Guide

Congratulations on completing your CNA program. Here’s everything you need to take the next step and become a Certified Nursing Assistant in California — how the exam works, how to register, what it costs, and where to test.

How the California CNA exam works

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires every CNA candidate to pass a written (knowledge) exam and a hands-on skills exam to be placed on the California Nurse Aide Registry. The exams are administered for CDPH by approved testing vendors: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster (D&SDT-Headmaster) and Credentia. Your assigned vendor and region are listed on the eligibility letter you receive from CDPH.

Exam components

  • Knowledge (written) exam: A multiple-choice test (commonly 70–75 questions). An audio/oral version is available for eligible candidates.
  • Skills exam: You demonstrate five randomly selected nursing-assistant skills. Hand hygiene and certain critical steps are required.

You must pass both parts to be added to the state registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

How to schedule your exam

Students will schedule their state exam together with their instructor on graduation day. Exam registration and scheduling will be completed as a class on the final day of the program.

Exam fees

Fees are set by the testing vendor and are paid to them, not to the school. As of early 2026, current published fees are approximately:

  • Knowledge (written) exam $40
  • Knowledge exam — audio/oral version $45
  • Skills exam $100
  • Retest — written only $40
  • Retest — skills only 80

Where to test

California has authorized testing sites across the state, and they change regularly. The most reliable way to find a current site and open date near Tracy is to search your vendor’s portal once your application is on file. Sites commonly used by students in our area include the Central Valley region around Stockton and Modesto.

Preparation tips

  • Use your program materials. Review everything from your theory classes and the Skills Checklist we gave you.
  • Practice the skills. Rehearse with peers or instructors. The skills exam rewards clean, consistent technique and never skipping hand hygiene.
  • Take practice tests. Work through written practice exams to get comfortable with the question format.
  • Read the candidate handbook. Your vendor’s California candidate handbook walks through exactly what to bring and what to expect on test day.

Retest policy

If you don’t pass one or both parts, you can retake the failed portion. California allows candidates a limited number of attempts (commonly up to three) within two years of completing your CNA program. You only retake the part you didn’t pass. Check your vendor portal for your remaining attempts and current retest fees.

Official resources

Questions or need help with any of this? Contact Radiant Care Nursing and Phlebotomy School at (209) 284-4843 or radiantcareschool@gmail.com. Good luck — you’ve earned this.

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