California CNA exam at a glance
Exam format, fees and rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Approved testing vendors | D&SDT-Headmaster; Credentia Nurse Aide LLC; Regional Testing Center (Huntington Beach) - per CDPH |
| Headmaster knowledge exam | 75 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes |
| Headmaster skills test | 3 or 4 randomly selected tasks |
| Headmaster fees (from 3/1/2026) | $40 knowledge; $45 audio knowledge; $100 skills |
| Attempts | 3 attempts to pass knowledge and skills within 2 years of training completion |
| Application form | CDPH 283B (initial application) |
| Remote option | Headmaster offers a remotely proctored knowledge exam |
What makes California different
- California is one of the few states with more than one approved CNA testing vendor, so exam format depends on where you test.
- The facts in the table above are for Headmaster; Credentia administers the NNAAP format (see our Credentia page).
- Headmaster raised California fees on March 1, 2026 to $40 (knowledge) and $100 (skills).
How to get certified in California
- Finish a CDPH-approved training program
Your program submits your information; you complete the CDPH 283B application.
- Choose a testing vendor
CDPH lists Headmaster, Credentia and a regional testing center. Fees and formats differ by vendor - check the vendor you pick.
- Complete your testing account and schedule
With Headmaster, sign in at ca.tmutest.com, complete your profile and pay before choosing a test date.
- Pass both parts
Results go to CDPH for certification and placement on the registry.
Test day checklist
- Headmaster: arrive 20-30 minutes before start; late arrivals are not admitted and fees are not refunded.
- Keep your ID with you all exam day; the RN Test Observer checks it at the knowledge room and skills lab.
- Headmaster allows foreign-language word-for-word dictionaries for the knowledge exam.
Registry and contacts
Official registry / agency page: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/CNA.aspx. CDPH CNA unit: cna@cdph.ca.gov.
Federal minimums that apply everywhere
Federal rules set the floor for every state: nurse aide training must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). States can require more. After you are certified, going 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work means retraining or retesting before you can work in a Medicare/Medicaid nursing home (42 CFR 483.35(d)).
CNA practice test (written exam)
CNA practice test (written exam)
Practice for the California CNA written exam
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Frequently asked questions
How do I become a CNA in California?
1) Finish a CDPH-approved training program. 2) Choose a testing vendor. 3) Complete your testing account and schedule. 4) Pass both parts.
Who runs the California CNA exam?
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster), Credentia and a regional testing center administers testing; California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Aide and Technician Certification Section oversees certification and the registry.
How much does the California CNA exam cost?
$40 knowledge; $45 audio knowledge; $100 skills (verified 2026-09-23 from the official handbook or fee page).
How many questions are on the California CNA test?
75 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes.
How many times can I take the California CNA exam?
3 attempts to pass knowledge and skills within 2 years of training completion.
Sources
- D&SDT-Headmaster - California Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (March 2026, v9.0) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- CDPH - CNA Testing Vendors (accessed 2026-09-23)
- D&SDT-Headmaster - California CNA testing page (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 42 CFR 483.152 Requirements for approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (accessed 2026-09-23)