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Prometric CNA exam: what to expect

Prometric runs the CNA exam in 10 states: a 60-question written test in 90 minutes and a skills test of 5 scored skills in 31 to 40 minutes.

Checked November 15, 2026
An empty computer room set up for testing
Photo: Pexels

Short answer: Prometric runs the nurse aide (CNA) exam for 10 states, including Florida, Texas and New York, and its exam has a 60-question written test with 90 minutes and a Clinical Skills Test of 5 scored skills that takes 31 to 40 minutes. You must pass both parts, and Prometric sells official 50-question written practice tests for US$15 each on its own website.

A vertical timeline of the Prometric CNA exam in Florida: apply at least 50 days ahead, board review up to 30 days, written test of 60 questions in 90 minutes, skills test of 31 to 40 minutes, then registry listing in 3 to 5 weeks

States where Prometric runs the test

Prometric's state list, read November 15, 2026, has 10 states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma and Texas. Alabama also appears on Credentia's list on the same day, so Alabama candidates should confirm with the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.

Each state has its own Prometric page and its own Candidate Information Bulletin. The bulletin has the certification routes, fees, rules and the content outline for that state. Read your own state's bulletin, because the rules differ. For other states' test companies, see CNA state exam: who runs it in your state.

The written (or oral) test

In Florida, Texas and New York, the Prometric written test has 60 multiple-choice questions and you have 90 minutes. It is taken on a computer, and you use a mouse to pick answers. Prometric says you do not need computer experience.

If reading English is hard for you, there is an audio or oral version. In Florida you hear the questions read to you and can replay them; you must ask for this on the application, not on test day. New York's oral exam adds a separate reading section of 16 questions, with 30 extra minutes, and you must pass it.

In Texas, Prometric says remote proctoring may be an option for the written or oral exam. Check the Texas page.

The Clinical Skills Test

You are scored on 5 skills. The computer assigns 3 skills when you are scheduled. The other 2 are always scored: Handwashing and Indirect Care. Indirect Care means how you treat the resident during every skill: rights and preferences, communication, safety, comfort and infection control.

Your total time is 31 to 40 minutes, depending on the 3 skills you get. Prometric's timing study says each test includes 3 minutes for handwashing and 5 minutes for moving between skills. Single skills are not timed; you must finish all of them in the total time.

To pass, you must pass all five skills. Prometric says you do not have to be perfect, but you must show competency against each skill's checkpoints. If you make a mistake, tell the nurse and do the correction. You cannot go back to a skill after you say you are done with it.

In Florida, two nurses watch you, and candidates play the resident for each other. Wear flat, closed-toe, nonskid shoes and bring a watch with a second hand.

The pool of skills is in CNA skills list: the skills on the skills test.

Scheduling and fees: two examples

Florida Texas
How to apply Online or paper application, received at least 50 days before your test date Apply in the state's TULIP system; after approval Prometric emails you to schedule
Who checks eligibility Florida Board of Nursing, up to 30 days Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC)
Written and skills US$155 US$125
Written only US$35 US$33
Skills only US$120 US$92
Rescheduling US$30 See the Texas bulletin

The Texas fees are effective September 1, 2026. Florida also requires a Level II background screening and fingerprints.

Results and retakes

The written test gives a pass or fail score report when you finish. In Florida, the skills score report is given at the test site, and you can see official results online within 48 hours.

  • Florida: if you do not pass in three attempts, you must complete at least 120 hours of state-approved training before you test again.
  • Texas: you have 24 months after training, with three attempts at the skills test and three at the written or oral test.

After you pass, your state adds you to its registry. Florida's bulletin says this takes 3 to 5 weeks after Board approval. Prometric also hosts the public registry search for several states, including New York. See CNA license lookup.

Official practice options

Prometric practice Price on Prometric's practice page
Written practice test, 50 questions with feedback (3 versions) US$15 each
Written practice test, all 150 questions US$35
Clinical Skills Readiness Test, per skill set US$10
Clinical Skills Readiness Test, all skills US$35

Florida's bulletin, revised November 2025, prints lower prices (US$10 per test and US$25 for all three). Check the price at checkout.

The Clinical Skills Readiness Test is multiple choice. It checks what you know about the skills, but you still need hands-on practice. Free items are on each state page: the Clinical Skills Checklist that evaluators use, skills instructions, timing information and measurement forms. Florida's bulletin also has a free sample test. More options are in CNA practice tests: free official options.

What to do next

  1. Open your state's Prometric page and download the current Candidate Information Bulletin.
  2. Print the Clinical Skills Checklist and practice each skill against it.
  3. Apply early: in Florida, at least 50 days before your preferred date.

Common questions

What happens if I forget my ID?

Florida's bulletin says that if you do not bring correct identification, it counts as a missed appointment, and you must pay the whole exam fee again to be scheduled.

Do I pay again to retake?

Yes. Florida says you submit another application and the fees for the test you failed.

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