ExamReady CNACNA Exam Provider Comparison · 2026
CNA Exam Providers Compared: Credentia (NNAAP), Prometric and Headmaster
NNAAP and Credentia are the same exam: Credentia develops and runs it. Other states use Prometric or Headmaster, and some run their own exam. Format, fees and scoring are set by your state, so use this page to find the provider and then check your state's candidate handbook.
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Providers at a glance
Only facts we could verify are shown. Federal rules (42 CFR 483.154) require every candidate to pass a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration, with at least three opportunities.
| Provider | States verified | Written / oral | Skills | Scoring | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credentia (NNAAP) | AL, AK, CA, CO, GA, MD, NC, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WA | 70 multiple-choice items (10 unscored pretest), up to 2 hours. Oral: 60 multiple-choice + 10 reading items. | 5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes; hand washing is always one. | Pass or Fail only; no numeric score. | Varies by state. Check your state's candidate handbook. |
| Prometric | AL, CT, DE, FL, HI, ID, LA, NY, OK, TX, VT | Set by your state. Check your state's candidate handbook. | Randomly selected skills graded by a nurse evaluator. Details set by your state. | Check your state's candidate handbook. | Varies by state. Check your state's candidate handbook. |
| Headmaster | AZ, AR, CA, IA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, SD, UT, WI, WY | Set by your state. Check your state's candidate handbook. | Randomly selected skills graded by a nurse evaluator. Details set by your state. | Check your state's candidate handbook. | Varies by state. Check your state's candidate handbook. |
| State-run exam | IN (others: check your registry) | Indiana: 100 questions, 80 correct (Indiana Department of Health). | Set by the state. | Set by the state. | Indiana: $100 for both tests. |
Some states list more than one provider (for example Alabama, California and Maryland). States not listed above could not be verified; check your state's nurse aide registry.
Provider guides
Frequently asked questions
Are the NNAAP and Credentia the same exam?
Yes. The NNAAP is developed and managed by Credentia Nurse Aide LLC, so they are one exam, not two vendors.
Do all states use the same exam format?
No. Federal rules require a written (or oral) test plus a skills demonstration, but each state and provider sets the format, and some states run their own exam (for example Indiana). Check your state's candidate handbook.
What is the passing score?
Credentia reports Pass or Fail only and does not publish a numeric passing score. Other providers and state exams may report differently; check your state's candidate handbook.
How much does the CNA exam cost?
Fees vary by state and provider. We only list a fee on a state page when an official source publishes it; otherwise we send you to your state's candidate handbook.
How many times can I retake the exam?
Federal rules give you at least three opportunities. Your state sets the exact limit and the time window, and many states require retraining after three failures.
How do I find the provider for my state?
Check your state's nurse aide registry, or open your state's page on this site. We list a provider only where we could verify it.
Ready to prep for your CNA exam?
Take a full-length timed practice test, drill the clinical skills critical steps, and confirm your state's exact format in its candidate handbook.
7 days free, then $9.99/month. Cancel anytime.