ExamReady CNACNA Exam Guide · 2026
Headmaster CNA Practice Test 2026: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Headmaster administers the nurse aide exam in the states listed on this page. Exact format, fees and scoring are set by your state and published in your state's candidate handbook, so we do not quote numbers here. Use this guide for general preparation and always confirm details with your state.
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Official vendor portal
Register for the Headmaster exam through Headmaster.
States using this exam
21
Questions
Varies by state
Time limit
Varies by state
Passing score
Varies by state; check your handbook
Exam fee
Varies by state
Retake limit
At least 3 opportunities (federal); state sets the window
What is the Headmaster?
Headmaster is a testing company that runs the nurse aide competency exam for some states. Under federal rules (42 CFR 483.154) every candidate must pass both a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration, and has at least three opportunities. The format, fees and retake windows are set by each state, so rely on your state's candidate handbook.
Headmaster format: written and skills
Written component
The written (or oral) test format, number of questions, time limit and scoring differ by state and provider. Check your state candidate handbook for the exact format.
Skills component
The skills demonstration uses randomly selected skills graded by a nurse evaluator against a checklist with critical steps. Skill count, time and scoring details are in your state's candidate handbook.
Total exam duration: Varies by state. Check your state's candidate handbook.
Which states use the Headmaster?
21 US states are listed here, based on provider information we could verify. Some states use more than one provider and some use a state-run exam, so always confirm with your state's nurse aide registry.
| State | Details |
|---|---|
| AZArizona | Arizona requirements |
| ARArkansas | Arkansas requirements |
| CACalifornia | California requirements |
| IAIowa | Iowa requirements |
| MDMaryland | Maryland requirements |
| MAMassachusetts | Massachusetts requirements |
| MIMichigan | Michigan requirements |
| MNMinnesota | Minnesota requirements |
| MSMississippi | Mississippi requirements |
| MOMissouri | Missouri requirements |
| MTMontana | Montana requirements |
| NVNevada | Nevada requirements |
| NJNew Jersey | New Jersey requirements |
| NMNew Mexico | New Mexico requirements |
| NDNorth Dakota | North Dakota requirements |
| OHOhio | Ohio requirements |
| OROregon | Oregon requirements |
| SDSouth Dakota | South Dakota requirements |
| UTUtah | Utah requirements |
| WIWisconsin | Wisconsin requirements |
| WYWyoming | Wyoming requirements |
How to apply for the Headmaster
- 1
Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more. Check your state's approved-program list.
- 2
Confirm your state's exam provider
Headmaster runs the exam in the states listed on this page. Confirm with your state's nurse aide registry, which publishes the current provider and candidate handbook.
Open the vendor site - 3
Register, pay and schedule
Exam fees vary by state and provider. Check your state's candidate handbook for the fee, the retake rules and how to schedule.
Headmaster exam day: what to bring and expect
- Arrive early: Arrive early for check-in. Your state's candidate handbook gives the recommended arrival time.
- ID: Bring the identification your state's handbook requires. Requirements are set by the state and provider.
- Leave at home: Check your state's candidate handbook for what you may bring, including phones and personal items. Plan to leave valuables at home or in your car.
- Results: Result timing and score reporting differ by provider and state. Check your state handbook.
Headmaster pass rates and difficulty
Providers do not publish pass rates on a comparable basis, so we do not quote one. Most candidates who prepare with the checklist for each skill and practice the written content areas do well. If you do not pass, federal rules give you at least three opportunities.
Headmaster cost and fees
- Exam feeVaries by state and provider. Check your state's candidate handbook.
- Retake feeVaries by state and by component. Check your state's candidate handbook.
- Training programSet by the program. Aides hired by a facility cannot be charged for training or testing under federal rules.
How is the Headmaster graded?
You must pass both the written (or oral) test and the skills evaluation. The skills evaluation is scored by a nurse evaluator against a checklist: missing a critical step means you do not pass that skill. Credentia reports Pass or Fail only, with no numeric score, and passing scores are not published. Other providers and state-run exams may report differently, so check your state's candidate handbook.
Headmaster clinical skills
Federal rules require the skills demonstration to use randomly selected skills graded by a nurse evaluator. Missing a critical step means you do not pass that skill. Your state's candidate handbook lists the skills and checklists for your exam. Walk through each skill step by step in our clinical skills walkthrough.
How to prepare for the Headmaster
Start with your state's candidate handbook and the skills checklist. Take a timed practice test to find weak content areas, drill written questions daily, and rehearse every skill out loud, step by step, including the critical steps. In the last week, do full-length timed simulations.
Common mistakes that fail the Headmaster
These are common ways candidates lose points. Avoiding them matters as much as memorizing every content area.
1.Skipping or rushing hand washing
On the Credentia (NNAAP) skills test, hand washing is always one of the five skills, and every skill is graded on a checklist that includes critical steps. Practice the full sequence until it is automatic.
2.Missing a critical step
If you leave out a critical step you do not pass that skill, and you need a satisfactory result on all five skills to pass the skills evaluation. The number of critical steps differs by skill, so learn each skill's checklist from your state handbook.
3.Forgetting privacy and respect for the resident
Knock, introduce yourself, explain what you are about to do, and keep the resident's privacy for the whole skill, not only at the start.
4.Running out of time
Pace yourself. Mark hard written questions for review and come back to them. On the Credentia (NNAAP) skills test you have 30 minutes for all five skills, so do not over-explain or repeat steps.
5.Bringing items the test center will not allow
Credentia test centers do not allow cell phones and have no storage for personal belongings. Leave them at home or in your car and arrive 30 minutes early.
Headmaster sample questions (with answers)
These questions mirror the format and difficulty you'll see on the Headmaster exam. After choosing your answer, expand the explanation to see why it's correct and what concept it tests. Use these as a self-check before scheduling your real exam.
Q1.When assisting a resident with dementia to the bathroom, the nurse aide should:
- Rush the resident to avoid accidents
- Speak in short, simple sentences(Correct)
- Use complex medical terminology
- Perform the task without explaining
Show explanation
Residents with dementia process information more easily when it's presented in short, simple sentences. Rushing, using medical terminology, or skipping explanation all increase confusion and the risk of resistance. This tests the dementia-care content area.
Q2.The nurse aide is preparing to provide perineal care to a resident. Before beginning, the aide should:
- Lower the lights to reduce stimulation
- Provide privacy by closing the door and curtain(Correct)
- Apply lotion to the perineal area
- Position the resident supine
Show explanation
Privacy is the first step in any perineal care procedure. Closing the door and curtain preserves dignity. Lowering lights doesn't help, applying lotion is premature, and supine positioning may not be appropriate for all residents. This tests the privacy-and-dignity content area.
Q3.When taking a resident's oral temperature with a digital thermometer, the nurse aide should:
- Use the same probe cover for multiple readings to save supplies
- Place the probe under the resident's tongue(Correct)
- Hold the thermometer in place for 30 seconds regardless of reading
- Record the temperature 1 hour after measurement
Show explanation
Placing the probe under the resident's tongue (in the sublingual pocket) is the correct technique. Probe covers should not be reused. Recording should be immediate. This tests the vital-signs content area.
What happens if you fail the Headmaster
Federal rules give you at least three opportunities to pass. Your state sets the exact limits and the time window, and a state may require retraining after repeated failures. Retake fees and windows differ by state and provider, so check your state's candidate handbook. Between attempts, review your score report, practice the skills you missed, and drill the written content areas where you were weakest.
Headmaster frequently asked questions
Is the NNAAP the same as the Credentia exam?▾
Yes. The NNAAP is now developed and managed by Credentia, so they are the same exam, not two vendors. Some states use Prometric, Headmaster or their own state exam instead.
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 differ; check your state's candidate handbook.
How many times can I retake the exam?▾
Federal rules give you at least three opportunities to pass. Your state sets the exact limit and the time window.
How much does the exam cost?▾
Fees vary by state and provider. Check your state's candidate handbook.
Which states use this provider?▾
See the state list on this page. It only includes states where we could verify the provider; for any other state, check your state's nurse aide registry.
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