CNA state exam in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania requires 120 hours of approved CNA training, then a written test and a hands-on skills check. The skills part is what trips most candidates. Here is what to expect on the day.
Pennsylvania CNA exam at a glance
Pass rate is approximate. Sources: state nurse aide testing programs; NCSBN national CNA competency data. Exam costs may vary and are set by the testing vendor.
Exam format: written + skills demonstration
Part 1. written (or oral) test
- 60–70 multiple-choice questions
- 90-minute time limit
- Covers basic nursing skills, safety, infection control, and resident rights
- Oral option available for candidates with reading difficulties
- Administered by Prometric
Part 2. skills demonstration
- 5 skills chosen randomly from a pool of ~25
- Hand washing is almost always included
- Performed on a mannequin or live patient actor
- Graded by a trained evaluator using a checklist
- You must pass both parts to receive certification
How to register for the Pennsylvania CNA exam
- 1
Complete 120 hours of state-approved CNA training (your training program typically registers you for the exam).
- 2
Receive your ATT (Authorization to Test) notice from Prometric.
- 3
Schedule your exam at prometric.com.
- 4
Pay the exam fee ($135–$165). Many employers reimburse this after hire.
- 5
Attend both parts: written test and skills demonstration.
- 6
After passing, your name is added to the PA Nurse Aide Registry.
What to bring on test day
Valid government-issued photo ID
Driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The name on it has to match the name on your ATT exactly.
Authorization to Test (ATT) notice
Printed confirmation from your testing vendor. Most locations also take it on your phone.
Comfortable, professional attire
Scrubs, or clothes you can move in. You will be doing hands-on skills.
Nothing else
No phones, notes, or reference materials in the testing room. Leave all of it in your car.
Retake policy in Pennsylvania
Most states, including Pennsylvania, let you retake the CNA exam as many times as you need. Some states ask for a short wait between attempts, or cap the number of free retakes tied to your original training program. You only retake the part you missed. If you passed the written but failed skills, you just redo skills. Retake fees are usually the same as the original ($135–$165).
25 standard CNA skills you must know
These are the core skills tested in the hands-on portion of the exam. On test day, five are pulled at random.
After passing: getting on the state registry
Once you pass both parts, Prometric sends your results to the state. Expect the PA Nurse Aide Registry to add you within 10–14 business days.
You can check your status, and confirm employers can find you, at pa.gov/agencies/health/business-registration-and-regulation/nurse-aide.
Federal requirement (OBRA 1987): to stay active, you need at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work every 24 months. If your certification lapses, you have to retake the full exam before you can work again in a CMS-certified facility.
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