How to Re-Take the CNA Exam If You Failed
Failed the CNA exam? Don’t panic — most states give you 3 retake attempts. Here’s how to reschedule, what to study differently, and exactly how to pass next time.
First things first: it’s not the end
Roughly 10–30% of CNA candidates fail on the first attempt depending on the state. You are not alone, and failing does not mean you aren’t cut out for healthcare. It means you need a slightly different study approach. Most states allow 3 retake attempts within 12–24 months of completing your training program, and the retake pass rate is over 90% — because students who failed once know exactly where they went wrong.
The CNA exam has two separate components: the written (knowledge) exam and the clinical skills exam. You might have failed one or both. The good news is that in most states, if you passed one portion, you only need to retake the part you failed. You don’t start from scratch.
Written vs. skills: which did you fail?
Your retake strategy depends entirely on which portion you failed. The written exam and skills exam require very different preparation approaches.
Failed the Written Exam
- What it means: You scored below the passing threshold (usually 70–80%) on the multiple-choice knowledge test
- Root cause: Content gaps, poor test-taking strategy, or not enough practice questions
- Fix: Targeted content review + take 3–5 full practice tests before retaking
- Timeline: Schedule retake in 2–4 weeks to give yourself focused study time
Failed the Skills Exam
- What it means: You didn’t perform the required clinical skills correctly during the hands-on evaluation
- Root cause: Missed a critical step, forgot hand hygiene, or skipped privacy measures
- Fix: Practice each skill step-by-step with a partner; focus on the “automatic” steps (hand washing, gloves, privacy, call light)
- Timeline: Schedule retake in 1–3 weeks; practice daily with a study partner
Most testing vendors (Pearson Vue, Prometric) provide a score breakdown by topic area — not just pass/fail. Look at which categories you scored lowest in. That’s exactly where to focus your retake study. Don’t re-study everything equally; spend 80% of your time on your weakest areas.
Step-by-step: how to reschedule your retake
Get your score report & identify weak areas
Log into your testing vendor’s website (Pearson Vue or Prometric) or contact your state Board of Nursing. Download your detailed score report. Highlight every topic area where you scored below the passing threshold. This becomes your retake study plan.
Check your state’s retake policy
Confirm how many retake attempts you have, the waiting period between attempts (some states require 14–30 days), and the deadline to use all attempts. Most states allow 3 attempts within 12–24 months of completing your training program.
Pay the retake fee & schedule your date
Register through your testing vendor’s website. The retake fee covers only the portion you failed — $24–$50 for the written exam alone, $65–$110 for the skills exam alone, or both if you failed both. Pick a date 2–4 weeks out to give yourself adequate study time.
Study differently this time (see strategy below)
Do NOT repeat the same study approach that led to failure. Use practice tests, target your weak areas, and consider a study partner or tutor. The definition of insanity applies here — if you study the same way, you’ll get the same result.
Retake the exam with confidence
Arrive early, bring two forms of ID, and trust your preparation. You’ve already been through the exam once — you know the format, the environment, and the time pressure. That familiarity is a genuine advantage most first-time test-takers don’t have.
The 6 real reasons students fail the CNA exam
Understanding why you failed is more important than simply retaking the test. Be honest with yourself — which of these applied to you?
If you can’t identify why you failed, you’ll likely fail again. Sit down, review your score report, and circle the reason(s) above that apply to you. Your retake study plan should directly address those specific weaknesses — not just “study more.”
How to study differently for your retake
The single biggest mistake retake students make is studying the exact same way they did the first time. If that approach didn’t work once, it won’t work twice. Here are 8 proven changes to make for your second attempt.
Lead with practice tests, not reading
Take a full practice test FIRST — before studying anything. Your score reveals exactly which topics to prioritize. Study those gaps, then test again. Repeat the cycle.
Spend 80% of time on your weakest topics
Check your score report. If you bombed Infection Control and Safety, those two topics are your entire study plan. Don’t waste time re-reading topics you already passed.
Use the “explain it out loud” method
After studying a concept, close your notes and explain it aloud as if teaching a friend. If you can’t explain it clearly, you don’t actually know it. This technique doubles retention vs. silent re-reading.
Practice under timed conditions
Set a timer when taking practice tests: 90 minutes for 70 questions. Train yourself to spend no more than 75 seconds per question. If you ran out of time on your first attempt, this is non-negotiable.
Review EVERY wrong answer — deeply
Don’t just check correct/incorrect. For each wrong answer, write down: 1) why the wrong answer seemed right, 2) why the correct answer IS correct, and 3) the underlying concept being tested.
Get a study partner or tutor
If you studied alone the first time and failed, add accountability. Quiz each other, practice skills together, and explain difficult concepts to one another. Studying with someone reduces dropout and improves recall.
For the skills exam: rehearse the “invisible” steps
Most skills failures come from missed “automatic” steps — wash hands, introduce yourself, check ID band, explain procedure, provide privacy, place call light. Practice these until they’re muscle memory before touching the actual skill.
Address test anxiety head-on
If anxiety caused your failure, practice box breathing (4 seconds in, hold 4, out 4, hold 4) before and during the exam. Take 3 practice tests in a quiet room simulating real conditions. Familiarity kills anxiety.
Students who take at least 3 full-length practice tests before their retake pass at a rate above 90%. Each practice test should be timed, scored, and followed by a thorough review of every wrong answer. If you’re scoring 85%+ consistently on practice tests, you’re ready to retake the real exam.
What does a retake cost?
Retake fees vary by state and testing vendor. You only pay for the portion you need to retake — if you passed the written exam but failed skills, you only pay the skills retake fee.
| Retake Portion | NNAAP (Pearson Vue) | Prometric |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam only | $24–$40 | $25–$45 |
| Skills exam only | $65–$100 | $70–$110 |
| Both written + skills | $89–$140 | $95–$155 |
| Waiting period between attempts | Varies: 0–30 days | Varies: 0–14 days |
| Max attempts allowed | 3 (most states) | 3 (most states) |
Some training programs cover retake costs for graduates. Ask your CNA school first. You can also contact your local American Job Center (WIOA program) — they sometimes fund retake exam fees for qualifying candidates. Additionally, some nursing homes will pay your retake fee if you agree to work there after passing.
What if you fail all 3 attempts?
In most states, if you fail the CNA exam 3 times, you must complete a new state-approved training program before you can test again. This means re-enrolling in a CNA class (4–12 weeks), completing all classroom and clinical hours, and then receiving a new Authorization to Test. This is why it’s critical to prepare thoroughly for each retake — you want to pass before using all your attempts.
A few states (like California and Florida) allow additional attempts beyond 3, sometimes up to 5, but may require additional remedial training between attempts. Check your specific state’s Board of Nursing website for the exact policy. The rules vary significantly.
If you do need to retake a training program, look at the positive side: you’ll have a much stronger foundation the second time through. Students who repeat training after failing the exam almost always pass on their next attempt because they already understand the material conceptually — they just need to reinforce the details.
Your 2-week retake study plan
Schedule your retake 2–3 weeks from today. Here’s how to use that time effectively with 1.5–2 hours of daily focused study.
| Days | Activity | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Take a full 70-question practice test (untimed) | Identify your exact weak topics from the score breakdown |
| Days 2–4 | Deep study on your #1 weakest topic area | Read, take notes, watch videos, and do 30 topic-specific practice questions |
| Days 5–7 | Deep study on your #2 weakest topic area | Same approach — notes, videos, 30 practice questions per topic |
| Day 8 | Take a full 70-question practice test (TIMED — 90 min) | Score must be 75%+ or repeat Days 2–7 focus areas |
| Days 9–11 | Review all wrong answers from both practice tests | Write down every wrong answer with the correct explanation. Create flashcards for recurring mistakes. |
| Day 12 | Take a third full practice test (TIMED — 90 min) | Target: 80%+ consistently. If achieved, you’re ready. |
| Day 13 | Light review — flashcards and memory aids only | Review vital sign ranges, RACE/PASS, chain of infection, DABDA. No heavy studying. |
| Day 14 | REST — no studying. Prepare for exam day. | Lay out your ID, eat well, sleep 7–8 hours. Arrive 30 minutes early tomorrow. |
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to wait before retaking the CNA exam?
It varies by state. Some states allow you to reschedule immediately (as soon as a testing slot is available). Others require a 14–30 day waiting period between attempts. Check your state Board of Nursing website or call the testing vendor directly for your specific waiting period.
If I passed the written exam but failed the skills test, do I need to retake both?
No. In most states, you only retake the portion you failed. Your passed section remains valid for 12–24 months (depending on the state). However, if you don’t pass the failed portion within that window, some states require you to retake both parts.
Does failing the CNA exam go on my record?
No. Failed attempts are not reported to employers, do not appear on background checks, and are not listed on the Nurse Aide Registry. Only successful certifications are recorded. No employer will ever know you failed unless you tell them.
Can I retake the CNA exam in a different state?
Generally no — you must take the exam in the state where your training program was approved. However, once you pass, you can transfer (reciprocity) your certification to another state. If you’ve relocated, contact the new state’s Board of Nursing to ask about their specific reciprocity rules.
My training program completion date is about to expire. What do I do?
Most states require you to pass the certification exam within 12–24 months of completing your training. If your window is closing, schedule your retake immediately — don’t wait. If it has already expired, you’ll need to complete a new training program. Some states offer a short “refresher course” instead of a full program; contact your Board of Nursing to ask.
Is the retake exam harder than the first attempt?
No. The retake is the exact same format, same difficulty level, and same topic distribution. You’ll get a different set of randomized questions, but the content and passing score are identical. In fact, most students find the retake easier because they’re familiar with the testing environment and format.
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