How long is the CNA skills test?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
The skills test itself is short: 30 minutes for five skills in Credentia states such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia and its California region; 31 to 40 minutes in Florida's Prometric test depending on your skills; and 35 minutes for three or four tasks in Ohio. Expect to spend much longer at the site because of check-in, waiting and acting as the resident for others.
| Exam | Skills | Time | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credentia PA, VA, GA, CA region | 5 | 30 minutes | Credentia state handbooks |
| Credentia NC | 5 | 30 minutes | NC skill evaluation page |
| Prometric Florida | 3 + Handwashing + Indirect Care | 31–40 minutes | FL bulletin |
| Prometric Texas | 3 + Handwashing + Indirect Care | Set per test form | TX bulletin |
| D&S Headmaster Ohio | 3–4 tasks | 35 minutes (alert at 15 min left) | OH handbook |
Per-skill math
Thirty minutes for five skills averages six minutes each, but handwashing and pulse take about two minutes while a bed bath, dressing or occupied bed can take ten. Time your slowest skills at home; if any runs past ten minutes, cut wasted motion, not steps. See running out of time.
Plan for the whole day
Credentia's NC page says to arrive 30 minutes early and plan to spend the entire day. Ohio requires you in the waiting area 20 minutes before your start time.
Quick answers
- How long is the CNA skills test in Texas?
- The time depends on your test form; your instruction card shows it.
- Do you get a time warning?
- In Ohio, yes: you're told when 15 minutes remain. Other handbooks don't promise one, so wear a watch with a second hand.
- What happens if time runs out?
- Steps you didn't perform are not credited, which usually fails that skill.
What to do next
Most time trouble comes from three habits. Fix them.
You must pass the written test too. Take the free 20-question practice test, or unlock the timed 60-question exam simulator, the full question bank and every skill checklist for $29 one-time (or $9/month).
Related guides
- How do you avoid running out of time on the CNA skills test?
- Credentia vs Prometric vs Headmaster: how the CNA skills test differs
- Do you have to do CNA skills steps in order?
- What is a critical element step on the CNA skills test?
- Can you correct a mistake during the CNA skills test?
- Is handwashing always on the CNA skills test?
- How close do your measurements have to be on the CNA skills test?
- What is indirect care on the CNA skills test?
Sources
- Credentia Pennsylvania handbook — Exam overview
- Credentia Virginia handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Credentia Georgia handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Credentia California region handbook — Exam overview
- Credentia North Carolina handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Florida CNA Candidate Information Bulletin, Rev. 11012025 (Prometric, PDF)
- Texas Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin (Prometric, PDF)
- Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, Version 27, December 2025 (D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster, PDF)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.