What happens if you fail one skill on the CNA skills test?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Failing a single skill fails the skills test, because every handbook we checked requires you to pass all your skills. You retake only the skills portion, not the written test you already passed, and attempts are limited: three in Texas (within 24 months), Florida and Ohio (within two years of training) before you must retrain.
| State (vendor) | Attempts | Retest detail |
|---|---|---|
| Texas (Prometric) | 3 in 24 months, then retrain | Retest instructions emailed the next day |
| Florida (Prometric) | 3, then a 120-hour approved program | Reapply with Prometric; review Item Feedback |
| Ohio (D&S) | 3 within 2 years of training | Retest includes a task you failed + a mandatory first task |
| Credentia states | Set by state | See your state's handbook results page |
Before you retest
- Read your score report: Florida's Item Feedback lists missed checkpoints.
- Re-practice the failed skill first, then every skill — the retest is a new random draw (except Ohio's guaranteed repeat).
- Re-check measurement accuracy with a partner.
Quick answers
- Do I have to retake the written test if I fail skills?
- No, only the part you failed, within your state's time window.
- Will I get the same skills on my retest?
- In Ohio, one task will be one you failed. Elsewhere skills are re-drawn.
- Can I appeal a skills result?
- Prometric and D&S describe review/appeal processes with short deadlines (Ohio: request within 3 business days).
What to do next
Find out which skill families fail most often and why.
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
- Why do people fail the CNA measurement skills?
- Can you correct a mistake during the CNA skills test?
- Ohio STNA skills test: which skills are on it?
- What is a critical element step on the CNA skills test?
- How long is 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
- Texas Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin (Prometric, PDF)
- Florida CNA Candidate Information Bulletin, Rev. 11012025 (Prometric, PDF)
- Florida Board of Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant
- 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.