The written portion of the CNA exam is organized around six knowledge domains. The exact weight of each domain varies slightly by state and testing vendor, but the structure is consistent across Credentia, Prometric, Headmaster, and the NNAAP®.
#1. Role, Rights, and Ethics
Covers the CNA scope of practice, resident rights, confidentiality, advance directives, and mandatory reporting. Common trap: choosing an action that is clinically correct but outside the CNA scope.
#2. Infection Control and Safety
Standard and transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene sequence, PPE order, cleaning versus disinfecting, and workplace safety. This domain rewards precision — know the steps in order, not just the vocabulary.
#3. Body Systems and Aging
Basic anatomy, normal aging changes, and common conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and dementia. You do not need nursing-level pathophysiology; you need to recognize signs and report them promptly.
#4. Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living
Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating assistance, and oral care. Questions often test dignity, privacy, and resident preference, not just procedure steps.
#5. Clinical Care
Vital signs, intake and output, weights, repositioning, range-of-motion exercises, and observing changes in condition. Pay attention to measurement ranges and when to notify the nurse.
#6. Communication and Psychosocial Care
Verbal and non-verbal communication, caring for residents with cognitive changes, family interactions, and end-of-life sensitivity. The best answer usually centers on the resident’s feelings and choices.