Tennessee CNA State Test: What to Expect and How to Pass
Written exam, skills test, test day tips, and how Career Academy prepares you.
Tennessee requires passing the NNAAP competency exam — a written test and clinical skills evaluation — to become a certified nursing assistant. The exam is administered by HeadMaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) through the TMU testing portal. Career Academy prepares students for both parts with a program that exceeds state requirements.
Last updated: April 2026
Ready to start preparing for your state test?
Get Prepared — Apply to Career AcademyThe Two-Part Exam Breakdown
Written Test
- 75 multiple-choice questions
- 90 minutes to complete
- 75% passing score required
- Covers patient care, safety, infection control, communication, and legal/ethical issues
Skills Test
- 5 randomly selected nursing skills
- 35 minutes total
- Must pass ALL 5 skills to pass the exam
- Evaluated by a state-approved test observer
What to Expect on Test Day
Arrive 30 minutes early to the testing center
Give yourself time to check in, get settled, and review any last-minute notes before the exam begins.
Bring two forms of valid photo ID
A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) plus a secondary ID are required for check-in.
Wear clean scrubs or professional attire
You will perform hands-on clinical skills during the exam. Dress appropriately so nothing interferes with your performance.
No phones or study materials allowed in testing room
Leave all personal items in your vehicle or a designated locker. The testing environment is strictly controlled.
Written portion first, then skills evaluation
You'll complete the 75-question written test first, followed by the clinical skills observation with a state-approved evaluator.
Results available within 2–4 weeks
Scores are reported through the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. You'll be notified when your result is available.
How Career Academy Prepares You
- 24-skill clinical checklist practiced hands-on in class
- 6 chapter tests + vocabulary quizzes throughout the program
- Final exam designed to simulate state test format and difficulty
- Students automatically registered in the TMU testing portal
- Grading standard of 85+ exceeds the state's 75% passing requirement
- Instructor-led review sessions before graduation
See the full curriculum on our how to become a CNA in Tennessee page.
Tennessee CNA job market: Tennessee has approximately 27,000 CNA positions statewide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5–8% growth for nursing assistants through 2032, meaning strong job prospects for newly certified CNAs. See CNA salary data for Memphis.
Common Reasons People Fail (and How to Avoid Them)
Not practicing hand hygiene between every skill
Practice until it's automatic — hand washing is evaluated at every transition
Rushing through skills without narrating steps
Always explain what you're doing to the evaluator as you perform each step
Skipping safety checks (bed locks, call light placement)
Make safety steps part of your routine so they're second nature on test day
Test anxiety on the written portion
Career Academy's chapter tests build confidence over 4–6 weeks so nothing on the state test is unfamiliar
After You Pass
- Added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
- Certification valid for 24 months
- Must work at least 8 hours as a CNA within the 24-month period to renew
- Registry verification available online for employers
Ready to get started? Apply to Career Academy or read our CNA FAQ.
Start Your CNA Training — Apply Now
No payment required to apply. New cohorts begin every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Tennessee CNA state test?
Most students who complete an approved training program pass on the first attempt. Career Academy holds students to an 85% grading standard, so if you pass the program, you're well-prepared for the state's 75% threshold.
How many times can I retake the CNA exam in Tennessee?
You can retake the exam up to three times. After three failures, you must complete additional training before testing again. Most Career Academy graduates pass on the first attempt.
How much does the CNA state test cost in Tennessee?
The exam fee is approximately $100. Career Academy includes state test registration in the $1,350 tuition — there's no separate testing fee for our students.
What skills are on the CNA skills test?
The evaluator randomly selects 5 from the full list of nurse aide skills. Common ones include hand washing, blood pressure measurement, range of motion exercises, bed making, and patient positioning. Career Academy's program covers all 24 testable skills.
How long after graduation can I take the state test?
You must take the exam within 2 years of completing your training program. Most Career Academy students are scheduled within 2–4 weeks of graduation through the TMU portal.
Where do I take the CNA state test in Memphis?
Testing is administered at approved testing sites in the Memphis area through HeadMaster/D&S Diversified Technologies. Your specific testing location is assigned when you register through the TMU portal.
Ready to Pass the State Test? Start Here.
Career Academy prepares you for both parts of the Tennessee CNA exam. Our 85% grading standard means you're ready well before test day. New cohorts start every month.
Questions about the program? See class schedules and program details →
Written by Career Academy staff — CNA educators with 10+ years of experience training nursing assistants in Memphis, TN.