Retaking the CNA exam
Whether you retake one part or both — and how to find the rules your state sets.
Yes, you can retake — the rules are your state’s
Retaking is possible, but the exact waiting intervals and any limit on attempts are set by your state and its testing vendor. This site does not state a figure it has not verified, because a candidate acting on an invented retake rule is the worst failure available to this site.
The true answer to “how long do I wait” is: your state’s board of nursing and your testing vendor publish it. The national directory of state boards is at ncsbn.org.
Do you retake one part or both?
That depends on your state and vendor, and on which part you did not pass. Some states treat the two parts separately; some do not. Because the answer varies and is a real administration fact, this guide does not guess. Your state’s rules are the source to rely on, and the route to them is above.
Between attempts
If the written half is what you are retaking, the practice bank here is a place to work through the concepts you missed — every explanation is free. If it is the skills evaluation, rehearse the performance with a partner the way the skills page describes. A retake is a fresh sequence, and a sequence is rehearsed in order, not improvised.
Common questions
- Can you retake the CNA exam?
- Yes, retaking is possible, but the exact waiting intervals and any limit on attempts are set by your state and its testing vendor. This site does not state a figure it has not verified; the route to your own rules is on this page.
- Do you retake one part or both?
- That depends on your state and vendor, and on which part you did not pass. Your state's rules are the source to rely on, and this page tells you how to find them rather than guessing.