How Hard Is the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts does not publish a first-attempt pass rate for the CNA exam. Nationally, pass rates are commonly reported around 80% — your result depends mainly on how you prepare.
Figures below come from the same dataset as the full guide and list only what the state publishes. Anything not published is marked “varies — check the board” rather than guessed.
CNA exam difficulty — Massachusetts at a glance
| First-attempt pass rate | Not published · national reference ~80% |
| Difficulty | Not rated |
| Questions | 70 national / — state |
| Time limit | Not published |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Exam vendor | Headmaster (D&S Diversified) |
Official source: Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry — Massachusetts Department of Public Health ↗
Study strategies that work for the CNA exam
State-law and state-rule questions are where most candidates lose points. Study the state portion before the national portion, then reinforce both with practice questions.
Take full-length practice tests in the real format until you consistently score above the passing standard. Review every missed question — the explanation matters more than the answer.
Many vendors (PSI, Pearson VUE, Prometric) return a report showing which content areas you missed. Study exactly those sections, then re-test them.
Know the question count and time limit going in. Flag hard questions and come back to them — finishing the exam beats getting stuck on a single item.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the CNA exam in Massachusetts?
No first-attempt pass rate is published by Massachusetts; nationally, pass rates are commonly reported around 80%. Check Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry — Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the current data.
What is a passing score on the CNA exam in Massachusetts?
You need a 70% to pass on the 70-question exam.
How many questions are on the CNA exam in Massachusetts?
70 national questions.
How should I study for the CNA exam?
Spend most of your time on the state-specific content, drill with timed practice exams until you consistently score above the passing standard, and review every missed question. If the vendor provides a weak-area diagnostic, study exactly those sections before retaking.
Plan your CNA exam prep
This page is informational and not legal advice. Fees, pass rates and retake rules change frequently — verify all figures with Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry — Massachusetts Department of Public Health and your exam vendor before paying (retrieved 2026-08-20).