CNA Exam Vendors: NNAAP, Prometric & Headmaster Registration Guide

If you’ve just completed your CNA training program and you’re trying to figure out which testing company handles your state’s certification exam, you’ve discovered a frustrating gap in the system. Your training program probably said “register for the exam” without explaining that three different vendors operate in different states, each with different registration portals and procedures.

That confusion isn’t your fault. The vendor system is genuinely confusing because you can’t choose your vendor; your state assigns one through contracted agreements.

This guide removes that blocking question by providing complete vendor-specific registration walkthroughs, test day expectations, and scheduling realities that no other resource offers. We’re drawing on state nursing board documentation, official vendor handbooks, and real student experiences to give you exactly what you need to move forward with confidence.

Which CNA Testing Vendor Does Your State Use?

Your state determines which testing vendor you’ll use through multi-year testing contracts. You can’t choose between vendors in most states.

The blocking question that’s probably brought you here is simple: “I’m in [State], which vendor do I use?” Here’s your answer.

50-State CNA Exam Vendor Directory

Use the search tool below to instantly find your state’s testing vendor and direct registration portal. Simply type your state name to see which vendor you’ll use and get immediate access to the correct registration link.

Why You Can’t Choose Your Testing Vendor

States award multi-year testing contracts through competitive bidding. Your neighbor who certified three years ago might have used a different vendor than you will.

When states change vendors, it creates confusion for students whose training programs may reference outdated vendor names. The system isn’t designed with student clarity in mind.

Some states use multiple vendors for different exam components or regions. California uses both Headmaster and Credentia depending on your training program type. Washington contracts with Credentia but allows some tribal programs to use alternative vendors.

If your state has multiple vendors, your training program should specify which one handles your certification pathway.

Understanding the Three Major CNA Testing Vendors

Three companies dominate CNA certification testing across the United States. For students completing their CNA certification, understanding which testing vendor operates in your state determines everything about your registration process, scheduling timeline, and test day experience.

Quick Vendor Comparison

Vendor	States Served	Key Distinguishing Feature	Results Timeline
NNAAP/Credentia	29 states	Standardized NNAAP exam nationwide	Same-day online access
Prometric	5 states	Peer-pairing skills testing	7-10 business days
Headmaster	14 states	Correction policy during skills exam	24-48 hours online

NNAAP (Credentia) – Most Common National Vendor

NNAAP stands for National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, the standardized examination developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Credentia administers NNAAP testing in 29 states, making it the most widely used vendor nationwide.

Exam Format Details:

Component	Specifications	What This Means for You
Written Questions	70 total (60 scored + 10 field-test)	Field-test questions don’t count toward your score
Written Time Limit	2 hours	Approximately 1.7 minutes per question
Skills Tested	5 randomly selected	From your state’s approved skill list
Skills Time Limit	30 minutes	6 minutes per skill on average
Testing Equipment	Mannequins	Consistent conditions, no peer interaction

Results through Credentia typically appear within hours via their CNA365 online portal. That same-day turnaround reduces the anxious waiting period compared to other vendors.

Students testing with Credentia can log into their portal the evening of their exam to check results, though official registry reporting to your state board may take several additional days. Pennsylvania charges $135 for both exams combined through Credentia, with $50 written retakes and $85 skills retakes.

Fees vary by state contract, so check your state-specific Credentia portal for exact pricing.

Prometric – Florida, Connecticut, New York & Select States

Prometric operates CNA testing in 5 states: Florida, Connecticut, New York, Kentucky, and Texas. If you’re in one of these states, you’ll navigate Prometric’s registration system and encounter their unique peer-pairing skills testing format.

Prometric Exam Specifications:

• Written: 60-70 questions in approximately 90 minutes
• Skills: 5 skills, including mandatory Handwashing and Indirect Care
• Time Limit: 31-40 minutes for skills portion
• Unique Feature: Peer-pairing system where students test skills on each other rather than mannequins

“If you are a nurse aide waiting to take your exam with Prometric, this post is for you!!! I have waited an entire year to take my exam, as they were not ready to take over the testing in my state. When I arrived at the test site, my instructor showed up an hour late. After finally being able to take my exam, they failed to provide my information to the state so I could appear on the registry. They have also written down the wrong address, even though I have corrected it several times. I emailed the registry to see what was going on, and they flat out responded with ‘Prometric has been very unreliable.'” (518 upvotes – Reddit user)

Students consistently report administrative challenges with Prometric that extend beyond scheduling. While you can’t choose your testing vendor, understanding these challenges helps you prepare backup plans and document your communications carefully.

If scheduling feels impossible, that’s because it genuinely is difficult with some vendors. Florida charges $155 for combined testing through Prometric, with $35 written retakes and $120 skills retakes.

These higher fees compared to Credentia make thorough initial preparation financially important. At typical starting CNA wages of $13-15 per hour, the exam fee represents nearly a full day’s pay.

Headmaster (D&S Diversified) – 14-State Regional Vendor

Headmaster operates CNA testing in 14 states, primarily in the Midwest, the West, and parts of New England. Students searching for “Headmaster CNA Michigan” or similar state-specific terms will find that the Headmaster’s TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal manages their entire testing process.

For Michigan-specific requirements, see our Michigan CNA certification guide.

Headmaster’s Distinctive Exam Format:

Exam Component	Headmaster Specs	How This Differs
Written Questions	75 questions	15 more questions than Credentia
Written Time	60 minutes	60 minutes LESS time than Credentia
Pace Required	1.25 questions/minute	Faster-paced written exam
Skills Tested	3-4 skills	Fewer skills than other vendors
Skills Time	30 minutes	7.5-10 minutes per skill
Testing Format	Live actors	Staff role-play patients

The live actor format means you’ll perform skills on staff members who role-play patients. Many students find this more realistic than mannequin testing once they adjust to the interactive nature.

You’ll speak with your “patient,” respond to their reactions, and demonstrate communication skills alongside technical procedures.

Headmaster’s Unique Advantage:

“My state uses D&S Headmaster for testing. You can pass with an 80%. However if you miss any critical steps (they are highlighted in bold in your booklet) then you fail. However, D&S lets you correct before you say you are finished with the skill. So if somehow you forget to wash your hands (which is a critical step on a skill that requires hand washing) you can say ‘I want to make a correction. I forgot to wash my hands’. Then you go ahead and do so. You can correct for any step you believe you missed.”

This correction policy can significantly reduce test anxiety, since you’re not automatically failing for a single forgotten step. However, you must catch the error before verbally indicating you’re done with that skill.

How to Register for Your CNA Exam (Step-by-Step by Vendor)

Many students abandon registration due to portal complexity and fear of mistakes. These step-by-step walkthroughs remove that barrier with the specific portal navigation guidance competitors don’t provide.

If registration challenges indicate your training program didn’t prepare you properly, see our guide on choosing the right CNA program for future reference.

Before You Start: Required Documents Checklist

Gather these documents before opening any vendor portal to prevent incomplete registrations that delay scheduling.

Universal Requirements (All Vendors):

• Social Security number (some vendors require original card at test site)
• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Training program completion certificate or certificate number
• Training program name and location
• Personal email address (Gmail or Yahoo recommended for Prometric)
• Payment method (credit/debit card)

State-Specific Requirements:

• Background check documentation (if required by your state)
• State nursing assistant registry number (if previously registered)
• Training program approval number (some states)

NNAAP/Credentia Registration Walkthrough

Step 1: Access Your State’s Credentia Portal

Navigate to credentia.com/test-takers/[your-state-abbreviation]. Each state has a dedicated portal, even though they all use the same CNA365 platform.

IMPORTANT: Using the wrong state portal will cause errors.

Step 2: Create Your CNA365 Account

Click “Create Account” in the upper right corner. You’ll need:

• Email address (becomes your username)
• Strong password (minimum 8 characters)
• Security questions (remember your answers – password recovery requires them)

Verify your email immediately. Some states require email confirmation before you can continue registration.

Step 3: Complete Your Candidate Profile

Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your government ID. Mismatches between your registration and ID cause test day problems.

Include:

• Legal first and last name (middle name optional)
• Current mailing address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Social Security number

Step 4: Enter Training Program Information

Select your training program from the dropdown menu. If your program doesn’t appear, contact them for their CNA365 program code.

You’ll need:

• Program name and location
• Completion date
• Certificate number (if applicable)

Your training program must submit completion verification to Credentia before you can schedule exams. Some programs do this automatically; others require you to request it.

Step 5: Select Which Exam(s) to Take

Credentia allows you to schedule written and skills exams separately or together:

Option	When to Choose	Advantage
Both exams together	First-time test-taker	Most cost-effective, fewer test center visits
Written exam only	Failed written, passed skills	Target the weak area
Skills exam only	Passed written, failed skills	Focus on practical demonstration

Most first-time test-takers should schedule both tests together to complete certification faster.

Step 6: Choose Test Center and Date

The portal displays available dates at test centers near your ZIP code. Availability varies significantly by location:

• Rural areas: May show only one test center with monthly testing dates
• Urban areas: Multiple sites with weekly appointments

If you don’t see appointments within your desired timeframe, check back frequently. Cancellations open new slots throughout the day. Some students check the portal twice daily for weeks before finding suitable dates.

Step 7: Pay Exam Fees

Fees vary by state. Pennsylvania charges $135 for both exams, with separate retake fees ($50 written, $85 skills).

Payment confirms your registration. Save your confirmation number.

Step 8: Receive Confirmation

Credentia sends on-screen confirmation immediately and an email confirmation within 24 hours. If you don’t receive email confirmation, check your spam folders and verify the email address in your profile.

You can log back into CNA365 anytime to view your scheduled appointments.

Prometric Registration Process

Prometric’s registration system differs significantly from Credentia’s portal-based approach. The process varies by state, with some states requiring training program approval before individual registration.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Contact your state nursing board or training program to confirm they’ve submitted your completion information to Prometric.

Unlike Credentia’s self-service portal, many Prometric states require program directors to initiate registration on your behalf.

Step 2: Receive Eligibility Notice

Once your state approves you for testing, Prometric sends an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter via email. This contains:

• Your eligibility number
• Testing window (typically 90 days from issue date)

Step 3: Access Prometric Portal

Visit prometric.com/test-takers/search/cna and create your account using:

• Email address (Gmail or Yahoo addresses work most reliably)
• Eligibility/ATT number from your approval letter
• Personal information matching your ID exactly

Students report that Prometric’s registration system has technical quirks. If you encounter errors, try a different browser or clear your cache before calling support.

Step 4: Search for Test Appointments

Enter your ZIP code to find nearby test centers. Here’s where Prometric’s scheduling challenges become apparent:

“Prometric is just terrible to deal with. They don’t schedule 30 days out, it’s more like two weeks, as in- I send apps in – In Sept and i’ll find out 2 weeks from the actual test date in November they can staff a testing event.” (152 upvotes – Reddit user)

While Prometric states appointments are available 30 days in advance, students consistently report appointments appearing only 2-3 weeks out. This isn’t a quirk of your state or a sign you’re doing something wrong.

It’s a systemic vendor capacity issue.

Step 5: Select and Confirm Appointment

When you find an available date, select it immediately. Slots fill within hours of posting.

You’ll choose morning or afternoon sessions, though exact start times vary by test center.

Step 6: Pay Exam Fees

Florida charges $155 combined through Prometric, with $35 for written retakes and $120 for skills retakes. Fees are non-refundable, but rescheduling is possible with 5+ days’ notice.

Step 7: Print Confirmation Letter

Prometric requires you to bring printed confirmation to your exam. Electronic versions on phones are not accepted at most test centers.

PREPARATION TIP: Print multiple copies in case one is lost or damaged.

Headmaster/D&S Registration Guide

Headmaster uses the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform for all registration, scheduling, and results access.

Step 1: Access TMU Platform

Navigate to hdmaster.com and select “Testing” then your state from the dropdown menu. Each state has dedicated TMU access even though the platform looks similar.

Step 2: Create TMU Account

Click “Register for Testing” and create your account with:

• Email address
• Password
• Personal information matching your government ID
• Social Security number

Step 3: Enter Training Program Details

Your training program must be approved in the TMU system. Select it from the dropdown menu or enter the program approval number your school provided.

If your program doesn’t appear, contact Headmaster’s candidate support at 888-534-3627.

Step 4: Select Exam Components

Choose written-only, skills, or both exams. Michigan students benefit from the Headmaster’s correction policy during skills testing, reducing the pressure of automatic failure for single mistakes.

Step 5: Schedule Testing Appointment

TMU displays available dates approximately 30 days in advance. Test centers vary by state:

• California: Multiple locations throughout the state
• Wyoming: One or two sites
• Major cities: Weekly testing dates
• Smaller markets: Monthly testing dates

Step 6: Pay Fees

Headmaster fees vary significantly by state contract. Massachusetts charges different rates than Michigan.

Check your state-specific TMU portal for current pricing.

Step 7: Confirmation

Headmaster provides on-screen confirmation only. No mail confirmations are sent.

Print your confirmation page or save the PDF to your device. You’ll need to present this at the test center.

Scheduling Your Exam – What to Expect by Vendor

Federal regulations allow you to work as a CNA for 120 days while awaiting exam results. If vendor scheduling delays push you past this window, you may need to stop working until certification is completed.

Understanding realistic scheduling timelines helps you plan appropriately.

NNAAP/Credential Scheduling Timeline

Credentia typically opens scheduling 4-6 weeks in advance, though this varies by state and test center capacity.

What to Expect:

• Urban areas: Multiple test centers with weekly availability
• Rural areas: Monthly testing dates

Students report multi-month wait times when test center capacity is limited:

“I’m sick and tired of this exam. For the record, I have been a practicing tech for over a year. I live in South Carolina. It takes 45 minutes without traffic to get to the closest test center, and other people I meet there drove 3+ hours. I took my first exam yesterday, and it was waseye-opening to see people’s reactions to failure. One girl is not able to pay to take another exam and walked away completely defeated as a single mom.” (208 upvotes – Reddit user)

Test center locations create real hardships for students in rural areas or states with limited testing sites. Long drives and retake costs are systemic access barriers requiring advocacy, not personal failures.

Plan for travel time and retake costs as you budget for certification.

Rescheduling Policy:

Timing	How to Reschedule	Fee Impact
9-10+ business days’ notice	Online through CNA365	No penalty
Within 10 days	Call Credentia directly	Possible fee
Less than 24 hours	Call Credentia directly	Forfeit fees

Prometric Availability Challenges

The scheduling window that Prometric advertises doesn’t match what students actually experience. Check the portal daily for new appointments rather than waiting for your preferred date to appear.

Students in high-volume states often check portals twice daily for weeks before finding appointments that work with their schedules.

Rescheduling Requirements:

• 5+ days notice: Can reschedule
• Within 5 days: Forfeit fees

Students frustrated with scheduling delays may consider online CNA training options for flexible learning paths that accommodate unpredictable testing availability.

Headmaster Booking Windows

Headmaster scheduling opens approximately 30 days in advance through the TMU portal.

Typical Availability:

• Rural areas: One testing day per month
• Cities: Weekly sessions
• Lead time: At least one month is common in Michigan and similar Headmaster states

Rescheduling Policy: Requires 1 business day notice – Headmaster’s policy is more flexible than other vendors.

Check your state-specific TMU portal immediately after completing training to understand realistic availability.

Test Day Experience – What Happens at Each Vendor

While this guide covers vendor-specific logistics and registration, actual exam content preparation requires focused study. For comprehensive skills test preparation, including step-by-step demonstrations of all 25 skills, see our Complete CNA Skills Test Guide.

Arrival Time and Check-In Process

All vendors require early arrival for check-in, but exact timelines differ:

Vendor	Required Early Arrival	What to Bring
Credentia	30 minutes	Two forms of ID (one photo), both signed
Prometric	30 minutes	Printed confirmation letter + two IDs
Headmaster	20-30 minutes	Printed confirmation + two IDs

Arrive at the early end of that window to avoid test day stress.

Check-in includes:

• ID verification (two forms – one must be photo-bearing, both signed)
• Signature comparison
• Personal belongings secured (phones, bags, watches not allowed in testing area)
• Test center rules explanation

“On testing day, you have to arrive at your testing facility 30 minutes before your start time. And plan on being there ALL DAY. They started testing us at 0930. I didn’t leave until 1530, I was literally the last person to take their skills test!” (240 upvotes – Reddit user)

Plan for an all-day commitment regardless of your scheduled start time. Even if your exam is scheduled for 9 AM, you may not leave until mid-afternoon.

Bring snacks and arrange childcare for the entire day. Don’t schedule work shifts immediately after testing.

Written Exam Format Differences

All three vendors test similar knowledge content but use different question counts and time limits:

Vendor	Questions	Time Limit	Pace Needed	Special Options
Credentia/NNAAP	70 (60 scored + 10 unscored)	2 hours	1.7 min/question	Oral exam available in most states
Prometric	60-70	90 minutes	1.3-1.5 min/question	Computer-based only
Headmaster	75	60 minutes	0.8 min/question	Fastest pace required

The faster pace of the Headmaster’s 75 questions in 60 minutes means you have less time per question than other vendors. Practice with timed exams to build pacing skills.

Skills Test Setup by Vendor (Peer Pairing vs Mannequins)

All vendors test the same core clinical skills, though the setup differs significantly. Universal skills like hand hygiene procedures are tested by every vendor and serve as the foundation for infection control across all practical tasks.

Vendor	Skills Count	Time Limit	Testing Format	Key Feature
Credentia/NNAAP	5 randomly selected	30 minutes	Mannequins	Standardized conditions
Prometric	5 (including mandatory Handwashing)	31-40 minutes	Peer-pairing	Test on another student
Headmaster	3-4	30 minutes	Live actors	Staff role-play patients

Credentia/NNAAP: You’ll perform each skill start to finish while an evaluator observes and checks off steps on a standardized evaluation form.

Prometric: Adopted a peer-pairing system during COVID that allows them to test more candidates with fewer evaluators. You’ll perform skills on another student while being observed, then trade roles.

Many test-takers find peer-pairing less stressful than mannequin testing once they understand the format. Your testing partner is equally nervous, and you’re both working toward the same goal. The human interaction feels more natural than mannequin procedures for some students.

Headmaster: Staff members role-play patients, responding to your communication and reacting realistically. This interactive format evaluates both technical skills and patient interaction simultaneously.

Total Time Commitment – Plan for All Day

Students consistently report that the test day takes much longer than expected. The combination of check-in procedures, written exam, wait time between sections, and skills testing creates an all-day experience.

Typical Test Day Timeline:

Time	Activity	Duration
8:30 AM	Arrival and check-in	30 minutes
9:00 AM	Written exam begins	60-120 minutes
11:00 AM	Break/wait time	30-60 minutes
12:00 PM	Skills testing begins	30-40 minutes per student
1:00-3:00 PM	Wait for your skills slot	Varies
3:30 PM	Final student completes testing	–

Some test centers schedule skills exams in order of written completion, while others use pre-assigned slots that may create hours of waiting.

Expect to be at the test center for 5-7 hours total. Pack snacks since many test centers have limited food options nearby. Arrange transportation that accommodates late afternoon pickup, even if you’re scheduled for morning testing.

Vendor-Specific Study Resources

Beyond official vendor handbooks, students who pass despite inadequate training programs often credit vendor-specific YouTube resources:

“since you’re in florida, i recommend following 4yourcna on youtube for the 22 skills you need to know for prometric. i had an awful instructor that legit taught us like 5 skills total, so i spent my free time memorizing the rest using 4yourcna videos and prometric’s online skills checklist, and passed my first try.” (180 upvotes – Reddit user)

While your training program should prepare you thoroughly, vendor-specific resources provide valuable supplementary preparation tailored to your exact testing format.

Recommended Study Materials by Vendor

Vendor	Official Resources	Community-Recommended Resources
NNAAP/Credentia	• Credentia Candidate Handbook (state-specific)• CNA365 portal practice questions • State nursing board skill checklists	State-specific YouTube channels
Prometric	• Prometric CNA Skills Checklist (state-specific) • State board examination bulletins	• 4YourCNA YouTube channel (Florida/Prometric skills) • Prometric practice exams
Headmaster	• Headmaster Candidate Handbooks (state-specific)• TestMaster Universe practice exams • State nursing board competency guidelines	State-specific preparation groups

For additional study materials beyond vendor-specific resources, explore our comprehensive CNA Resources Hub.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

“I Can’t Find Available Test Dates”

This is the most common vendor complaint. If you don’t see appointments within your desired timeframe, check back frequently.

Action Steps:

1. Set a daily reminder to check your vendor portal at the same time each morning and evening.
2. Call vendor support to ask when new testing dates are typically posted
3. Ask if some states add dates on specific days of the month
4. Consider test centers in neighboring counties if your state allows

Reality Check: For Prometric, the 2-week reality instead of the 30-day policy makes planning difficult. This is a known system issue, not your fault.

“My Registration Portal Isn’t Working”

Vendor portals occasionally have technical issues. Try these steps in order:

Troubleshooting Checklist:

• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try a different browser (Chrome works most reliably)
• Disable browser extensions/ad blockers
• Try a different device (computer vs phone)
• Check the vendor’s website for system maintenance announcements

If problems persist after trying these solutions, contact us for assistance in navigating your testing vendor’s system. Document your attempts with screenshots before calling vendor support.

“I Need to Reschedule or Cancel”

Know your vendor’s rescheduling deadlines to avoid losing your exam fees:

Vendor	Minimum Notice Required	How to Reschedule	Fee Forfeiture
Credentia	9-10 business days	Online through CNA365	Less than 24 hours
Prometric	5 days	Through Prometric portal or phone	Within 5 days
Headmaster	1 business day	Through TMU portal	Day of exam

Calendar your exam date and set reminders for the rescheduling deadline in case emergencies arise.

“My Results Haven’t Been Sent to the State”

Vendors submit results to state registries on different timelines:

Vendor	Portal Results	State Registry Submission
Credentia	Within hours in CNA365	5-7 business days
Prometric	7-10 business days	7-10 business days
Headmaster	24-48 hours in TMU	7-10 business days

If more than 15 business days have passed, contact your state nursing board registry office directly. They can verify whether the vendor submission was received and identify processing delays on their end versus vendor delays.

Frequently Asked Questions