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After an unsuccessful result, use your official score report to decide what to book and what to study. Keep a record of every scheduled attempt, including any absence. The details below are for the named vendors; your eligibility route and your vendor’s record control your next booking.
Check your remaining attempts and deadline
| Vendor | Published rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Headmaster | 3 attempts for the knowledge and skills portions within 2 years of training completion. Pay for the failed portion before booking a retest in TMU. | Headmaster handbook, printed p. 33 (checked October 23, 2026) |
| Credentia | A 2-year training-completion window applies. After 3 failures of either part, retraining and both parts are required. Its results page also counts scheduled absences toward the 3-event rule. | Credentia eligibility (checked October 23, 2026); Credentia retake rules (checked October 23, 2026) |
| RTC | Maximum 3 attempts within 2 years of program completion. The handbook requires a new approved training program after the attempt limit. | RTC handbook, printed pp. 6–7 (checked October 23, 2026) |
Do not assume changing vendors creates a fresh attempt allowance. If your record, deadline or approval route is unclear, ask the vendor and CDPH to confirm eligibility before you make a payment.
If only one component was unsuccessful
- Read the report’s retest instructions and identify the exact component to book.
- Check that your successful component appears correctly in your account.
- Ask the vendor how your prior results and attempts will be handled if you want to change vendors.
- Confirm the fee category. A retest after a failed exam and a reschedule after a missed appointment may use different rules.
Credentia directs candidates to the score report for instructions on retaking either or both components. Source: Credentia exam results (checked October 23, 2026).
Turn the report into a short review plan
| What you found | What to do next |
|---|---|
| Knowledge topic needs review | Open the matching topic practice page. After each answer, read the explanation and source. Write a one-sentence reminder in your own words. |
| Repeated guessing | For your next study session, explain why you chose an answer before checking it. Mark uncertain correct answers for review too. |
| Skills step needs work | Bring the official score report and current vendor checklist to your instructor. Ask to practice the recorded problem with feedback. |
| Booking or check-in problem | Resolve the document, name, arrival or technical issue before you select another appointment. |
Your retest record
- Training completion date and vendor-confirmed last testing date: __________.
- Attempt dates, components and outcomes: __________.
- Remaining attempts confirmed with the vendor: __________.
- Two topics or skills to review with sources/checklists: __________.
- Retest appointment, check-in time and document checklist: __________.
If you believe there was a testing or scoring problem, read your vendor’s review or grievance process promptly. Headmaster’s review-request deadline is 3 business days after official scoring. Source: Test Review Requests, printed pp. 33–34 (checked October 23, 2026).
Keep planning your next step
- California exam format, time limits and passing rules
- California exam registration and fees by vendor
- California CNA test-day checklist
- 14-day CNA knowledge study plan
- 30-day CNA knowledge study plan
Healthcare Exam Prep is independent. We are not affiliated with the California Department of Public Health or any CNA testing provider. Practice scores do not predict your exam result.