The CNA test is a kind of method by which a propective CNA is assessed based on their levels of knowledge, skills and abilities. Each of them is required to perform his/her CNA duties and responsibilities. Often times — though the exam may vary from state to state — the exam is composed of 2 principal parts: a written or oral portion, and a hands-on skills part. The tests are administered on the same day or separately depending on state’s evaluators or nurse aide registry. On written test there are 75 multiple-choice questions; but it varies from state to state. For students with special preferences, it is possible to take the test in both English and Spanish.

The clinical skills component covers five skills picked randomly from the 25 skills you have learned and practiced throughout your training and study picked skills from the twenty-five skills you learned from your CNA training. It will take place in an environment that simulates a CNA workspace, with all the essential tools and equipment provided; you will be given 25-30 minutes to demonstrate all 5 skills. An assigned evaluator will observe you and evaluate your performance. The skills part of the test is where test takers have the most trouble. It is essential to your success that you are prepared with all 25 skills and to be able to demonstrate them accurately and independently.

To ensure success, the following are the skills that must be learned and practiced. There will be five skills from the following list will be selected at the time of the examination and will have to be demonstrated:

Hand Washing

Applying One Knee-High Elastic Stocking

Assisting to Ambulate using Transfer Belt

Assisting with Use of Bedpan

Cleaning Dentures

Counting and Recording Patients Radial Pulse

Counting and Recording Patients Respiration

Donning and Removing Gown and Gloves

Dressing Patient with an Affected (Weak) Right Arm

Feeding Patient who Cannot Feed Self

Giving Modified Bed Bath

Making an Occupied Bed

Measuring and Recording Blood Pressure

Measuring and Recording Urinary Output

Measuring and Recording Weight of Ambulatory Patient

Performing Passive Range of Motion Exercises for Patients Knees and Ankles

Performing Passive Range of Motion Exercises for Patients Shoulder

Positioning Patient on Side

Providing Catheter Care for Female Patient

Providing Fingernail Care

Providing Food Care

Providing Mouth Care

Providing Perineal Care for Female Patient

Transferring from Bed to Wheelchair using Transfer Belt

It is vital to properly prepare for the exam well ahead of time to give yourself the best possible chance of passing. With that said, failures can happen. And if it does happen, don’t lose hope- be sure to learn from your mistakes, improve your study habits and give yourself ample time to study. You will be permitted to retake the exam up to 3 times within a two year period in most states. If you only fail one portion of the test, you will only need to retake that portion. If you fail both the written and skills parts, then both will need to be retaken. You will be required to pay the examination fee every time you retake the exam. If you fail the exam three consecutive times, re-training is required in order to the take the exam again. Pass the CNA state test the first time you take it. Visit the CNA Study Guide for CNA review, practice tests, study tools, and skills preparation materials.