What Is the CNA exam?
The CNA exam is the certification exam necessary to become a nursing assistant.
Is the CNA certification exam the same nationwide?
The CNA exam is not the same nationwide.
Each state sets its guidelines and requirements for the CNA exam.
Where can I take the CNA exam?
You can take the CNA exam at multiple locations throughout the US.
These locations include colleges, Prometric testing centers, hospitals, and nursing homes. To see what options are available to you, check the availability on your state's Department of Public Health website.
How many times can I take the CNA exam?
You can retake the CNA exam up to three times after your initial attempt.
All attempts have to be made within two years of your first attempt/of the completion of your training.
Keep in mind that different states may have different guidelines for their retakes. Carefully read the requirements of your state before registering.
Can I challenge the CNA exam?
You can challenge the CNA exam.
Most states will allow you to do so. However, make sure you check their requirements prior to registering.
Is the CNA exam difficult?
The CNA exam is not as difficult as one might expect. Many exam takers report that the practical skills portion is more difficult than the written portion. Even so, with appropriate preparation, passing the CNA exam on your first try is realistic.
What is on the CNA exam?
The exact outline of the CNA exam will depend on the state you are taking it in. Different providers offer different outlines, but the basic information remains the same. The broad outline of the CNA exam includes:
Physical Care: Basic Nursing Skills, Restorative Care, Infection Control, Disease Process, Changes in Health.
Role of the Nurse Aide: Client Rights, Communication, Ethical Behaviour, Resident Rights.
Psychosocial Skills: Mental Health, Cultural Needs.
To see the exact outline your state offers, check the provider and then access their website.
The practical skills section is comprised of 5 questions selected from a list of 23. This applies to all providers.
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Hand Hygiene (Hand Washing)
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Applying One Knee-High Elastic Stocking
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Assisting to Ambulate Using Transfer Belt
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Assisting with the Use of Bedpan
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Cleaning of Upper or Lower Dentures
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Consulting and Recording Radial Pulse
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Counting and Recording Respirations
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Donning and Removing PPE
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Dressing Someone with a Weak Right Arm
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Feeding Someone Who Cannot Self-Feed
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Giving Modified Bed Bath
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Measuring and Recording Urinary Output
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Measuring and Recording the Weight of Ambulatory Client
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Performing Passive Range of Motion for One Knee and One Ankle
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Performing Passive Range of Motion for One Shoulder
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Positioning on Side
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Providing Catheter Care for a Female
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Providing Foot Care for One Foot
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Providing Mouth Care
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Providing Perineal Care for Females
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Transferring From Bed to Wheelchair Using Transfer Belt
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Measuring and Recording Manual Blood Pressure
What is the hardest part of the CNA exam?
Many exam takers say that the practical skills portion is the hardest.
However, do not be discouraged. With appropriate practice, this portion shouldn't cause any issues.
How do I register for the CNA exam?
To register for the CNA exam, you need to complete a registration form.
You can do this by accessing the Credentia/Prometric website (depending on the state) and logging into your account.
If your state does not provide the exam through Credentia or Prometric, you should be able to find CNA registration information on your state's Department of Health website.
How is the CNA exam Scored?
The CNA exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 100%.
This is true for both the written and practical skills sections.
What is the passing CNA exam score?
On average, the passing CNA exam score is between 70 and 80%.
Keep in mind that this differs for every state. Be informed about your state's requirements before registering.
How long are CNA exam scores good for?
CNA exam scores are valid for 2 years.
After this period has passed, you will need to apply for a renewal of your certification.
How many questions do I need to get right on the CNA exam to pass?
The number of questions you must answer correctly to pass the CNA depends on your state.
States offer exams with 60 to 70 questions, depending on the provider.
If your exam is comprised of 70 questions, you will need to correctly answer around 60 questions to receive a 70% score. This score is, on average, the lowest score considered as passing.
How do I prepare for the CNA exam?
You should split your preparation for the CNA exam into two parts:
Firstly, you should focus on the theoretical portion. Gather your study materials and organize your study time accordingly.
Secondly, allocate a significant amount of time to practicing your skills. Ask friends or family members to help you practice the procedures and protocols since you will be performing these tasks on a live person during the exam.
The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with these skills, helping to reduce anxiety during your exam.
What do I need to study for the CNA exam?
There are several subjects that you need to cover for your CNA exam:
Here are some of the topics you should include in your study plan:
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Basic nursing skills: interpreting medical abbreviations and acronyms, recognizing vital signs, common resident conditions, legal charting, and body mechanics.
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Restorative skills: ROM exercises, rehabilitation, scenarios with stroke patients
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Communication and interpersonal skills: HIPPA, patient privacy and rights, case scenarios, confidentiality.
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Personal care skills: communicating with hearing and vision-impaired clients, caring for teeth and dentures, caring for special needs clients, feeding scenarios, showering and bathing, and preventing contractures.
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Safety and emergency procedures: common emergencies, patient falls, safety during a fire, responding to a choking patient, caring for a burn, and responding to an unconscious client.
This is not an exhaustive list.
Is taking a CNA practice exam worth it?
Taking a CNA practice exam is worth it for several reasons.
Taking a practice exam gives you a better understanding of your preparedness level.
By testing, you can see what information you need to review more than you already have.
Practice tests also give you the advantage of being familiar with the exam outline and question types.
Consider making practice exams a significant part of your study sessions. Not only do they help you prepare, but they are also an excellent progress-tracking tool.
What are the most common mistakes on the CNA exam?
Some of the most common mistakes that exam takers make on the CNA are:
Not being sufficiently prepared for the skills section
Not reading the questions carefully
Not using exam strategies, such as elimination
These mistakes can be avoided with enough preparation.
What to expect on my CNA exam day?
On your CNA exam day, you are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam.
Your identification will be checked, and you will have to store any personal items in a designated area. These items include electronic devices, extra clothes, snacks, or drinks.
Your proctors will give you all the relevant information, so pay close attention to them.
Can I wear a head covering during the CNA exam?
You are allowed to wear religious head coverings during your exam.
Any other head covering is not allowed.
How do I submit a CNA exam Accommodation request?
You can submit a CNA accommodation request form during the registration process.
This process might differ slightly depending on the provider, but all providers of the CNA exam comply with the ADA.
