CNA Exam | What to Expect

You must pass the CNA certification test in order to be  listed on the CNA Registry of your State, making you eligible for employment as a CNA.  Certification varies from State to State. For a complete list of State contact information, see our CNA Registry information by State.

About the CNA Exam

The CNA certification exam evaluates the knowledge, skills and abilities required of a CNA to safely perform their duties and responsibilities.  The exam consists of two main parts: a written or oral portion, and a hands-on skills portion. Both the written and skills portions of the exam are administered on the same day.  On average, there are 75 multiple-choice questions but it varies from State to State.  An oral version the the exam in both English and Spanish are available to those with special preferences.  For help preparing for the written portion of the exam, see my CNA Study Guide for a course outline and helpful study materials.

The skills portion will cover 5 skills picked randomly from the 25 skills you have been taught and practiced throughout your training and study.  It will take place in an environment that resembles a CNA workspace, with all the necessary tools and equipment provided. The skills portion of the exam allows 25-30 minutes for completion of all 5 skills.  A designated evaluator will observe you and grade your performance.  The skills portion of the exam is where students have the most trouble.  It is very important to be prepared with all 25 skills and to be able to perform them correctly and independently.  For help preparing for the skills portion of the exam check out my CNA Skills Audio to help your practice.

Skills to be Practiced

The following list of skills must be learned and practiced to ensure successful completion of the CNA Certification Exam.  Five skills from the following list will be chosen at the time of examination and will have to be performed:

• Hand Washing
• Applying One Knee-High Elastic Stocking
• Assisting to Ambulate using Transfer Belt
• Assisting with Use of Bedpan
• Cleaning Dentures
• Counting and Recording Patient’s Radial Pulse
• Counting and Recording Patient’s 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 Patient’s Knees and Ankles
• Performing Passive Range of Motion Exercises for Patient’s 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

Re-taking the Exam in case of failure

It is important to properly prepare for the exam ahead of time to give you the best possible chances for successful completion. With that said, failure does happen. So, if it happens, be sure to restructure your study habits and give yourself ample time to study. Most States allow you to retake the exam 3 times within a two year period.  If you only fail one portion of the exam, you will only have to retake that portion.  If you fail both the written and skills portions, then both will need to be retaken. You will have to pay the exam fee every time you attempt the exam. After failing the exam three consecutive times, re-training is required in order to the take the exam again. Pass the CNA test the first time you take it. Visit CNA Study Guide section for my recommendations on study guides, practice tests, study tools, and skills preparation material.