Take the stress out of preparing for your CNA exam with study guides and realistic practice tests.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an excellent way to start a healthcare career. CNAs are healthcare professionals who are certified to provide primary care to patients. They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and/or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The certification process is accessible and crucial to patient care, professionalism, and career advancement in the healthcare field.
To become a CNA, students must meet specific general requirements and complete classroom instruction and clinical training. Once the program is successfully completed, students must take the CNA exam in their home state.
General requirements for the job include:
The CNA state exam consists of a written and practical skills portion. Expect to pay a fee to take the CNA state exam; every state has its own fees and standards for a passing exam. After passing the exam, students receive their CNA certificate.
Access thousands of practice questions so that there are no surprises on the exam
The correct answers are highlighted with green below. Create an account to keep studying for the .
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountThe CNA exam consists of a written/oral test and a skills test or demonstration. Both parts must be completed and passed to receive a CNA certification in the state in which it is taken.
The first part of the CNA test is the written (or oral, if preferred) exam. The preference between a CNA written test and an oral can be selected during registration.
Every state has different requirements. In general, for this part of the exam the amount of questions ranges from 60-70 and the time limit typically spans from 1-2 hours.
The knowledge test questions are multiple-choice, and the questions are delivered via computer. This first section of the CNA test online covers three main topics: physical care skills, psychosocial care skills, and the nurse aide's role.
All written tests can also be taken as oral tests. The oral exam may be better for individuals who would otherwise struggle with reading and answering a text-based exam.
The CNA written test covers questions that assess a candidate and their knowledge of nursing theory, safety protocols, and patient care procedures. This section evaluates the understanding of crucial topics like infection control, patient rights, and the role of a CNA within the healthcare team.
There are typically three main domains that are covered in this first part of the CNA exam -the written exam:
• Physical Care Skills
• Psychosocial Care Skills
• Role of the Nurse Aide
Some versions of the CNA exam will include additional topics in this portion of the exam, and the amount each section contributes to the overall score can differ between versions.
The first mentioned topic, Physical Care Skills, covers categories such as:
• Hygiene
• Dressing and grooming
• Nutrition and hydration
• Elimination
• Rest/Sleep
The second, Psychosocial Care Skills, covers subtopics like:
• Emotional and mental health needs
• Spiritual and cultural needs
Finally, the Role of the Nurse Aide is the last section of the CNA written test. Topics covered include:
• Communication
• Client rights
• Legal and ethical behavior
• Member of the health care team
As seen from these topics, the CNA written test is very comprehensive and covers all of the essential issues a certified nursing aide would need to know if they are entrusted to provide primary care to patients/residents.
By understanding these domains, a candidate can prepare effectively for the CNA written test, which is an essential step in becoming a certified nursing assistant.
It is recommended that any individual looking to apply for the CNA certification, regardless of what state they live in, should plan to review information consistently in the leadup to the exam. Much of this information is likely learned while training as a CNA, but being well-versed in these topics will increase the chance of passing these sections seamlessly.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountThe CNA skills test is different from the written portion of the exam. It is designed to evaluate the test taker's ability to perform specific procedures on patients/residents. These skills are developed in training, prior to taking the certification exam.
During this section of the CNA test, examinees must demonstrate their skills in five areas, including handwashing and indirect care. Each skill requires its own amount of time to be completed, and the Nurse Aide Evaluator (NAE) will check to ensure that the skill is being completed effectively, correctly, and efficiently. The NAE will then award points based on how that skill is completed and the diligence behind it.
The time limit for this exam section depends on which skills are assigned for testing. Some skills require more time than others. The time limit granted for this section of the test will directly correlate with which skills are randomly assigned to the examinee. Points are collected based on the number of correct steps taken while completing the skill.
A wide range of topics may be tested on, so the candidate must be well-versed in these skills and have studied/practiced before taking the skills section of the CNA test.
The CNA skills test assesses a wide range of essential skills required for certified nursing assistants. These skills encompass various aspects of patient care, including:
The evaluation includes tasks such as hand hygiene, applying stockings, assisting with ambulation, and providing catheter care, among others. To successfully pass the CNA test, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all five assigned skills.
Each skill is broken down into specific tasks, and performance on each task is meticulously evaluated. Importantly, there is a critical step within each skill that is deemed essential by the nurse aide evaluator (NAE). To pass the overall skill, candidates must execute this crucial step correctly.
Upon completion of the test, candidates will receive an email containing their final score, reflecting their competence in these crucial healthcare tasks. Completing the CNA skills test is a significant milestone for aspiring certified nursing assistants, highlighting their readiness to provide quality care to patients in healthcare settings.
These skills are essential to practice, even if they have been consistently completed over various hours of training in nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. Certification is granted as proof that a candidate is proficient in providing high quality care for residents and patients.
Take an assessment and focus on the areas that need the most practice.
Preparing for the CNA exam is crucial and requires practice tests and a review of complex topics and questions. By utilizing practice tests, candidates can familiarize themselves with the format and types of questions they may encounter during their CNA test online. Practice tests also help test-takers become more efficient at managing their time while taking the exam. Through practice, concepts are reinforced, and learned skills can be sharpened.
When preparing for the skills test, repetition is critical to mastering the skills. It is recommended that each skill be performed step-by-step according to the proper procedures. Instructional videos are also a great resource as they provide detailed demonstrations of CNA skills. It is essential to practice proper handwashing, as it is often the first skill evaluated in the skills exam.
Preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam is crucial for success. Candidates can improve their chances by practicing with sample exams and reviewing challenging questions. The CNA exam covers a wide range of topics and skills, so investing more time in preparation can not only ensure passing the exam but also prepare the candidate to enter the profession with confidence and certification.
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Registered Nurse (RN) are crucial healthcare team members. However, they have distinct differences. CNAs have a shorter training program and do not need a college degree. On the other hand, RNs must have at least an associate degree or a Bachelor of Science from an accredited nursing program. The levels of education, training, responsibilities, and scope of practice are not the same for both professions.
Alaska has the highest average salary for CNAs in the United States due to the need for more professionals in this area, coupled with the remote nature of the state. However, salaries can largely vary based on the location and type of facility CNAs work at. Additionally, higher income can be earned by those with more experience and education in the field.