How To Prepare For The Cna Exam
Before you begin your career, here is a CNA practice test and Nursing Assistant’s Guide to help you prepare for the CNA exam:
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Strategy For Cna Practice
When youre ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
- Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and CNA study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies youve learned.
- Time Yourself. Take the second practice test open book as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
- Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or its time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and youll be able to focus on recalling the material youve learned.
Upgrade your studying with our CNA study guide, flashcards, and online course:
Study Utilizing Online Resources
Online tutorials are readily available to provide you with step-by-step instructions on performing specific CNA skills. The only disadvantage of using online resources is that it may be difficult to have actual practice on skills you want to improve, especially since learning through online resources requires independent study. Choosing an accredited online institution will assist you in obtaining the qualifications required to continue with in-person training.
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Check Your States Requirements
There are similarities in the skills evaluation across state borders. Your training provider will provide specifics on the mandatory skills, such as handwashing, recording a measurement, and indirect care. Pay attention to your performance on those mandatory skills and half the battle will be won. Mess up on those skills, and youll fail the exam.
Handwashing may be administered as an independent skill or as part of other demonstrations. There are several skills that fall under the category of taking a measurement, so learn each of the possible options. Indirect care requires attention to the residents rights, your communication techniques, and major details such as the residents needs and comfort.
State requirements also outline whether youll have to bring a resident actor to the test site or if another candidate will play the role. Its essential that you get the facts before going into the exam.
Is The Cna Exam Hard
The exam can be hard if Nursing Assistants do not have the knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam. The written or oral section of the exam may consist of approximately 70 questions, but the exact number of questions varies by state. Some Nursing Assistants may find the exam hard because they do not know the exact information to study for this section of the exam. Nursing Assistants who have a firm grasp of the content learned in their courses should do well on the written section of the exam.
The hands-on section consists of testing the Nursing Assistants skills in 5 of the 25 skill areas. Nursing Assistants may find this section very difficult because they must be competent in all 25 areas to do well on this area. Those who are only competent in 10 of the 25 areas may struggle to pass this section because the tester randomly selects the 5 skills. Studying all 25 skills may provide the best chance to pass the exam.
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Is The Cna Skills Test Hard
Many people fail the skills test on the first try, so it would be unfair to say that its easy. That said, most people find the test to be easier after becoming more comfortable with the format of the test and overcoming their nerves. If you search message boards around the web youll find that many aspiring CNAs used their first failure as a tool to help them succeed on their next attempt.
Cna Skills Test Overview
To become a CNA two of the biggest obstacles youll have to overcome are the written test and the clinical skills test. Fortunately, there are an almost endless amount of resources to assist you with the written portion of the test like our free CNA practice tests.
Demonstrating skills in the clinical skills test is the more nerve-wracking portion of the test for most aspiring CNAs. You should learn all the skills you need during your CNA classes, but to stay sharp youll want to be able to review the correct procedures for patient care over and over again. Thankfully, with the power of YouTube you can view high-quality instructional videos on all the direct and indirect care skills youll need to demonstrate to pass the clinical exam.
If youre about to take the test for the first time, we recommend you watch our quick video below which provides tips for succeeding on the CNA skills exam.
The CNA skills test covers a battery of different tasks that youll need to know like the back of your hand if you want to pass the test. The skills test can include any of the following areas:
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What Material Is On The Cna Certified Nursing Assistant Exam
All of the information that Nursing Assistants need to know to pass their licensing exams can be found in their course materials. Specific material that students should be familiar with for the oral or written section includes recording and measuring weight, respiration, blood pressure, radial pulse, and urinary output of patients in their care.
Nursing Assistants also need to have a firm grasp of certain concepts to pass the hands-on section of the exam. A few of the testing skills may include hand washing, giving modified baths, assisting with use of bedpans, recording and measuring urinary output, providing mouth cares, positioning clients, providing food care, and recording and counting the radial pulse of clients.
What Is On The Cna Skills Test
The CNA skills test is reflective of what is learned in your CNA training. However, covering skills once in training does not fully prepare you for demonstrating the skill in front of a highly trained evaluator. Taking time to study each of the 30 skills thoroughly provides the best opportunity to pass the skills test the first time with confidence.
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Three: Know Your State
Although the states all have similar requirements for the skills exam, their testing methods may vary. If your training program didnt give you any specifics, find your state here. Youll find useful information on how many skills will be tested and how much time you will have. You may also find out whether youll have an actor or a mannequin for your demonstrations and whether youll be required to act as a patient for another CNA candidates skills test.
Every state includes handwashing as a skill.
Every state includes handwashing as a skill. Some will make it the first skill others will include it during your other demonstrations. Handwashing is the primary technique for infection control. Absolutely, positively do not mess this up its an instant fail if you do.
Besides handwashing, most states will also test for one of these two skills:
Each state chooses an approved provider to administer the skills examination. These are professional organizations that provide independent and unbiased tests to CNA candidates.
Here are the test providers for each state, as of December 26, 2019:
Tips On How To Study For The Cna Exam
There is no foolproof way to ensure a passing score on the CNA exam, but there are many things that Nursing Assistants can do to increase their chances of passing. Knowing how to study for the exam can be very beneficial to Nursing Assistants. Here are a few tips to help Nursing Assistants study for the CNA exam:
- Create a solid study plan before taking the exam. It may be beneficial to get a calendar and write down the materials to study before the exam. Creating time to study each day before taking the exam is very important.
- Use as many study materials as possible. Using online study materials and supplemental materials from courses to prepare for the exam is helpful. There is an abundance of study materials available. A great study guide to help nursing assistants pass the CNA exam is called CNA Certified Nursing Assistant Exam Cram. Here is what it looks like:
- Take practice exams. Practice exams can help Nursing Assistants prepare to take the real CNA exam.
- Create a study guide for the exam. Nursing Assistants may want to use the notes from their courses to create a personalized study guide to help them do well on the exam.
- Understand the tests format. Nursing Assistants must know that the exam consists of an oral or written section and a hands-on section. They should also know the specific topics that they will be tested on in the hands-on section.
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The Top Five Things You Need To Know About The Cna Exam
You know that failing the CNA exam is a waste of time, as well as a massive blow to your self-esteem. This is why its critical to know as much as possible about the exam format, major categories, exam locations, and how to register. That way, you can boost the productivity of your CNA prep, avoid common study mistakes, and be 100% prepared for the CNA test.
To help expedite your CNA practice as well as save time and stress weve collected a list about the top five things you need to know about the CNA exam.
Organize Your Study Space
Make sure you have enough study space on your desk to spread your books and notes. Ensure that the room is bright and you have a comfortable position to sit in, these are also the points to be considered.
Remove the things from the study space that distracts you from the exam preparation. Make sure that you can feel comfortable in your study space, so you can focus on your studies. A clean space brings you more confidence and positivity.
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What Should I Bring
If you are taking your written exam in a testing center, it is important to bring both the following:
- A non-expired primary ID that has your photo and signature. These may be any of the following:
- One government-issued ID such as a state-issued ID, drivers license, ARC)alien registration card, passport, or military card or
- A school ID with your name and signature of the school you are enrolled in or
- Employment ID of your current job with your photo and signature
- A non-expired secondary ID that matches your first ID. This could be:
- A social security card
- A credit card with your signature
- A gym card or library card with your signature
The Purpose Of The Cna Exam
The purpose of the CNA exam is to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required in order for a nursing assistant to safely and successfully conduct their work. The content of the certified nurse aide test can be broken down as follows:
- A written/oral examination
- A hands-on skills examination
Both parts must be successfully completed in order to become a certified nursing assistant. CNA candidates who are uncomfortable taking the written exam in English can opt for an English or Spanish oral exam instead.
3. How A Passing Score Is Determined
The Certified Nursing Assistant test varies from state to state based on both federal and state rules, regulations and procedures. Therefore, an advisory committee of nurse aides, instructors, state health care personnel, and other relevant professionals determines CNA passing scores. To learn more about how a passing score is determined in your state, visit your states nurse aide registry at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website .
Links To Free CNA Exam Practice Tools And Tactics:
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One: Become Familiar With The Skills
There is no way around it: You have to know the skills better than you know your name. You already know these skills from your training. Theyre the same skills you will use every day as a CNA . Each skill is a series of steps that you must know and follow during the evaluation. The basic list looks like this :
Cna Exam Prep Courses
The best approach to passing any certification exam, CNA inclusive, is the continuous attempt at solving practice exams long before the CNA final exam date.
Repeat the practice tests till you are very familiar with most questions.
CNA practice questions and flashcards are available on the Flashcard Database website and many other CNA practice test sites to assist you in your studies.
Purchase textbooks from Amazon and look for videos, checklists, and reading materials on websites like CNA Training Help.
Find study buddies to assist you in your preparation.
You will better understand the content if you discuss it with others.
In addition, discussing the things youre learning will help them stick in your mind.
CNA practice tests are the most effective strategy to prepare for the exam than traditional CNA classes.
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Review The Test Material
The minimum requirement is to attain a CNA state exam passing score, but your ultimate goal should be demonstrated excellence on the skills test. Performing the skills needs to be second-nature. As overwhelming as the skills list may be, if you think about each one as an independent feat, you can conquer them all with ease. Triage the list of skills and put them in order from easiest to most difficult. Pearson VUE’s list of skills for the 2018 test, for example, included among others:
- Female perineal care
- Partial bed bath
Review the detailed instructions for each skill, but focus on those that seem more difficult. Look at videos on YouTube and make a list of any questions that you may have. Dont hesitate to contact your instructor to review those skills that are most challenging.
Study Tips For Cna Classes
You dont want to have to take the CNA exam more than once, so its essential to study and to feel prepared and confident. Simply reading the text and taking notes wont get you there. Mastering the material takes active engagement. Here are a few study tips that have proven effective for CNA test prep.
Some people study better in the morning. Some are more productive at night. Regardless of the time of day you prefer for your CNA exam prep, remember to take breaks, make nutritious snack choices such as nuts, yogurt, blueberries, and apples, and drink plenty of water. Its also important to get good sleep and be well-rested on exam day.
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Tips To Pass The Cna Skill Test In First Appearance
To pass the CNA skill test for the first time requires you to provide your full attention to every detail about all the 30 clinical duties that are needed to be performed because any five of them can come in your test.
To perform the clinical skills before the experienced invigilator requires you to practice the clinical skills and study thoroughly about them as well.
You must be fully prepared and confident of your practice for your CNA skill test in order to clear it in your first go.
Sweat The Small Stuff
In your anxiety, you might give much attention to the key steps in each skill and overlook the smaller, critical elements that will affect your success. Do not spend so much time trying to impress the proctor with your clinical abilities that you forget to wash your hands, address the resident, or close the curtains. The majority of failures on the skills exam are due to the candidates oversight of the critical elements related to the patients privacy, rights, or safety.
An easy solution is to always keep your role in mind. Treat the resident actor as a real patient. Let him/her know what youre doing, be courteous and respectful, be vigilant, and always maintain a safe environment.
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