The Exam

To be able to qualify as a Certified Nursing Assistant, one must have completed a CNA training course and pass the certified nursing assistant exam. The State Board of Nursing is the one to provide the test for the certification of CNA. It is important to take the certification for CNA in the state that you will be working in. The certification for CNA test is composed of two parts, the written part of the exam and the hands-on or practical exam that will be facilitated by a highly qualified Registered Nurse.

The CNA certification test is composed of an average of 100 multiple-choice questions which includes the basics of patient care, protocols, laboratory and testing procedure, record keeping and patient monitoring. You will be given two hours to finish the exam. The test is taken with a group where the written exam goes first before the hands-on skills test is taken with everyone taking the test at the same moment.

Written and Hands On

The written part of the certified nursing assistant exam is taken as a group with questions that should have been covered in the classroom portion of the CNA training. It should be covered in all the materials, handouts and charts that are provided in the training. It would be advisable to review all training materials before taking the test.

The skills test is taken after finishing the written portion of the exams. The skills test is administered one at a time to each individual. Each individual can either bring a model or partner during the test. They will be performing skills that have been learnt on the CNA training classes. The examinee might be required to demonstrate three to five clinical skills that are needed for basic patient care.

During the skills test, the examinee will be carefully observed and evaluated by the examiner. The skills test might include the common skills that you will be performing in basic healthcare. Skills test includes performing measurement checks of vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate.

You will also be tested on the proper method of moving a patient and responding to emergencies. A small mistake like forgetting to knock on a patient’s door will be noticed. The skills exam is observed by a state examiner who will also be evaluating the examinee and giving mock real life situations, observations on the examinee’s composure will be taken into consideration.

The examinee should be calm and collected since this is also part of the exam. Being able to remain calm and composed in real life situations may affirm your ability to carry out the proper duties for the patient.

Results for the certified nursing assistant exam are not available right after the test. The results will be mailed to you. So, paying attention during training and doing all the necessary coursework and practicing all the required techniques and skills that are taught will naturally be of benefit. Waiting will be agonizing but when you are confident that you have learned everything from handouts and hands-on training and everything was covered during training, you will never have a problem in waiting for the test results.