Where to take the test?

To be a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will need to take a Certified Nursing Assistant Test. The State Board of Nursing provides the certification test for CNA. The certification would only be valid in that state so it is advisable to take the CNA certification test where you will be working.

Different Components of the Test

There are two parts of the Certified Nursing Assistant Test for certification. First part would be the written part where you will be tested on basic knowledge like basic medical terminology, Nursing fundamentals, healthcare topics, first aid, patient care, basic protocols, knowledge on laboratory testing and procedure, record keeping and patient monitoring. This part of the exam is given two hours for each examinee to complete. The written part of the test is taken as a group.

After the Certified Nursing Assistant Test is over, the examiner will then collect all written exams and all examinees must proceed to the hands-on skills test where there will be a one on one examination.

The skills test will check your knowledge on basic patient care. You will be allowed to bring a model or partner for this part of the examination. You should be able to move the patient properly, observe proper patient treatment, be able to monitor a patient (pulse, respiration, etc.).

You should also be able to know the proper techniques of getting the patient mobile. You are also tested on how you respond to emergencies. Always be sure to be very particular and follow protocol as any mistake would be observed.

Even the smallest mistake could also be noted. You will not know what skills are going to be tested until the actual exam itself and all examinees may have different skills tested. All examinees are going to be tested with three to five skills for patient care.

Examination is scheduled after all requirements for a CNA is met. One should submit a proof of completion of their CNA training together with their application to have their test scheduled. It is also advisable to take refresher courses if there have been a long period of time lapse from the moment the training was taken to the moment that the exam will be taken.

Who Administers the Certified Nursing Assistant Test?

The test is administered by a qualified Registered Nurse. Aside from the Registered Nurse, you will also be monitored by a State Examiner who will be also evaluating the examinee on each skill test.

Things to Know Before Taking the Test

There are a lot of things that a person should know before taking the test. Some of the most important things will be to review the handouts and charts that were provided during training, check if you have all the proper trainings and all the requirements for the test were already covered. Always know all the skills that a CNA should know. Get some practice on the proper health care that would be needed as a nursing assistant. All the basics should be covered like bathing, feeding and the correct way to get the patient mobile.