You perform about five randomly selected skills in front of an evaluator. Hand hygiene is always included, along with at least one measurement skill such as pulse, respirations, blood pressure or weight. Common skills include:
- Handwashing
- Measuring and recording a radial pulse or respirations
- Manual blood pressure
- Transferring from bed to wheelchair with a gait belt
- Perineal care, catheter care, denture care
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Feeding a resident and recording intake
Important
“Critical steps” like locking wheelchair brakes or washing hands can cause you to fail a skill if missed. Practice each skill aloud, step by step.
USA CNA Exam: Quick Facts
- Written test (NNAAP)
- 70 questions, 90 minutes
- Oral option
- Available in most states
- Skills test
- 5 skills, ~30 minutes
- Always tested
- Hand hygiene + a measurement skill
- Training
- State-approved program (federal minimum 75 hours)
- Result
- Listing on the state nurse aide registry
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