CNA Testing

In order to become a CNA (certified nurses assistant) there will be some testing involved. The initial testing will be required in order to enter the CNA training program of your choice. Some CNA training programs may not require initial testing. This initial testing (if required) will consist of simple math problems, a basic understanding of reading and writing may also be tested. You do not need to have finished high school to complete these tests.

After you have completed your CNA training program in order to become certified you will be tested by your state board of nursing. If you pass this exam you will then be certified and be able to work as a nurses assistant (CNA). There will be many things covered on the exam that you will need to be aware of. Your training program will have a detailed description and will have prepared you for the testing. You may want to take a few practice tests before the exam in order to be fully prepared.

Your CNA certification test will cover many topics and skills. You will have practical or clinical testing as part of the exam where your skills will be watched and passed or failed. You will have a multiple choice and/or written part of the exam where your knowledge of the things you learned in your CNA training program will be tested.

In the practical part of the exam you will need to know things like how to properly remove gloves, wash hands, use a bath blanket, and drain a catheter bag. Many other things will be included on this practical part of the exam as well. You will need to remember all the skills you learned such as CPR and First Aid. These ans many more skills may be a part of your exam.

The written part of the exam will test your knowledge of things you learned in class that do not need practical application to be tested. Many things will be related to the anatomy and physiology that you learned. But topics such as taking blood pressure, measuring and recording things (such as urinary output and client weights) and providing care (such as helping dress a client, transferring clients to a wheelchair or from bed to chair, and catheter care) would all be tested in this part of the exam. This is not a comprehensive list. In order to get a better idea of what will be on the exam take the cna practice exam at the end of this page.

In order to be most successful here are a few tips. Your written test is 100 questions and will take roughly 1-2 hours. Therefore you will start with this portion of your testing first. Make sure if you finish early to simply place the test face down until your instructor collects it. Take to the testing your ID, several pencils (in case one breaks) and a watch to help you take blood pressure should you be asked. Do not forget to wash your hands properly when taking the practical part of the exam and communicate with the patient with care and respect.

Once your testing is complete you will have to wait for it to be graded. This may take up to two weeks in some cases but is generally much quicker. You will be notified by mail whether you have passed or not in most cases. Some states do this differently but your testing instructor will let you know how you will be notified of your CNA certification status. Good luck!