CNA skills test checklist
The skills most often tested on the CNA exam, the opening and closing steps evaluators check in every skill, and how to practice.
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Get matchedSteps you do in every skill
Evaluators watch for these "beginning and ending" steps in every skill. Missing one is one of the most common reasons people fail.
Before the skill
- Knock and introduce yourself
- Identify the resident
- Explain what you're going to do
- Perform hand hygiene
- Provide privacy (curtain, door)
- Adjust the bed to a safe working height and lock the wheels
After the skill
- Make sure the resident is comfortable and positioned safely
- Lower the bed and lock the wheels
- Leave the call light within reach
- Open the privacy curtain
- Perform hand hygiene
- Report and record anything unusual
Skills commonly tested
Most states test you on several randomly chosen skills. Common ones include:
- Hand hygiene (handwashing)
- Measure and record blood pressure (manual)
- Count and record radial pulse and respirations
- Measure and record weight
- Donning and removing a gown and gloves (PPE)
- Transfer from bed to wheelchair using a gait belt
- Ambulate with a gait belt
- Position on side
- Passive range of motion (upper or lower extremity)
- Modified bed bath (face, arm, hand, underarm)
- Perineal care for a female resident
- Catheter care
- Mouth care and denture care
- Feeding a resident who can't feed themselves
- Dress a resident with a weak arm
- Assist with a bedpan
- Measure and record urine output
- Foot care
- Fingernail care
- Apply a knee-high elastic stocking
Exact skills, steps and critical steps vary by state and testing vendor. Use your state's official candidate handbook as the final word.
How to practice
- Say every step out loud while you practice. Evaluators can only credit what they see or hear.
- Practice the measurement skills (blood pressure, pulse, output) until your numbers match your instructor's within the allowed range.
- Time yourself. Most tests limit the total time for your skills.
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Frequently asked questions
How many skills are on the CNA skills test?
Most states test several randomly selected skills, usually including hand hygiene or a measurement skill. Check your state's candidate handbook.
What are the most common reasons people fail the CNA skills test?
Missing a critical step, forgetting hand hygiene or safety steps, and measurements outside the allowed range.
Do I have to say the steps out loud?
It helps. Evaluators can only credit steps they see or hear.