A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a vital role in healthcare, assisting Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with patient care. This includes tasks like serving meals, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with personal hygiene. To become a CNA, you must pass a certification exam that validates your skills and knowledge. This article explores What Is The Best Cna Study Guide and everything you need to prepare and pass your CNA exam.
Understanding the CNA Exam
The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), often through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), manages the most widespread CNA certification program, administering thousands of exams annually. Credentia, a national testing service, also plays a key role by scheduling, administering, and delivering the CNA exams in many states.
It’s crucial to remember that CNA exam requirements and guidelines can vary significantly depending on the state where you plan to practice. Therefore, consulting the Candidate Handbook specific to your state is essential for accurate and detailed information.
The CNA exam is tailored for entry-level nurse aides and nursing assistants, typically those with 0-12 months of direct patient care experience post-certification. Eligibility generally requires completion of a state-approved nurse aide training program, encompassing classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and on-the-job training.
Passing the CNA exam leads to certification, allowing you to practice as a nursing assistant and be listed on your state’s nurse aide registry.
CNA Exam Structure: Written/Oral and Skills Test
The CNA exam comprises two main components: a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration. Passing both sections is mandatory for CNA certification and state registry inclusion.
Written/Oral Examination
You can choose between a written or oral exam based on your preference. This choice is made during registration.
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Written Exam: Consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, with 10 unscored questions used for statistical analysis.
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Oral Exam: Includes 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension (word recognition) items. This is recommended for candidates who have difficulty reading and answering a written exam. Questions are played through a headset, and answers are selected from a list of options.
Both the written and oral exams evaluate knowledge across three main areas: Physical Care Skills, Psychosocial Care Skills, and the Role of the Nurse Aide.
Physical Care Skills (64%): Focuses on direct patient care:
- Activities of Daily Living (22%): Covers hygiene, dressing, nutrition, elimination, rest, and comfort.
- Basic Nursing Skills (35%): Includes infection control, emergency safety, therapeutic procedures, data collection, and reporting.
- Self-Care/Independence (7%): Addresses prevention, self-care promotion, and fostering client independence.
Psychosocial Care Skills (10%): Deals with the patient’s non-physical needs:
- Emotional and Mental Health Needs (8%)
- Spiritual and Cultural Needs (2%)
Role of the Nurse Aide (26%): Assesses the ability to fulfill responsibilities as a nurse aide:
- Communication (7%)
- Client Rights (8%)
- Legal and Ethical Behavior (5%)
- Member of the Health Care Team (6%)
The Skills Test
The skills demonstration requires you to perform five essential CNA skills in a simulated work environment, evaluated by a Nurse Aide Evaluator, within a 30-minute timeframe. You will perform these skills on a candidate volunteer who will act as a weakened elderly person in an area that has all the necessary equipment you will need.
Each skill is divided into specific tasks, with Critical Steps that must be performed correctly to pass. All candidates must perform the Hand Hygiene skill, along with four other randomly assigned skills, one of which will involve measuring and recording vital signs or specimens.
The potential skills evaluated during the exam are:
- Hand hygiene
- Applies one knee-high elastic stocking
- Assists in ambulation using a transfer belt
- Assists with use of bedpan
- Cleans upper or lower denture
- Counts and records radial pulse
- Counts and records respirations
- Donning and removing PPE (gown and gloves)
- Dresses client with affected (weak) right arm
- Feeds client who cannot feed self
- Gives modified bed bath (face and one arm, hand, and underarm)
- Measures and records electronic blood pressure
- Measures and records manual blood pressure
- Measures and records urinary output
- Measures and records the weight of an ambulatory client
- Performs modified passive range of motion (PROM) for one knee and one ankle
- Performs modified passive range of motion (PROM) for one shoulder
- Positions on side
- Provides catheter care for female
- Provides foot care on one foot
- Provides mouth care
- Provides perineal care (peri-care) for female
- Transfers from bed to wheelchair using a transfer belt.
CNA Exam Registration
Registration for the CNA exam is managed by Credentia, the official testing vendor. The process starts with choosing the state where you intend to practice, directing you to the state-specific platform. Completion of a state-approved nurse aide training program is generally a prerequisite for exam eligibility.
The application process includes creating or logging into a Credentia CNA365 account, completing a new application, selecting the appropriate eligibility route, providing the required information, and submitting any necessary supporting documents. After application approval, you can register for the exam, choosing your preferred schedule for the written/oral and skills demonstration tests.
For online exams, scheduling is possible up to the day before the preferred date, depending on availability. For testing center exams, registering at least 10 calendar days in advance is recommended. Payment for the exam is made online via credit or prepaid credit card. Exam fees vary by state, generally costing around $100.
Test Day Essentials
For both online and on-site exams, you must bring two current, unexpired, government-issued IDs with your photo and signature, including your Social Security card. Permitted items also include two No. 2 pencils, an eraser, a watch with a second hand, and any other required documentation.
Online Exam Specifics
For online exams, a system test is necessary to ensure computer compatibility. A mobile device is also required to download Credentia’s mobile app for a 360-degree scan of the testing room, which must be private, clean, and free of other occupants. Reviewing the onboarding procedure beforehand is advisable to avoid issues on exam day.
Understanding CNA Scores
Your official Score Report indicates whether you passed or failed the exam. The skills demonstration results show a rating of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory for each skill. An Unsatisfactory rating on any skill means you failed that skill. A Satisfactory rating on all five skill demonstrations is required to pass.
Accessing Your Scores
Exam results are typically available a few hours after completion and are accessible through your CNA365 account via email notification. Some states mail the results, which should arrive within 5-7 business days.
Passing both exams results in registration in the state’s nurse aide registry within a few weeks to months. Failing the exam allows for submitting a written grievance or retaking the exam after a specified period.
Best CNA Study Guide to Excel on the CNA Exam
Preparing effectively for the CNA exam is crucial. A high-quality study guide can significantly improve your chances of success.
Smart Study Strategies
Effective preparation hinges on how you study, not just how much. Regular progress checks using CNA practice tests are vital. They pinpoint areas needing improvement, helping you focus on critical topics.
Review questions you answered incorrectly, guessed on, or found challenging, identifying why they were difficult. Address knowledge gaps and strengthen your understanding.
Understanding the “Why”
While explanations for correct answers can be helpful, explore all related concepts for a complete understanding. The more deeply you understand the material, the better prepared you’ll be for any variation of the question on the real test.
Comprehension, Not Memorization
Focus on understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorizing questions. Knowing why each answer is correct allows you to apply your knowledge confidently.
Strategy for CNA Practice
When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
- Remove Limitations: Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and CNA study guide handy.
- Time Yourself: Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
- Simulate Test Day: Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Keep Practicing: Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is a CNA?
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A CNA is a certified nursing assistant. CNAs help patients with basic care under RN or LPN supervision.
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How do I become a CNA?
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You will first need to enroll in a training program that is approved by your state. After completing the state-approved program, you will then be ready to take the exam for your CNA certification.
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How long does it take to become a CNA?
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Depending on where you live and which training program you will be taking, you can expect to complete the CNA program between 6 and 12 weeks.
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What does a CNA do?
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A CNA that works in a hospital can expect to aid the nursing staff in every aspect regarding patient care. CNAs may be required to monitor blood pressure and vital signs, help move and clean patients, as well as respond to calls.
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How much does a CNA make?
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As of 2025, the median hourly range for a CNA is $18.33 per hour.
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How long is a CNA program?
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Each program differs, but they generally last anywhere from one month to six months.
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What training or education is required for CNA?
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It varies from state to state, but you will generally need to complete a state-approved training program and pass the CNA exam.
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How do you renew a CNA license?
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You will likely need to contact your state licensing board and complete a renewal application. This usually involves verifying your employment and providing proof of your continuing education hours.
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How many hours do you work as a CNA?
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Depending on your facility, anywhere from 32-40 hours per week is considered full time.
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What is the CNA exam?
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The CNA exam is a certification for those who wish to become a certified nursing assistant. The CNA exam will consist of a written/oral portion and a clinical skills test.
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What is the cost of the exam?
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The cost of the CNA exam depends on the state in which it is taken. On average, it is $100.
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What score do you have to get to pass the CNA test?
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Each state has their own passing score regarding the CNA test. Some states require you to achieve 70%-75% while others may require you to achieve 80%.
Conclusion
Passing the CNA exam requires comprehensive preparation, with understanding of exam structure and content, smart study strategies, and the right resources. By following the guidelines and tips provided, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your CNA exam and start your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
