CNA Exam

The CNA exam is the last step for a nurse aid student towards becoming a certified nursing assistant

after going through training in a CNA school. The exam is divided into two parts - first part is

theoretical, it is either oral or written test. The second part is the practical examination of student's

skills. In order to complete the test successfully the student has to pass both parts in a one day.

Written test usually has a multiple choice format, the number of questions and the number of correct

answers that required for passing is different in every state. The average number of questions in a

written test is 17. Instead of taking a written test you may choose to take an oral one in English or

Spanish.

The second part of the test requires performing hands-on first aid skills. You have to perform five

random skills out of twenty-five practiced while training. All of them have to be fulfilled correctly and

under the required time. Usually students are given twenty five to thirty minutes to complete all of five

tasks. One of the skills the student has to perform will be taking some measurement and recording its

results. The most common measurements are blood pressure, respirations, weight or pulse of a

patient. During the test you can use all needed tools and equipment. You also may ask any questions

before the exam starts.

If you fail the CNA test in most of the states you are allowed to retake it. In general you can challenge

the test three times during the two years after completing the training program. Student has to retake

theoretical part as well as practical if he failed both of them. If only one of the parts is failed student

has to take ones more just this part.

To be confident of passing the test student has to attend all classes and prepare seriously for each

class while training. After you complete the CNA test and get the certificate you can apply for a job as

a home health aid, nurses' aid or patient care technician. You can assist the nurse and work under

the nurses' supervision. LPN to RN