How to Prepare for the CNA Skills Exam: Requirements and Tips

Once you complete the mandatory class hours at a CNA school, you become eligible to take the certification exam. After the school submits proof of your course completion, you can schedule your exam through Prometric.

The exam costs $125, including both the written and skills sections.

The skills portion consists of 22 topics, and during the exam, you’ll be asked to perform 3 of them. However, grading also includes handwashing and attitude, making it a total of 5 topics evaluated.

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CNA Training Schools in the U.S.

22 CNA Skills

1. Hand Hygiene (Hand Washing)
2. Applying One Knee-High Elastic Stocking
3. Assisting to Ambulate Using Transfer Belt
4. Assisting with Use of Bedpan
5. Cleaning Upper or Lower Dentures
6. Consulting and Recording Radial Pulse
7. Counting and Recording Respirations
8. Donning and Removing PPE
9. Dressing Someone with a Weak Right Arm
10. Feeding Someone Who Cannot Self-Feed
11. Giving a Modified Bed Bath
12. Measuring and Recording Urinary Output
13. Measuring and Recording the Weight of an Ambulatory Client
14. Performing Passive Range of Motion for One Knee and One Ankle
15. Performing Passive Range of Motion for One Shoulder
16. Positioning a Patient on Their Side
17. Providing Catheter Care for a Female
18. Providing Foot Care for One Foot
19. Providing Mouth Care
20. Providing Perineal Care for Females
21. Transferring From Bed to Wheelchair Using a Transfer Belt
22. Measuring and Recording Manual Blood Pressure

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Items to Bring to the Skills Exam

1. Authorization Letter: Prometric will email you an authorization letter after scheduling your exam.
2. Photo ID: A valid, non-expired government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
3. Additional ID: A second form of ID with your photo, such as a library or student card.
4. Flat, non-slip, closed-toe shoes.
5. Scrubs (uniform): Recommended but not mandatory.
6. Wristwatch with a second hand.

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What to Know for the Skills Exam

Upon Arrival at the Test Center

• Present a government-issued photo ID with your signature.
• Empty your pockets and store personal belongings securely.
• Take a tour of the testing room to see the supplies and materials available.

Before the Exam Begins

• You will receive a card listing three skills you must perform, along with instructions for each skill.
• Review the instructions on the skills card before starting.

Rules for the Clinical Skills Exam

1. Gather Supplies: You may identify needed items before starting, but do not collect supplies until instructed.
2. Language: Speak only in English during the exam.
3. Perform Skills: You must physically perform the skills as instructed.
4. Order Matters: Complete tasks in the order listed on the card.
5. Patient Interaction: Treat mannequins or actors as real patients.
6. Ask for Clarifications: If you cannot find an item, ask the evaluator.
7. Corrections: Notify the evaluator if you need to correct an error during the skill.
8. Measurement Skill: One skill will require measurement and recording. A form will be provided for this task.
9. Declare Completion: When finished, state, “I am done.” Review the instructions one last time before declaring completion.
10. Side Rails: Use side rails as needed; their use will not be graded.
11. Safety Concerns: Severe safety violations may result in termination of that skill.

After Your Test

You may need to act as a patient for another candidate.

• Be cooperative and act as a mobile, responsive patient.
• Speak or move only if requested.
• Providing hints or signals is considered cheating, and violators will be disqualified, with incidents reported to the state.

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Other Key Notes

• Recording devices, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or cameras must be turned off and stored securely.
• The only items you may bring into the testing area are your wallet, ID, keys, and pen/pencil, which will be stored securely.
• The clinical skills test is short, so no breaks are provided.
• Disruptive behavior or rudeness will result in immediate dismissal.

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Official Resources

All official information can be found at Texas Nurse Aide | Prometric.

• General Information About the Exam
• Clinical Skills Checklist

This guide provides essential details to help you prepare for the CNA certification skills test. Good luck!