One of the most critical aspects of becoming a certified nursing assistant is passing the CNA exam. The exam is made up of two parts: a written test and a skills demonstration. This exam must be taken and passed to gain a nursing assistant certification and to register on your state’s nurse aide registry.
It is not uncommon for CNA students to fail the exam on their first attempt. However, there are several key tips that can help you pass the CNA test and begin a rewarding career in direct patient care.
1. Practice Your Skills Like a Pro
It is extremely important to spend time practising the skills that you will need to perform as a CNA. This can be done at home, in the classroom, or on a job site. By doing so, you will become familiar with the steps required for each skill and will feel more confident performing them on a real client.
2. Take a Practice Test to Prepare for the CNA Exam
A study found that taking CNA practice tests helped people pass exams with higher scores than those who did not. This is because CNA test questions practice are similar to the types of questions that will be on the actual test.
3. Study the Explanations for the Wrong Answers
Many CNA practice tests have explanations of each answer choice. This can be helpful, but you should never forget that you must also fully understand the answer choice itself to get it right on the exam.
4. Be Consistent About Your Study Schedule
If you are studying for the exam, it is crucial to establish a study routine that works best for you. This may mean finding a study partner, joining a study group, or attending an online class. By establishing a regular study schedule, you will be more likely to remember the information that you have learned.
5. Ask Questions If You Have a Question
This is another great tip that can help you to pass the CNA exam on your first try. If you have a question about the test, don’t be afraid to ask your instructor or a fellow student for advice and guidance.
6. Be Consistent About Your Handwashing Procedures
It is essential that you wash your hands before and after each task on the skills test. This will ensure that you are following infection control procedures and avoiding cross-contamination of equipment.
7. Practice Your Measuring Methods
The CNA exam will include many different measurements that you must know how to measure. These measurements include blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and more. It is also crucial that you memorize how to properly use each measurement device.
8. Review Your Notes
If you have any notes from the training course that you took, make sure to review them before you begin studying for the skills exam. This will help you to remember the information and be able to apply it to the exam.