Certified Nursing Assistant Tests

Are you nearing the end of you Certified Nursing Assistant training? Or have you completed the intensive training? Well, the next step to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is to pass the certification examination. Congratulations, the worst is now over! Your CNA School has probably prepared you enough for this day.

The Certified Nursing Assistant Test is also known as Nurse Aide Assessment Examination or the National Nurse Aide Assistant Program (NNAAP). This is the final step one must overcome in order to be recognized as a Certified Nursing Assistant and to be able to legally seek employment in this field. The exam is designed to evaluate your knowledge, skills and abilities to safely and effectively perform the tasks expected from a Certified Nursing Assistant. In the USA, this is headed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

The Certified Nursing Assistant Test is basically divided into 2 parts: the written examination, although in some areas oral examinations are preferred, and the clinical or hands-on evaluation. You will have to pass both and get good marks. Both parts of the examination will be given on the same day with a break after one portion is completed.
The written examination is thought to be quite easy because you just have to answer several multiple choice questions. This is more on the theories, basic things you need to know and the things you learn in the classroom during lectures. Most people who have taken the exam agree that this part is quite easy because you can look for sample questions online and study well in advanced.

The second part of the Certified Nursing Assistant Test is the clinical or hands-on evaluation. Here you are actually required to perform several tasks in the presence of the testing board in order for them to evaluate if you are competent enough. You might be asked to perform how one should properly move a patient, administer medication and do vital checks such as checking for the temperature, radial pulse, weight and blood pressure. This portion of the examination is usually conducted in a setting that resembles the actual nurse aide work environment. Usually, the examinee is required to perform at least 5 skills in a given time frame.

One should study for both portions of the examination diligently. Make use of all given opportunities to practice your skills and take plenty of notes during lecture hours. Know the format of the exam by checking it out online. It’s always better to come prepared. Don’t be shy to ask your instructors if there are things you don’t understand. Make good use of all available resources to prepare you for the exam. Many websites offer practice examinations and visiting the local library isn’t such a bad idea either. Remember, you have come a long way for this.

What happens if you fail the certification exam? Don’t lose hope! You can always check for the next examination schedule and register for that. Most states in the US allow a nurse aide student to take the exam 3 times within 2 years of completing the required training. However, when one has been unsuccessful in passing the said exam after 3 trials, then retraining is required.

Well, good luck in acing that exam! You are now well on your way to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant!  Kudos!