4 days until my test!

Hi 2bnurse.chick: I have been a CNA for quite a while and now I am a nursing student but anyways I wish someone had told me that some of the most important Q are about what is the normal BP, Pulse, Resp, for adults and children. just make sure you skim over some newborn handeling and how to put on precaution gowns gloves etc. I was a Cna 15 years ago and then retook the course and the test last year and some things have changed. But the most important thing to know is when you take the test every answer seems like it could be the right one because they are alot alike. But some of them will make you laugh because they are just commen sense. Don't stress out to much it really is just commen sense. Good luck and tell me how you do. and oh ya, ALWAYS just go with your first answer and don"t be like me and go back and keep erasing to wonder if the answer is right. You will pass I dont know of to many that do not. Welcome to nursing!!!

Oh, sorry 2bnurse It normaly takes two weeks to know if you pass but to know quicker just call your state cna board, I live in Maine and they gave it to me 4 days after taking the test.

Here in Michigan they tell you right away whether you passed or not. Still have to wait a week or two to get your certification, but it's nice to know right then and there anyways.


As far as tips are concerned... I'm not sure about your particular State and how it does it's testing, but first of all take your time. They give you an abundance of time, more than any person should need. Here they give you 2 hours for the skills test, and it took me about an hour to complete it.

Second, don't question yourself. If you think it should be done, do it. You don't get marked down for doing more than you should, but rather only for missing things you should have done. If you mess up in the middle and forget something, and realize it later on, they will let you go back and correct yourself.

As far as the multiple choice part of the test is concerned, it is really easy. They're basically just common sense questions, so use your common sense.

Good luck!

I'm not a CNA yet, and in fact haven't started classes yet (begin in April!) so I don't have much advice to give, however... I just read someone's post who did great on everything, but failed for the hand washing (12 sec instead of 15). A friend of mine was failed for the same thing.
Another user had posted a great suggestion. Sing Happy Birthday slowly in your head to make sure you wash for the full 15 seconds. I know it seems a silly thing to fail for, but it seems to me it happens often. Probably just from being nervous. So take your time and don't forget the little things.

Good Luck, and let us know how you do.

Wow, 2 hours - lucky you! I'm in a CNA course now and will take the exam late February. In Georgia you're given 5 skills and only have 25 minutes to do them! Handwashing is definitely one of them, another is definitely a measurement of some kind, and then the others can be anything. I'm pretty nervous about it. I don't know how long we get for the written part but I'm not too worried about it. Also, on the skills, I think we're allowed two times to go back and redo a part we think is wrong but the examiner isn't going to tell you if you did it wrong or not. And if decide to redo a skill, you have to do it before you move on to your next skill.

I'm hoping that if we pass one part but fail the other, that we only have to retake the failed part. I haven't been able to get that clarified yet.

Anyway, good luck to everyone taking it and be sure to come back in here and give some tips! I love the sing Happy Birthday tip and will be sure to use it.