can an LPN student take the CNA exam?

I just finished my first semester in an LPN program...As all my fellow LPN students know, ...during our clinicals, we were doing 90% CNA work.
(Full Patient care, feeding, hygene, diapers, occupied bed changes, ROMs, all the fun stuff..)

I looked at the curriculum for a CNA program, and it reads word for word like the curriculum of what I just learned this last semester. No more, no less.

QUESTION... Can 1/2 of an LPN take a CNA cert exam , or is it mandatory that you must go through a CNA program first? Anyone ever heard of someone just making an appointment for the exam and just going for it?


I need a JOB, and I thought being a CNA could also help me polish up my patient care as well as get my foot in the door for when I'm applying for an LPN position.

Ideas???