CNA Skills Test Inquiry

[GiveMeAName, CNA]

While you are taking your skills test, are other students allowed to observe you? I also had some other concerns, I was wondering if this is normal or if a grievance would be rational under these circumstances...

I took my skills test today and honestly the whole process was very disheartening. 

[1] The equipment we worked with was not fully operational. They had me jump between 2 modes, which became confusing. I had to go from verbally stating what to do [and had to hold on to these verbal scenarios in my head] and physically acting out what needed to be done with the equipment that did work; as a result, I got mixed up between both realities and made a mistake I have never done under normal circumstances. [2] The dummies we were working with were falling apart. [3] The proctor took two people at a time, and had one person go first. I was the first person, and the other student got to learn about the problematic environment and most likely adjust as result. [4] The facility did not allow us to bring in any water or food, and told us no water would be offered. When I was finally able to take my skills test I felt very dehydrated, especially given this was in the morning, and it made it hard to focus. I went 4 hours without drinking any water. I generally feel uncomfortable drinking tap water, but in retrospect, I should have just taken a big gulp from the restroom sink. 

[HiFromSanDiego]

When I took it there were 6+ other students in the room at a time, watching. They were coming and going as they finished the written test. The dummies were all falling apart. Everything required me to verbally state what I was doing. It was super disorganized and disconcerting. Unfortunately this seems typical.