CNA state exam

Lisa_M · Jun 12, 2016

I just took my state test last month and passed on my first try. To answer your questions: 1. I had to wear my scrubs. 2. You get 5 skills. Everyone automatically gets hand washing as their first skill. The other four you won't get until right before you begin. 3. It is timed and you get 30 minutes to complete all 5 skills. 4. They allow for some mistakes, however, in my booklet there were bolded steps within the skill and if you fail to perform that step, you will automatically fail. Your best bet is to memorize the steps in order. Also, for my test, if I forgot a step and realized I forgot it, I was allowed to tell my instructor what mistake I made. You have to let the instructor know before you complete the skill. If you tell them after, you will not get credit for it.

I was a nervous wreck for my skills test, but you just have to remember to keep calm and focus. I thought 30 minutes for sure would not be enough time, but I ended up with 15 minutes to spare!

Livetoride · Jun 13, 2016

So I'm going to be taking my state exam eventually and I have a few questions, 1. What do you wear? 2. How many skills do you get? 3. Are they timed, how much time do you get? 4. Are they okay with some mistakes/if you forget a step or does that mean you fail the skill?

1. Wear your scrubs. I would opt for the scrubs you wore in clinicals.

2. 5 skills total. 2 are always communication and hand hygiene. The other 3 are left to chance. You get a scenario to follow.

3. I had 45 minutes to complete mine in total.

4. If you make a mistake, verbally tell your evaluator. They may take off points but they may be lenient at the same time. Like my hands touched the sink and I told the nurse. I repeated the skill. The only way you truly will fail is if you make mistakes in privacy or safety.