CNA Certification Exam: Helpful Hints to Pass the Exam

You have finally completed your CNA certification training program and are ready to take the CNA Exam.  This exam is administered by the state and it is what determines whether or not you become an actual certified nursing assistant.

The CNA exam is composed of two parts: written and clinical.  The written portion of the exam is all about basic skills.  It is important to review and study for this test and to practice some clinical tasks.  Below are helpful hints and tips that will help you pass the exam.

Study Guide Books or Handouts
If you received any type of handouts during training or you have a guidebook, it is important to study these.  Many students memorize for the written part of the exam as it is a multiple choice test.

Practice Exams
Another way many students practice for the CNA exam is by taking practice tests.  You can find practice tests in books as well as online.  The practice tests are also targeted to the specific state you are in.  Taking these practice tests will help you with timing and getting familiar with the type of questions.

Stay Relaxed
When it comes to the performance portion of the test where you will be asked to demonstrate certain procedures and do other hands-on tasks for the test, it is important to stay calm.  Many students get nervous for this part, but the examiner will notice that you are nervous.

Hand Washing
When asked to begin performing a task, you must first head straight to the sink and start washing your hands.  Many students forget this part and it is one of the most important.  Keep in mind that you cannot have dirty hands when dealing with patients who are sick.  There are specific rules in washing hands and you must follow these.

Knock on Patient Door
As you begin your first task with your patient, you must knock on the door.  This is a privacy test that will be measured.  Another important privacy skill is to pull the curtain when you are caring for your patient.

Introduce Yourself
When meeting your patient, it is important to introduce yourself and to explain to the patient what you are about to perform.  You must be professional yet kind at the same time when talking to your patient.

Safety Awareness
Safety awareness is critical for the performance test.  If you have undergone training, you will know what safety measures you must take with patients.

The tips mentioned above are very important to remember when taking your performance portion as well as the written.  Keep in mind that the examiner pays attention to every move and you must always be courteous and confident.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 12:45 am and is filed under CNA Certification, CNA Classes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.