How many skills do you get on the CNA skills test?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
You perform a small number of skills chosen from your state's published skills list, typically a handful rather than all of them. The exact number, whether hand hygiene is always one of them and whether a measurement skill is guaranteed are set by your state's testing program and printed in the candidate handbook.
| Question | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| How many skills you'll perform | Skills evaluation section of your state's candidate handbook |
| Whether hand hygiene is always tested | Same section; some states test it separately, others build it into every skill |
| Whether a measurement skill is always included | Same section; measurement skills are scored on accuracy |
| Time limit for the skills test | Skills evaluation section |
| The full list of possible skills and their steps | Skills checklists at the back of the handbook |
Why you must prepare every skill
You won't know which skills you'll get until test day, so prepare every skill on your state's list. Our skills checklists cover the skills most commonly found on state lists.
Measurement skills count twice
A measurement skill is graded on both the steps and the accuracy of the number you record. Practice blood pressure, radial pulse, respirations, weight and urinary output until your readings are reliable.
New York, California, Texas and other states
Each state's list is a little different. See the NY clinical skills list and the state pages for the official handbook links.
Quick answers
- PA CNA skills test: is hand washing always on it?
- Check the skills evaluation section of the current Pennsylvania candidate handbook linked on our Pennsylvania page; it states exactly how hand hygiene is tested.
- Texas CNA skills list 2026?
- The current list is in the Texas candidate handbook from the state's testing program. See our Texas page for the official link.
- What skills are tested on the California CNA skills exam?
- California publishes its skills list in its candidate handbook. Our California page links the official sources.
What to do next
Prepare every skill on the list, one checklist at a time.
See all skill checklistsRelated guides
- How do you pass the CNA skills test?
- What clinical skills are tested on the New York CNA exam?
- CNA exam by state
- CNA skills exam critical steps everyone misses
- How do you read a graduated cylinder for the CNA skills test?
- How accurate does manual blood pressure have to be on the CNA skills test?
- How can I practice CNA skills at home without a mannequin?
- What should I wear to the CNA skills exam?
Sources
- 42 CFR 483.154 — Nurse aide competency evaluation (Cornell LII)
- Credentia — test-taker resources and state handbooks
- Example handbook: New York Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin (Prometric, PDF)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.