CNA clinical skills checklists
Step-by-step checklists for the skills most often tested on state nurse aide skills exams, with commonly critical steps highlighted. Your state's candidate handbook is the authority on the exact steps.
Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.
Skill checklists (24)
- Hand hygiene (handwashing)10 steps · 5 key
- Donning and doffing PPE (gown and gloves)11 steps · 6 key
- Measuring and recording manual blood pressure18 steps · 5 key
- Counting and recording a radial pulse13 steps · 6 key
- Counting and recording respirations13 steps · 5 key
- Measuring and recording weight of an ambulatory resident14 steps · 6 key
- Measuring and recording urinary output9 steps · 3 key
- Catheter care for a female resident20 steps · 11 key
- Perineal care for a female resident19 steps · 10 key
- Assisting with use of a bedpan18 steps · 8 key
- Transfer from bed to wheelchair using a gait belt19 steps · 9 key
- Assisting with ambulation using a gait belt17 steps · 9 key
- Passive range of motion: shoulder, elbow and wrist17 steps · 8 key
- Passive range of motion: hip, knee and ankle16 steps · 8 key
- Positioning a resident on their side16 steps · 6 key
- Mouth care (brushing teeth)17 steps · 7 key
- Cleaning and storing dentures15 steps · 7 key
- Feeding a dependent resident18 steps · 8 key
- Dressing a resident with a weak arm17 steps · 9 key
- Modified bed bath (face, arm, hand and underarm)16 steps · 8 key
- Foot care18 steps · 9 key
- Fingernail care15 steps · 8 key
- Applying knee-high elastic stockings16 steps · 6 key
- Making an occupied bed19 steps · 8 key
Guides
- How do you pass the CNA skills test?Pass the CNA skills test by memorizing your state's checklist, never missing a critical step, saying what you do and practicing each skill out loud.
- CNA skills exam critical steps everyone missesSteps CNA candidates miss most: hand hygiene, privacy, lowest bed position, locked wheels, call light, water temperature and accurate readings.
- How many skills do you get on the CNA skills test?CNA skills tests assign a few skills from a longer published list. How many, and whether handwashing is always included, depends on your state.
- How do you read a graduated cylinder for the CNA skills test?Put the graduate on a flat surface, get your eyes level with the liquid and read the bottom of the curve (meniscus). Then record mL accurately.
- How accurate does manual blood pressure have to be on the CNA skills test?Your manual blood pressure must match the evaluator's reading within the tolerance in your state's handbook — a few mmHg. Here's how to get it right.
- How can I practice CNA skills at home without a mannequin?Practice CNA skills at home with a willing family member, household substitutes for supplies and a printed checklist read aloud. Here's how.
- What should I wear to the CNA skills exam?Most candidates wear clean scrubs and closed-toe, non-skid shoes, with hair tied back and short nails. Check your handbook for required dress and ID.
- What clinical skills are tested on the New York CNA exam?New York's nurse aide clinical skills test draws from a list in the official NY Candidate Information Bulletin. Here's how to find it and how to prepare.