How long do you scrub your hands on the CNA skills test?

Use friction for at least 20 seconds, which is the standard CDC guidance. Some handbooks list a specific minimum; follow yours.

What happens if I touch the sink?

Your hands are considered contaminated. Stop and restart the handwashing from the beginning.

Is hand hygiene a critical step in every skill?

Hand hygiene at the beginning and end of care is part of nearly every skill. Check your handbook for exactly how it is scored.

Hand hygiene (handwashing): CNA skills test steps

Updated November 12, 2026 · Reviewed against official sources

Wet your hands, apply soap, rub every surface with friction for at least 20 seconds, rinse with fingertips pointing down, dry with a clean paper towel, and turn off the faucet with a dry paper towel. Many testing programs evaluate handwashing on its own or as part of another skill, so practice it until it is automatic.

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.

Steps

KEYmarks 5 steps that candidate handbooks commonly treat as critical. Missing a critical step usually fails the skill.

1Address the resident or evaluator and remove rings and push your watch up your forearm if needed.
2Turn on the faucet and adjust to warm running water.
3Key step: Wet hands and wrists thoroughly, keeping hands lower than elbows so water runs toward the fingertips.
4Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of the hands.
5Key step: Lather and rub with friction for at least 20 seconds: palms, backs of hands, between fingers, thumbs, fingertips, nails and wrists.
6Clean under the fingernails by rubbing them against the opposite palm.
7Key step: Rinse from wrists down to fingertips, keeping fingertips pointed down.
8Key step: Do not touch the inside of the sink at any point; if you do, start over.
9Dry hands from fingertips toward wrists with a clean paper towel and discard it.
10Key step: Use a clean, dry paper towel to turn off the faucet and discard it without touching the faucet with bare hands.

Common mistakes

Rubbing for less than 20 seconds (count slowly or hum a short song).
Letting hands or clothing touch the sink.
Turning off the faucet with a bare, clean hand.
Rinsing with fingertips pointing up so dirty water runs back onto clean skin.
Skipping thumbs, fingertips and between the fingers.

Tips

Say each step out loud quietly while practicing; it helps you avoid skipping one under pressure.
Alcohol-based hand rub is fine for routine care in many settings, but your skills test may require soap and water. Follow your candidate handbook.

Quick answers

How long do you scrub your hands on the CNA skills test?: Use friction for at least 20 seconds, which is the standard CDC guidance. Some handbooks list a specific minimum; follow yours.
What happens if I touch the sink?: Your hands are considered contaminated. Stop and restart the handwashing from the beginning.
Is hand hygiene a critical step in every skill?: Hand hygiene at the beginning and end of care is part of nearly every skill. Check your handbook for exactly how it is scored.

What to do next

Skills and the written test are scored separately, and you must pass both. Check your written readiness in about 15 minutes.

Take the free 20-question test

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.