How long do you count a pulse on the CNA exam?

Count for one full minute unless your candidate handbook says otherwise.

Can you count pulse and respirations together?

Many candidates keep their fingers on the wrist after counting the pulse and then count respirations, so the resident does not change their breathing. Check how your handbook pairs these skills.

Counting and recording a radial pulse: CNA skills test steps

Updated November 12, 2026 · Reviewed against official sources

Place two or three fingertips (not your thumb) on the thumb side of the inner wrist, count the beats for one full minute, and record the number. Your count must be within the tolerance in your candidate handbook compared with the evaluator's count.

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

1Knock, introduce yourself by name and title, and greet the resident by name.
2Identify the resident (for example, check the name band or ask the resident to state their name) per facility policy.
3Explain the procedure in simple words and ask the resident to help as much as they are able.
4Key step: Provide privacy: close the door and pull the curtain.
5Key step: Perform hand hygiene before touching the resident.
6Have the resident resting comfortably with the arm supported, palm down or relaxed.
7Key step: Place the tips of your index and middle fingers on the thumb side of the inner wrist. Do not use your thumb, which has its own pulse.
8Press gently until you feel the pulse.
9Count the beats for one full minute (60 seconds) unless your handbook says otherwise.
10Note the rhythm and strength.
11Key step: Record the pulse rate accurately; it must be within the tolerance in your candidate handbook.
12Key step: Place the call light and personal items within the resident's reach.
13Key step: Open the privacy curtain, perform hand hygiene, and report anything unusual to the nurse.

Common mistakes

Using the thumb to feel the pulse.
Counting for 15 or 30 seconds and multiplying when the test expects a full minute.
Pressing so hard the pulse is blocked.
Forgetting to record the count.

Quick answers

How long do you count a pulse on the CNA exam?: Count for one full minute unless your candidate handbook says otherwise.
Can you count pulse and respirations together?: Many candidates keep their fingers on the wrist after counting the pulse and then count respirations, so the resident does not change their breathing. Check how your handbook pairs these skills.

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.