How do you count respirations on the CNA test?

One rise plus one fall of the chest equals one breath. Count for a full minute without letting the resident know.

Why keep fingers on the wrist?

People often change their breathing when they know it is being watched. Keeping your hand in place looks like you are still taking the pulse.

Counting and recording respirations: CNA skills test steps

Updated November 12, 2026 · Reviewed against official sources

Count one rise and one fall of the chest as one breath, for one full minute, ideally while your fingers are still on the wrist so the resident does not change their breathing. Record the number; it must be within the tolerance in your candidate handbook.

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.

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.
6Position the resident comfortably so you can see the chest rise and fall.
7Keep your fingers on the wrist as if still taking the pulse so the resident is unaware breaths are being counted.
8Count each complete rise and fall of the chest as one respiration.
9Count for one full minute unless your handbook says otherwise.
10Note depth, rhythm and any difficulty breathing or unusual sounds.
11Key step: Record the respiratory 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

Telling the resident you are counting breaths, which changes their breathing.
Counting the rise and the fall as two breaths.
Counting for less than a full minute.

Quick answers

How do you count respirations on the CNA test?: One rise plus one fall of the chest equals one breath. Count for a full minute without letting the resident know.
Why keep fingers on the wrist?: People often change their breathing when they know it is being watched. Keeping your hand in place looks like you are still taking the pulse.

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.