Passing The CNA Certification Exam

Preparing for any test can be a stressful experience and, given the amount of time and effort invested in studying for it, the CNA exam can be particularly so. 

Because it is not uncommon for test takers to fail the exam on their first attempt, many nursing students believe that it is impossibly difficult to pass. With the proper preparation, however, this is far from the case.

What The CNA Certification Exam Does?

The CNA exam is designed to screen recent graduates of certified nursing assistant programs for familiarity with the fundamental material one would have been expected to learn during their studies. The standards for the test are set by the National Nurses Aide Assessment Program and, while some of its content may vary as necessary to become certified in specific states, it will always be organized into two distinct parts.

Academic Section

The academic half of the test will be administered in either written form or orally, and will consist of a variety of questions intended to measure a student's ability to make decisions in standard medical situations. This is basically intended to ensure that the CNA will follow proper procedures and protocol in emergencies as well as day-to-day occurrences.

Skills Demonstration Section

The other portion of the exam involves actually demonstrating learned skills in a laboratory or other setting under the supervision of the instructor. The student will be graded on technique, adherence to instructions and displayed understanding of procedures.

A passing score on both of these sections is required in order to become certified as a CNA.

When Is The Best Time To Take The CNA Exam?

Although you'll be ready to sit for the CNA certification exam upon graduating from your CNA training classes, you may want to give yourself a little extra time to study. A wealth of study guides are available from certified testing centers, as well as on the internet. You should become familiar with sample questions and the description given of the testing environment.

An additional consideration is where you intend to eventually work. Because some students finish their training in a different state from the one where they intend to work, it is recommended that the test be taken in the same place where you will be employed. Due to differences in state requirements for certification, your score from one state may not be recognized everywhere.

Getting Ready To Sit For the Test

Familiarizing yourself with material on the test is only part of the process that you should follow in your preparation. You should also pay particular attention to how you study. Find out how the test is administered at the location where you're scheduled, and simulate this environment as closely as possible.

You should avoid cramming, and instead spread out your study over a reasonable period of time. This will not only eliminate anxiety, but will also help you to retain the material in the future. Of course, giving consideration to little things like getting enough sleep and eating well prior to taking the exam will also help you to feel more confident as you sit down to take the test. By incorporating this approach to your preparation, you'll have a much better chance of performing well on the CNA exam.