If you’re preparing to take the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, you’re likely wondering what it takes to pass. Understanding the required scores and testing format can help ease some of those pre-test jitters and set you up for success. In this post, we’ll cover the scoring requirements for both parts of the CNA exam, offer some tips on how to prepare, and address frequently asked questions to help you feel ready and confident.

Understanding the CNA Exam Format

The CNA exam consists of two main sections: the written (or oral) exam and the clinical skills test. Each section is designed to measure your knowledge and competency as a nursing assistant, ensuring that you’re prepared to provide safe and effective care for patients.

• Written/Oral Exam: This is a multiple-choice test, usually consisting of 60 to 70 questions that cover fundamental concepts of patient care, infection control, patient rights, and the ethical and legal responsibilities of a CNA. You’ll have about 90 minutes to complete this portion.
• Clinical Skills Exam: For the skills test, you’ll be asked to demonstrate between three and five key caregiving skills in front of an evaluator. The skills might include tasks like measuring vital signs, assisting a patient with walking, performing catheter care, or transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair. You’ll be graded based on your ability to perform these tasks accurately, efficiently, and with proper technique.

What Score Do You Need to Pass?

Each state sets its own passing requirements for the CNA exam, but in general, here’s what you need to know about the scoring criteria:

1. Passing the Written (or Oral) Exam

• The passing score for the written portion of the CNA exam varies slightly from state to state but typically falls between 70% and 80%. This means you’ll need to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass.
• In some cases, a candidate may opt to take the oral version of the written exam if they feel more comfortable with verbal questions. The oral exam is usually scored the same way as the written, requiring a similar percentage of correct answers to pass.

2. Passing the Clinical Skills Test

• During the skills test, you must demonstrate each assigned task accurately according to a standardized checklist. Most states require candidates to achieve 80% to 85% on each skill.
• Certain skills may be marked as “critical skills,” meaning you must perform them correctly in order to pass, regardless of your overall percentage score. These critical steps often involve patient safety or hygiene, such as locking the wheels on a wheelchair before transferring a patient, washing your hands thoroughly, or wearing gloves when required.
• Each skill has specific checkpoints, and missing any key steps may lower your score or even result in an automatic fail for that skill. So, it’s important to be meticulous and focused when practicing and demonstrating your skills.

Preparing to Meet the Passing Score: Study Tips

To help you succeed on exam day, here are some study tips and preparation strategies:

1. Use Practice Exams

• Take as many practice tests as you can to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you may encounter on the written portion of the exam. Look for practice questions that cover key areas, such as anatomy, patient care, infection control, and patient rights.
• Many online resources offer free or low-cost CNA practice exams. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be with the test format, which can help reduce exam-day anxiety.

2. Focus on Critical Skills for the Clinical Exam

• Pay extra attention to skills that are often designated as critical steps in patient safety, hygiene, and comfort. For example, handwashing is considered a fundamental skill and is usually tested with high scrutiny. Make sure you’re not only practicing the steps but also understanding the importance of each.
• Consider practicing with a classmate or friend who can act as a “patient.” This can help you feel more comfortable and allow you to get feedback on your technique.

3. Study Consistently and Break Down Topics

• Try studying a bit each day instead of cramming all at once. Break down topics into manageable sections, such as infection control, patient rights, anatomy, and personal care skills.
• If certain topics are particularly challenging, consider setting aside extra time to focus on those areas.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CNA Exam

Final Thoughts: What to Remember on Exam Day

By the time exam day arrives, you should feel prepared and confident if you’ve studied well and practiced consistently. Here are a few final tips to ensure success:

1. Stay Calm and Focused: It’s normal to feel a bit anxious, but take a few deep breaths, remember the skills you’ve practiced, and approach each task methodically.
2. Follow Protocols Carefully: For the skills exam, pay close attention to details. Don’t rush, and be sure to check your work, especially on critical skills like handwashing and patient transfers.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification: If you’re uncertain about any part of the exam instructions, don’t hesitate to ask the examiner. It’s better to clarify than to make a mistake due to misunderstanding.

Remember, the CNA exam is a crucial step toward your career in healthcare. With diligent preparation, you can meet or exceed the passing score and feel confident in your ability to provide safe, compassionate care. Good luck!