CNA Skills Test 2026: Complete Skills List and Checklist
Master every CNA skill on the clinical skills test. Full checklist of 22 tested skills, step-by-step procedures, and scoring tips to pass on your first attempt.
CNA Skills Test Overview
The CNA clinical skills test evaluates your ability to perform hands-on nursing assistant procedures. Most state nursing boards require you to pass both the written knowledge exam and the skills test to earn your CNA certification.
Complete CNA Skills Checklist
Patient Care Skills
The bed bath is one of the most commonly tested CNA skills. You must maintain patient dignity by keeping the patient covered except for the area being washed. Use long, firm strokes from distal to proximal. Wash the face first with water only (no soap), then work downward. Change water after perineal care. Evaluators check that you wash hands before and after, use proper water temperature (105-115°F), and keep the patient warm throughout.
For basic nursing skills for cna, focus on the correct order: face, neck, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, then perineal area last.
Vital Signs and Measurements
Place the cuff 1 inch above the antecubital space. Palpate the brachial artery. Inflate to 180mmHg. Deflate at 2-3mmHg per second. Record systolic (first Korotkoff sound) and diastolic (last sound). Normal: 120/80mmHg.
Count the radial pulse for a full 60 seconds. Note the rate, rhythm, and strength. Normal adult range: 60-100 beats per minute. Report any irregularities to the nurse immediately.
Oral (under tongue, 3 minutes): normal 97.6-99.6°F. Axillary (in armpit, 10 minutes): subtract 1°F from oral. Tympanic (ear): quick reading, follows manufacturer instructions. Report any reading above 100.4°F.
Count breaths for 60 seconds without telling the patient (they may alter breathing). One respiration equals one inhalation plus one exhalation. Normal: 12-20 breaths per minute. Note depth and regularity.
Balance the scale to zero before use. Have the patient remove shoes and heavy clothing. Record weight to the nearest pound or kilogram. For height, use the measuring rod on the scale with patient standing straight. Document both accurately.
Critical: Infection Control Failures Cause Automatic Test Failure
Infection control is tested on EVERY CNA skills exam, even when handwashing is not one of your 5 selected skills. You must wash hands before and after every procedure, wear gloves for any contact with body fluids, and follow standard precautions throughout. Skipping any infection control step — even during an unrelated skill like bed making — results in automatic failure of that skill.
Handwashing Procedure (Medical Asepsis)
Proper handwashing takes at least 20 seconds and follows a specific sequence that evaluators verify step by step. Wet hands first, apply soap, lather all surfaces including between fingers and under nails, rinse with fingertips pointing down, and dry with paper towels. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet — never touch the faucet with clean hands.
Standard Precautions
Wear gloves whenever there is potential contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin. Change gloves between tasks and between patients. Gowns are required when splashing is likely. Dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant containers. Test your knowledge with the CNA Infection Control practice quiz to make sure you know every step.
Understanding proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use is essential for both the skills test and daily work. Most CNA training programs spend significant time on infection control because it affects every other clinical skill you perform.
Communication Skills
Greet and Identify
Explain the Procedure
Provide Privacy
Position Call Light
Document and Report
CNA Skills Test Scoring
The CNA skills test uses a pass/fail system for each individual skill. You must complete every critical step correctly to pass that skill. Understanding how evaluators score helps you focus your CNA study plan on what matters most.
| Scoring Element | What Evaluators Check | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Critical steps | Specific steps marked as mandatory (varies by skill) | Missing ANY critical step = automatic fail for that skill |
| Infection control | Handwashing, glove use, standard precautions | Applies to ALL skills — not just when handwashing is tested |
| Patient rights | Privacy, dignity, communication, consent | Must address patient by name, explain procedure, provide privacy |
| Safety | Bed position, side rails, call light, body mechanics | Forgetting call light or bed position is a common fail point |
| Accuracy | Vital signs within +/-4 of evaluator reading | Blood pressure must match within 4mmHg or the skill is failed |
| Time | Completing all 5 skills within allotted time | Running out of time on remaining skills counts as failure |
How to Pass the CNA Skills Test
The best way to prepare for the clinical exam is to combine hands-on practice with written test preparation. After mastering the physical skills, test your knowledge with CNA Basic Nursing Skills practice questions that cover the same concepts in written format. Many students find that the written and skills portions reinforce each other.
Review the complete CNA certification requirements requirements for your state, as skill lists vary. California, for example, tests different skills than New York or Texas. Your CNA classes should cover all testable skills, but independent practice at home with a study partner dramatically improves pass rates.
If you fail one or more skills, most states allow you to retest only the failed skills within your eligibility window. Check your state's CNA license board for specific retest policies and fees. Some states require additional training hours before retesting.
If you earned your CNA in one state and need to work in another, learn about cna reciprocity to transfer your license without retesting. Looking for no-cost training options? Check out free cna classes near me available through hospitals and workforce programs in every state.
Understanding cna salary expectations by state and setting helps you plan your career after passing the skills test.
CNA Skills Questions and Answers
Related CNA Study Resources
About the Author
Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator
Johns Hopkins University School of NursingDr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.