When studying for your CNA certification exam the key is preparation. Too many students let themselves down on the day of the examination simply because they failed to prepare properly. Some people think that because they are already working as nursing assistants they know enough to pass any exam. This could be true but it could also mean that you have picked up bad habits and will fail your certified nursing assistant certification due to too much rather than too little experience. Think about when you are learning to drive. The more you drive around the less likely you are to follow the exact methodology needed to pass your test.
Studying comes easy to some people. They can read a book and remember most of the theory. For most of us though we need to practice our exam technique as well as revise the course material properly before facing the CNA exam.
How to prepare for your CNA Exam
In order to properly prepare for you CNA exam you need to study the entire syllabus. You will need to check your local regulations as some States have their own examination requirements. You may have to pass a State exam in addition to your CNA certification.
Generally speaking the CNA certification test covers similar topics regardless of where you sit your CNA certification. Florida and Texas may have slightly different questions but as the role of a certified nursing assistant is fairly similar throughout the country the CNA exam format shouldn’t be that different. It pays to familiarize yourself with the format of the local CNA test to make sure you don’t have any last minute surprises on the day.
How to pass your CNA certification Test
Passing your CNA certification test will involve two assessments, one on your theoretical knowledge and the second on your practical skills. You will have to pass an oral or written examination on the theory of certified nursing assistant certification. You should check whether it is written or oral before the examination so that you are fully prepared. The practical exam will give you an opportunity to show the panel what a good nursing assistant you are. They will ask you to demonstrate certain skills or techniques you use every day such as taking temperatures, the correct procedure to lift a patient, how to do CPR etc.
Some people get very nervous when it comes to examinations and can forget their course material even if they have spent hours studying and revising. Proper examination technique is crucial not least to help steady your nerves but also to ensure you don’t run out of time. The written test generally takes the format of a multiple choice paper so as part of your CNA certification exam preparation you should sit as many multiple choice papers as you can find prior to your examination. Do this under exam conditions to get used to working under the pressure of a timed deadline.
When studying for your CNA certification test you need to make sure you are covering the legislation relating to your State. Local course material is vital which is why it pays to attend a local Red Cross CNA training program rather than rely on material sourced on the internet. One of the subject areas in the exam is Legal issues relating to patient care and there can be major differences in procedure from State to State.
