CNA Clinical Skills Test: What You’re Actually Tested On (and What Students Fail Most)
If you’re preparing for the CNA clinical skills test, you’re probably wondering what the exam looks like, how skills are selected, and why some students struggle. As a CNA instructor at Medical Plus Training Center in Fort Pierce, I help students practice every required skill until they feel confident and prepared. This guide explains exactly what’s on the test and the common mistakes that cause candidates to fail—so you can avoid them.
How the CNA Clinical Skills Test Works
The CNA exam includes two parts: a written test and a performance-based clinical exam. The clinical portion requires you to perform actual hands-on skills in front of an evaluator.
According to the Prometric CNA Candidate Information Bulletin:
You will perform five skills.
Two of them are always evaluated: Handwashing and Indirect Care.
The remaining three skills are selected randomly by computer from the official skills list.
The exam takes 31–40 minutes, depending on which skills you receive.
You must pass all five assigned skills to pass the clinical exam. If you make an error, you may correct it as long as you recognize and fix it before moving on.
Skills You May Be Assigned on Test Day
Prometric’s official skills list includes a range of tasks that reflect real CNA responsibilities. Some examples include:
Hand Hygiene (always tested)
Indirect Care (always evaluated across all skills)
Ambulation with gait belt
Transfer from bed to wheelchair
Range of Motion (shoulder, elbow/wrist, hip/knee)
Catheter Care
Perineal Care
Feeding a resident
Dress a resident with a weak arm
Modified bed bath
Measure and record urinary output
Measure and record pulse or respirations
Mouth care (teeth or dentures)
Every skill includes specific checkpoints that must be performed in order. Missing a checkpoint, especially a safety or infection-control checkpoint, can result in failing that skill.
What Students Fail Most (and why)
While Prometric does not publish pass/fail statistics, the most common reasons students fail come directly from the required exam checkpoints and real-world classroom experience.
1. Missing handwashing or infection-control steps
Handwashing is a required skill for every candidate. It must include:
Wetting hands first
Applying soap
Scrubbing for the required time
Cleaning between fingers and under nails
Rinsing without touching the sink
Turning off the faucet with a clean towel
If you contaminate your hands at any point, the evaluator can mark the skill as failed.
In addition, improper glove use or cross-contamination during any skill can cause point loss.
2. Skipping safety checkpoints
Prometric requires specific safety actions, such as:
Locking wheelchair or bed wheels
Positioning the bed correctly
Ensuring safe body mechanics
Keeping the call light within reach at the end
These appear in multiple skills, so forgetting one can cost you the entire exam.
3. Incorrect measurements
Several skills involve measurement, including:
Counting pulse
Counting respirations
Measuring urinary output
If the measurement is not performed using the correct procedure or recorded accurately, the skill will not pass.
4. Forgetting to communicate
Indirect Care is always scored. This means you must demonstrate:
Respectful communication
Clear explanations
Privacy practices
Resident comfort checks
Even technically correct skills lose points if the candidate works silently or forgets to address the resident.
5. Test anxiety and rushing
The exam allows enough time, but many students rush and skip key steps. The safest approach is a calm, steady pace with verbalized steps.
How to Prepare Effectively
Practice the exact test format
Prometric uses federally aligned procedures and evaluates precise checkpoints. Practicing skills in the same order as the official checklist is the best way to build confidence.
Say your steps out loud
Talking through each action helps you stay organized and lets the evaluator know you understand what you are doing.
Slow down and reset between skills
A brief pause helps you avoid skipped steps.
Train with real equipment
The exam uses actual clinical supplies. Hands-on practice is essential for accuracy and speed.
Take CNA Training in Fort Pierce
Medical Plus Training Center prepares you for every skill on the CNA clinical skills test. Our CNA program includes:
Hands-on practice with real equipment
Step-by-step instruction for all Prometric test skills
Instructor feedback to help you correct errors before test day
A supportive environment that builds confidence
Our CNA prep course teaches every skill tested on the CNA Clinical Skills Exam. Book your CNA class now.
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Author Bio
Written by Chevaughn Maitland, Certified CNA Instructor at Medical Plus Training Center — helping students across the Treasure Coast start rewarding healthcare careers.