How Do I Study for the CNA Exam? (2025 Study Guide & Tips)

When I first signed up for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, my biggest question was: “How should I study for the CNA exam?” With both a written multiple-choice test and a skills evaluation, preparation can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategy, you can walk into test day confident and ready to pass on your first attempt.

Step 1: Understand the CNA Exam Format

Before you create a study plan, you need to know what’s on the exam:

• Written Exam:
  • 60–70 multiple-choice questions (varies by state).
  • Time limit: about 90 minutes.
  • Covers patient care, safety, infection control, and communication.
• Skills Exam:
  • 5 randomly selected CNA skills from the official 30–35 skill pool.
  • Always includes hand washing.
  • Must demonstrate all critical steps correctly.

👉 Knowing this structure helps you study smarter, not harder.

Step 2: Use the Candidate Handbook

Most states provide a CNA Candidate Handbook through their testing vendor (such as Pearson VUE, Prometric, or Headmaster). This handbook includes:

• A full list of testable skills.
• Step-by-step skill checklists.
• Testing policies and procedures.

📘 Pro Tip: Print it out and use it as your master checklist while studying.

Step 3: Study Key CNA Knowledge Areas

The written exam pulls from core nursing assistant topics. Focus on:

• Infection Control – Hand hygiene, PPE, standard precautions.
• Basic Nursing Skills – Vital signs, feeding, bathing, dressing, repositioning.
• Safety & Emergency Procedures – Fall prevention, fire safety, choking response.
• Patient Rights & Communication – Resident dignity, cultural sensitivity, active listening.
• Daily Care Skills – Toileting, catheter care, bed-making, oral care.

Step 4: Practice CNA Skills Repeatedly

The skills exam is hands-on — memorization alone won’t cut it.

• Practice with a partner if possible.
• Use a mirror to check your body mechanics.
• Focus on critical steps like washing hands, locking brakes, and calling for help.
• Simulate exam conditions by timing yourself.

Step 5: Take CNA Practice Tests

Nothing prepares you better for the written exam than practice questions.

• Use free sample CNA questions online to start.
• Move to full-length CNA practice exams to build stamina.
• Always review rationales — knowing why an answer is correct is as important as knowing the answer itself.

Step 6: Build a Study Schedule

Here’s a two-week CNA study plan you can follow:

Day	Focus
Day 1–3	Infection control & patient safety
Day 4–5	CNA skills: hand washing, vital signs, feeding
Day 6–7	Practice written questions (20–30 daily)
Day 8–9	Daily care skills (toileting, bathing, dressing)
Day 10–11	Skills practice with partner/checklist
Day 12	Full-length 60-question timed practice test
Day 13	Review missed questions & weak skills
Day 14 (night before)	Light review, focus on infection control & hand washing

Pro Study Tip 📘

The CNA exam is all about repetition and confidence. The more you practice CNA skills and test questions, the less nervous you’ll feel on exam day.

👉 Check out our CNA Practice Questions + Study Guide — fully updated for 2025 with realistic exam-style questions, detailed rationales, and complete step-by-step skill checklists.

✅ Final Thought: Studying for the CNA exam means mastering both the written content and the hands-on skills. With daily practice, timed tests, and a structured schedule, you’ll feel prepared to pass the exam and launch your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.