What to Practice for Your CNA Skills Test

Your state’s current candidate handbook is the place to find the skills you can be tested on and the steps used to score them. Build your practice around that list. Online claims about the “most-tested” skills can leave gaps if they are not backed by your testing provider.

How skill selection works in one state

Credentia’s Virginia handbook describes five skills, with handwashing and four randomly selected skills, including a measurement skill. It also identifies critical steps and explains the other requirements for passing. Check your own state’s handbook before using this example to plan a rehearsal.

Build your practice list from the handbook

First confirm the state, testing provider, and handbook version. Write down every selectable skill, marking any that are required. Keep the handbook’s critical-step indicators, time limit, measurement instructions, and rules for correcting mistakes beside the list.

Ask your instructor to watch a complete rehearsal. Attempt the skill with your checklist covered, then record each missed step and the handbook page you need to revisit. Work through the full selectable list before treating any skill as ready for exam day.