Clinical Skills Evaluation

The Clinical Skills Evaluation is the hands-on portion of the CNA exam where you demonstrate your ability to perform nursing assistant skills safely and correctly. This is often the more challenging part of the exam.

How the Skills Test Works

1. Random Selection: You'll be assigned 3-5 skills from the approved skills list
2. Time Limit: Usually 25-40 minutes total for all skills
3. Evaluation: A trained Nurse Aide Evaluator (NAE) observes and scores you
4. Scoring: Must perform each skill correctly to pass
5. Critical Steps: Some steps are "critical elements"—missing them means automatic failure of that skill

Common Skills Tested

The following skills are commonly included on state skills lists:

Hand Hygiene (Almost Always Tested!)

Hand hygiene is required before and after EVERY skill. Key points:

• Wet hands, apply soap
• Scrub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds
• Clean between fingers, under nails, wrists
• Rinse thoroughly, dry with paper towel
• Use towel to turn off faucet (don't recontaminate!)

Critical Steps (Automatic Failure Points)

These steps are mandatory—missing them fails the entire skill:

Tips for Success

Before the Test:

• ✅ Practice each skill until it's automatic
• ✅ Know the steps in order
• ✅ Understand why each step matters
• ✅ Get comfortable with equipment

During the Test:

• ✅ Take a deep breath before starting
• ✅ Talk through what you're doing
• ✅ ALWAYS wash hands before and after
• ✅ ALWAYS identify the patient
• ✅ ALWAYS explain the procedure
• ✅ ALWAYS maintain privacy and dignity
• ✅ Don't rush—accuracy over speed

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ Forgetting hand hygiene
• ❌ Not identifying the patient
• ❌ Breaking sterile technique
• ❌ Not lowering the bed after care
• ❌ Leaving side rails down
• ❌ Not documenting or reporting findings