Getting into the medical world is one of the great things that a person can achieve. If you are practicing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you may be confused about how to pass the CNA exam. Training may be hard but smarter studying techniques and innovative ways of learning can help you pass the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) exam.
These exams may vary for each state, but they are fairly similar for the most part. There are many ways and tips to prepare for the CNA exam, and here you are navigated to the tips to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant exam.
This article can help you to prepare for the exam, and discover tips to study and pass the CNA exam.
How to Become a Successful CNA?
WHAT IS A CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)
A certified nursing assistant helps people with their daily healthcare needs. A CNA is an entry-level role in the nursing career. They are referred to as patient care assistants. Their day-to-day responsibilities are responding to patients’ calls, dressing patients’ wounds, and maintaining records of patients’ food intake, to name a few.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
For a CNA, it is mandatory to have a high school degree or GED, you have to complete classes, like CNA classes, as well as clinical hours. It is required to pass the practical and theoretical exams, and medical check-up records are to be maintained.
Tips to Pass the CNA Exam the First Time
If you are confused about how to prepare for the CNA exam, this section should help you gain knowledge about the preparation process. Passing the CNA exam on the first try might seem like a daunting task, but it is possible.
It is easy to prepare for the CNA exam if you know the right methods to approach it. Here are some tips to begin your exam preparation:
- Make a study plan.
- Organize your study space.
- Begin early.
- Take a practice test.
- Prepare notes.
- Use diagrams and flowcharts.
- Move on to the next section.
- Relax.
- Practice old exam questions.
- On the test day.
MAKE A STUDY PLAN
Make a study timetable for your convenience that can help you stay on track so you don’t leave your revision till the last minute. Prepare a schedule on how many chapters to learn and pages to learn per day.
Countdown the days you have left until the exams. Follow your study habits accordingly. Prioritizing studies can help you stay on top of the course and it can increase your academic performance.
ORGANIZE YOUR STUDY SPACE
Make sure you have enough study space on your desk to spread your books and notes. Ensure that the room is bright and you have a comfortable position to sit in, these are also the points to be considered.
Remove the things from the study space that distracts you from the exam preparation. Make sure that you can feel comfortable in your study space, so you can focus on your studies. A clean space brings you more confidence and positivity.
BEGIN EARLY
The best thing you can do while preparing for an exam is to start your preparation early. Some exams may be easy for you, and you may think to study a few days before the exam and cram everything in one go.
If you do this, there may never be enough time to prepare, and you may have to rush to complete the syllabus at the last minute.
TAKE A PRACTICE TEST
Practicing is a very good habit before you start a job, there is a famous proverb called “Practice makes perfect.” A person can achieve perfection if they practice regularly. If you are not practicing regularly in your field, you cannot master it.
Before going to the exam, spend some quality time taking a CNA practice test. Taking a practice test can help you know the questions that may appear on the exam, and that makes you understand the actual exam process. Practicing regularly can make things easy.
PREPARE NOTES
Preparing notes for all concepts can be time-consuming. Taking down notes during preparation can help you remember the concepts. Taking notes is very helpful during the revision period.
Try to connect the concepts with visual learning, which can help you retain the syllabus for a longer period of time. Try to include examples when making notes. This can help you remember things easily.
USE DIAGRAMS AND FLOWCHARTS
It is good practice to use flow charts and diagrams when studying. Visual memorization can be helpful when revising study materials. When you get closer to the exam, transfer the revision notes to diagrams or flow charts.
This helps you with the easy revision of chapters and can aid your readiness considerably when taking the exam. This is a good framework to revise the lessons and keep you in mind.
MOVE ON TO THE NEXT SECTION
Moving on is a good thing if you are stuck in one section. This technique can make sure that you don’t spend too much time moving on to the next section. After completing all the sections, come back to the section you are stuck in and try to make it clear.
This is a time-bound exam, so you can’t afford to lose a single minute. Preparing in advance can lend you a hand.
RELAX
Regular breaks are needed for the brain to regain focus. It is not good to study for long hours because long-term retention of knowledge is not possible. Make sure you calm yourself and relax.
Eating well and staying healthy can help you stay motivated and energetic throughout your exam preparation. Chilling out time with friends and family absolutely helps you feel better so it makes your emotional strength good for achieving good outcomes in the CNA exam.
PRACTICE OLD EXAM QUESTIONS
The most effective way to prepare for the exam is to practice with the old question papers of previous exams. This can help you to be familiar with the format of the questions and you know what type of questions will be asked.
ON THE TEST DAY
Believe in yourself – If you have prepared well for the CNA exam, be confident about your exam preparation. Also, check the rules and requirements for the exam.
Be more confident – You have prepared well for the test, and you have mastered the knowledge, so be confident. If you are feeling nervous, take a deep breath. This can help you release all the stress.
Wrapping up
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are essential members of the patient care team. Being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is just the start of career opportunities. This article would help you pass the CNA exam and a small tip to prepare for the CNA exam.
If you are passionate about becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), make sure to try our free practice test to help you efficiently prepare to pass the CNA exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHAT IS A CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA) EXAM?
The CNA-certified program is to evaluate the knowledge and skills expected from a nurse with experience in a specialty. This exam consists of a written and a clinical skills test.
CAN I TAKE CNA TEST ONLINE?
The short answer is yes, the exam has a section that can be administered online. But this is offered only at specific locations, and proctored by Prometric.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP AFTER CNA?
As a CNA you can go to the next step as either a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) both are excellent choices.
