How to Pass your Arizona CNA Skills Test

State board testing can be stressful but with proper training and practice you can be successful on your first attempt.  Here are a few suggestions that can help you with your Arizona CNA skills testing.

Choose the right school-

It is important that you choose a school that allows you to do your skills more than one time during class. Attending a school with small class sizes can allow you more hands on and more supervision from your instructor. If you attend a class with 30+ students, you may feel rushed to get your skills completed and not develop the mastery that you need to be successful with your CNA skills testing.

Become familiar with your Arizona Nursing Assistant Candidate Handbook.

This booklet explains everything you need to know about the testing process. You will be scored on the steps listed for each skill. You must have a score of 80% on each task without missing any of the Bolded steps to pass the skill portion of the test. Steps marked with an (*) are weighted more than the regular steps. Remember that there is no pretending. You must actually perform each and every step to receive credit.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE-

You can have the best training in the world, but if you don’t practice you may not pass. Practice with your instructor, classmates or family and friends. At Valley Vocational Academy, our nurses will do free practice sessions to get you ready to take your state boards. The more you practice, the less nervous you will be the day of your test.

State Board Test Site-

If possible, take your state boards where you attend school. You may be less nervous if you know the equipment and are familiar with your surroundings. If that is not possible, make an appointment to tour the testing center so that you can know what to expect.

Manage Anxiety

• The best way to reduce anxiety is to practice and be prepared.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before test day and have breakfast or lunch depending on what time your test is scheduled.
• Arrive early and allow for traffic.
• Don’t forget to breathe. Take some deep breaths before you begin and be confident that you have practiced and are prepared.

With the proper training and practice, you can be prepared for you CNA Skills test and begin your new career in healthcare.  For more information, click on the Nursing Assistant Program link below.