Preparing for the CNA exam can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into specific, testable skills makes studying much easier. The skills portion of the exam is hands-on and requires you to demonstrate safe, accurate care on a live person or mannequin. To help you get organized, we’ve created a complete CNA skills checklist with all 25 skills that may appear on your exam — plus a free printable PDF version you can use while practicing.
Why the CNA Skills Checklist Matters
The skills exam isn’t just about memorization — it’s about confidence and muscle memory. You’ll be asked to perform 5 randomly selected skills (with handwashing always included) in front of an evaluator. Missing a critical step, such as infection control or safety measures, can result in failing that skill. Having a checklist ensures you don’t miss anything while practicing.
The 25 CNA Exam Skills You Must Know
Here’s the full list of skills covered by the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which most states follow.
- Hand Hygiene (Handwashing)
- Applying One Knee-High Elastic Stocking
- Assists with Use of Bedpan
- Cleans Upper or Lower Denture
- Counts and Records Radial Pulse
- Counts and Records Respirations
- Donning and Removing PPE (Gown and Gloves)
- Dresses Client with Affected (Weak) Arm
- Feeds Client Who Cannot Feed Themselves
- Gives Modified Bed Bath (Face and One Arm, Hand, and Underarm)
- Measures and Records Blood Pressure
- Measures and Records Urinary Output
- Measures and Records Weight of Ambulatory Client
- Performs Passive Range of Motion (Knee and Ankle)
- Performs Passive Range of Motion (Shoulder)
- Positions Client on Side
- Provides Catheter Care for Female
- Provides Foot Care on One Foot
- Provides Mouth Care
- Provides Perineal Care for Female
- Transfers from Bed to Wheelchair Using Transfer Belt
- Ambulates Client Using Transfer Belt
- Assists to Ambulate with Walker (varies by state)
- Provides Nail Care for One Hand (varies by state)
- Performs Passive Range of Motion (Elbow and Wrist, varies by state)
How to Use This Checklist
Print the checklist and keep it with you while practicing skills. As you perform each task, check off the steps and note any areas where you stumble. Practicing out loud — saying each step as you perform it — can help build memory.
A few study tips:
- Always begin and end with hand hygiene.
- Speak to your “patient” during every skill to practice communication.
- Learn the critical steps for each skill — infection control, safety, and reporting.
- Use a partner or mannequin to simulate real test conditions.
Free Download: CNA Skills Checklist (PDF)
We’ve created a free CNA Skills Checklist PDF you can download, print, and use while practicing. It includes:
- The full list of 25 exam skills
- Checkboxes for tracking your practice
- Space for notes on tricky steps
Final Thoughts
Mastering the CNA skills exam comes down to practice, confidence, and attention to detail. Use this checklist as your guide, practice daily, and focus on infection control and patient safety at every step. By the time exam day arrives, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to perform each task correctly.