Key Skills Needed as a Certified Nursing Assistant
The NNAAP exam was created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to measure readiness through two parts: a written test and a skills demonstration. The written test is available in English and Spanish, and the skills test focuses on practical actions that support safe care.
During the skills test, the exam proctor assigns five tasks. These tasks come from a larger skills catalog and are chosen at random. Hand washing always appears on the list. The remaining tasks change with each exam, so steady practice across all areas helps candidates stay prepared.
Skills that may be tested include:
- Donning and Doffing Gown and Gloves
- Positioning in Fowler’s Position
- Positioning in Lateral Position
- Transferring from Bed to Chair Using a Gait Belt
- Assisting the Resident in Walking Using a Gait Belt
- Making an Occupied Bed
- Passive Range of Motion on the Upper Body
- Passive Range of Motion on the Lower Body
- Brushing Dentures
- Mouth Care
