You may prepare for the certified nurse aide practice test much in the same way as you would practice for the official exam. You will typically have to complete a certified nurse aide training program and then prepare using study guides and the materials you received as part of your training. You may also feel better prepared if you learn what to expect from the exam before you take it. Additionally, making sure you are well rested, hydrated, and not hungry may help you have a better chance of scoring well on the certified nurse aide practice test and eventually on the official exam you have to take for certification.
In most cases, you will need to complete a jurisdiction-approved nurse aide training program to be eligible to take your jurisdiction's official certification exam. In contrast, you can usually take a certified nurse aide practice test without meeting specific training requirements. You may achieve a higher score, however, if you have already completed the related training.
When preparing for the certified nurse aide practice test, you may do well to learn as much as you can about the official certification exam in your jurisdiction. This may give you an idea of the content you will find on the practice test. Usually, official certification exams consist of a written portion and a hands-on skills test. Since you will likely take a practice exam without an exam proctor present, however, you won’t be tested on hands-on skills. In most cases, practice tests will consist of about 60 or 70 multiple-choice questions.
Some of the concepts you may review to prepare for the certified nurse aide practice test include infection control, hand washing, and the use and removal of protective gowns and gloves. You may also review topics related to feeding and bathing patients as well as those related to dressing patients and making beds, including those that are occupied. Likewise, you may do well to review methods of measuring blood pressure, urine output, and temperature. A nurse certification exam guide that includes details about the content on the test may also provide a good blueprint for studying for the certified nurse aide practice test.
In addition to taking a nurse aide training program and reviewing what you have learned prior to taking a practice exam, you may do well to get plenty of rest before testing. Eating nutritional meals and staying hydrated may help as well. Taking these steps may prove helpful for ensuring that you are alert and able to do your best on the practice test.
