10 Mistakes CNA Students Make on the Written Exam
This guide covers common study mistakes and practical ways to review them; individual exam experiences vary.
1. Skipping infection control review
Infection control (hand hygiene, PPE, Standard Precautions, chain of infection) is the highest-tested content area. Students who don't review this deeply consistently lose 5–10 questions in this area alone.
2. Not reading the full question
NNAAP questions often have long scenarios. Students read the first sentence and guess. The critical information — 'the resident has dementia' or 'the resident is on contact precautions' — usually appears at the end.
3. Choosing 'report to the nurse' too often
Many questions ask what the CNA does first. Students reflexively choose 'report to the nurse' when the correct answer is an immediate CNA action (provide comfort, reposition, apply gloves first). Know your scope of practice cold.
4. Confusing clean vs. sterile
Clean technique is for most CNA tasks. Sterile technique is only for specific wound care or procedures. Knowing the difference eliminates a category of trick questions.
5. Neglecting resident rights
Resident rights (OBRA, privacy, dignity, refusal of care, abuse reporting) is a full content area with multiple questions. Students spend 80% of their study time on clinical skills and forget this section entirely.
6. Not knowing normal vital sign ranges
Normal adult: temp 97–99°F oral, pulse 60–100 bpm, respirations 12–20/min, BP 90–120/60–80 mmHg. Know when each is abnormal and what to do (report to nurse). These appear on every exam.
7. Guessing on math/measurement questions
Intake/output calculations, weight conversions (kg to lbs), and temperature conversions (°C to °F) appear on every exam. Practice until these feel automatic — they're free points.
8. Choosing the 'nice' answer over the correct one
The exam sometimes has two answers that both seem kind. The correct answer follows protocol and scope of practice. 'Tell the resident what they want to hear' is almost never correct.
9. Not practicing under timed conditions
Practice timing with CNA-Ready simulations, but do not assume a universal question count or time limit. Confirm the current format with your state testing vendor and complete several timed practice sessions.
10. Studying alone without feedback
Re-reading notes doesn't tell you where your gaps are. Use active recall — quizzes, flashcards, practice tests — and review rationales for every wrong answer. The AI Tutor in CNA-Ready can explain any concept you're confused about instantly.
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