subject: 5 Things You Should Know About The Nnaap Exam [print this page] To become a Certified Nurse's Assistant (CNA), you will have to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination after completing your CNA training. Your name will be added to your state nurse's assistant registry only after you pass this test. There are many things you should know about the test, and the more information you have the better you will be able to handle the pressure. This could be the difference between success and failure. Here are five things you should know:
*Eligibility
You have to 16 years and older to sit for this exam, and must have completed the CNA training program successfully within the last year. You have to complete a criminal background check and have relevant clearance. CNAs whose registration has expired can sit for the test to get re-certified.
*Exam overview
The NNAAP exam is divided into two portions. The first is either written or oral. The exam is usually in English and the oral test is for those who are not proficient in English. It can be taken in Spanish but you will have to make an application to take the test orally. The written test consists of 70 questions, all multiple-choice. Ten of these will not be scored and are just there for added information. The oral test consists of 60 questions, again multiple-choice and ten questions on comprehension and reading. The second portion is the practical section where the clinical skills you acquired during CNA training will be tested. You will have to demonstrate five skills within a simulated medical facility setting.
*What the exam covers
The examination covers all aspects relevant to a CNA's duties and responsibilities. This includes knowledge of patient rights, medical procedures, patient assessment and personal care, infection control and hygiene, and so on. You will need to brush up on these points before the exam.
*Location of exam
The exam is only available in states contracted to the company who distributes the exam in the country, so you need to keep in touch with nursing assistant programs for the test dates. These vary from state to state.
*Certification transfers
Each state has its own guidelines and some may allow you to transfer certification to another state but you need to check the rules and regulations regarding this with the state you are moving to.
Passing the NNAAP exam and becoming a licensed CNA will give you a professional standing and help you further your nursing career. So it will be best to take time and prepare well so that you do well in the exam.
