CNA Skills Checklist PDF: Complete Nursing Assistant Skills Guide for CNA Exam Preparation 2026
CNA Skills Checklist PDF
Preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam requires mastering both theoretical knowledge and practical nursing skills. A CNA Skills Checklist helps students track essential competencies needed for certification and safe patient care.
This guide provides a complete CNA skills checklist covering infection control, patient care, safety procedures, vital signs, mobility assistance, and communication skills frequently tested during CNA certification examinations.
Whether you are preparing for the NNAAP exam, state certification exam, nursing assistant training program, or healthcare aide assessment, this checklist can help ensure you are exam-ready.
Why Use a CNA Skills Checklist?
A skills checklist helps students:
✅ Track progress
✅ Improve practical competency
✅ Prepare for skills examinations
✅ Identify weak areas
✅ Build confidence before certification
✅ Ensure safe patient care practices
Many nursing assistant training programs use skill checklists to evaluate student performance before graduation and certification testing.
Infection Control Skills Checklist
Hand Hygiene
☐ Wet hands thoroughly
☐ Apply soap correctly
☐ Wash for at least 20 seconds
☐ Clean between fingers
☐ Clean under fingernails
☐ Rinse thoroughly
☐ Dry hands completely
☐ Use paper towel to turn off faucet
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
☐ Don gloves properly
☐ Remove gloves safely
☐ Wear face mask correctly
☐ Use gown when required
☐ Apply isolation precautions
☐ Dispose of PPE appropriately
Standard Precautions
☐ Treat all body fluids as potentially infectious
☐ Prevent cross-contamination
☐ Maintain clean environment
☐ Follow facility infection-control policies
Vital Signs Skills Checklist
Temperature Measurement
☐ Identify appropriate thermometer
☐ Position thermometer correctly
☐ Record reading accurately
☐ Report abnormal findings
Pulse Assessment
☐ Locate radial pulse
☐ Count pulse for one minute
☐ Document pulse rate
☐ Identify irregular pulse
Respiratory Assessment
☐ Observe chest movement
☐ Count respirations discreetly
☐ Record respiratory rate
☐ Report breathing abnormalities
Blood Pressure
☐ Select proper cuff size
☐ Position cuff correctly
☐ Obtain accurate reading
☐ Record results
Oxygen Saturation
☐ Apply pulse oximeter
☐ Obtain SpO₂ reading
☐ Record oxygen saturation level
☐ Report abnormal values
Personal Care Skills Checklist
Bathing Assistance
☐ Gather supplies
☐ Provide privacy
☐ Assist with bathing safely
☐ Maintain dignity
☐ Dry skin thoroughly
Oral Care
☐ Prepare supplies
☐ Brush teeth correctly
☐ Clean dentures properly
☐ Maintain oral hygiene
Hair Care
☐ Comb hair gently
☐ Shampoo if needed
☐ Maintain patient comfort
Nail Care
☐ Clean nails
☐ Follow facility policies
☐ Observe for abnormalities
Grooming Assistance
☐ Assist with dressing
☐ Assist with shaving
☐ Promote independence
☐ Respect patient preferences
Mobility and Transfer Skills Checklist
Ambulation Assistance
☐ Apply gait belt correctly
☐ Assist patient to standing position
☐ Walk safely beside patient
☐ Monitor for dizziness
☐ Return patient safely
Wheelchair Transfer
☐ Lock wheelchair wheels
☐ Position wheelchair properly
☐ Use proper body mechanics
☐ Transfer safely
Positioning Patients
☐ Reposition every 2 hours
☐ Use pillows for support
☐ Maintain alignment
☐ Prevent pressure injuries
Range of Motion Exercises
☐ Shoulder exercises
☐ Elbow exercises
☐ Wrist exercises
☐ Hip exercises
☐ Knee exercises
☐ Ankle exercises
☐ Support joints properly
☐ Move smoothly and gently
Nutrition and Hydration Skills Checklist
Feeding Assistance
☐ Verify patient identity
☐ Position patient upright
☐ Assist with feeding
☐ Encourage independence
☐ Observe swallowing difficulties
Hydration
☐ Encourage fluid intake
☐ Monitor intake
☐ Record fluid consumption
☐ Report dehydration signs
Intake and Output
☐ Measure fluid intake
☐ Measure urine output
☐ Record accurately
☐ Report abnormalities
Elimination Skills Checklist
Bedpan Assistance
☐ Provide privacy
☐ Position bedpan correctly
☐ Ensure comfort
☐ Clean patient afterward
Urinal Assistance
☐ Position urinal properly
☐ Measure output if required
☐ Maintain dignity
Catheter Care
☐ Follow infection-control measures
☐ Clean appropriately
☐ Observe for abnormalities
☐ Report concerns
Patient Safety Skills Checklist
Fall Prevention
☐ Lock bed wheels
☐ Keep bed low
☐ Ensure call light accessibility
☐ Remove hazards
☐ Use non-slip footwear
Environmental Safety
☐ Maintain clutter-free room
☐ Ensure adequate lighting
☐ Check equipment safety
☐ Follow facility policies
Emergency Response
☐ Recognize emergencies
☐ Call for assistance
☐ Report promptly
☐ Follow emergency procedures
Communication Skills Checklist
Resident Communication
☐ Introduce yourself
☐ Use respectful language
☐ Listen actively
☐ Answer questions clearly
☐ Maintain professionalism
Reporting
☐ Report changes promptly
☐ Communicate accurately
☐ Follow chain of command
☐ Document observations
Documentation
☐ Record care accurately
☐ Use approved abbreviations
☐ Document promptly
☐ Maintain confidentiality
Resident Rights Checklist
☐ Respect privacy
☐ Maintain dignity
☐ Protect confidentiality
☐ Respect cultural beliefs
☐ Support independence
☐ Encourage participation in care
☐ Respect right to refuse care
☐ Promote patient safety
Common CNA Skills Tested During Certification Exams
Most CNA skills exams commonly evaluate:
- Handwashing
- Measuring pulse
- Measuring respirations
- Taking blood pressure
- Measuring temperature
- Ambulation with gait belt
- Wheelchair transfer
- Feeding assistance
- Bed making
- Perineal care
- Denture care
- Catheter care
- Range of motion exercises
- Positioning patients
- Documentation skills
How to Pass the CNA Skills Exam
Practice Daily
Perform skills repeatedly until comfortable.
Follow Every Step
Examiners evaluate proper sequence and safety.
Focus on Infection Control
Hand hygiene and PPE are heavily emphasized.
Communicate During Skills
Explain procedures to the patient throughout care.
Prioritize Safety
Always protect patient safety and comfort.
Download the Complete CNA Skills Checklist PDF
Looking for a printable CNA Skills Checklist PDF?
Our CNA Practice Book and Study Guide includes:
✅ Complete CNA Skills Checklist
✅ Skills Exam Preparation Guide
✅ CNA Practice Questions and Answers
✅ Infection Control Review
✅ Vital Signs Charts
✅ Mock Exams
✅ NNAAP Preparation Materials
✅ Quick Revision Notes
Visit www.bookinfopro.com to access comprehensive CNA exam preparation materials and nursing assistant study resources.
