5 Essential Tips for Studying for the CNA State Board Exam
Fordham Institute Inc. • September 19, 2024
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a rewarding career choice, but passing the state board exam is an important step in the certification process. To help you succeed, here are five key tips to effectively study and prepare for the CNA state board exam:
1. Create a Study Schedule
Effective preparation begins with a well-structured study schedule. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks, focusing on different topics each day. Allocate specific times for reviewing theory and practicing skills. This prevents cramming and helps you retain information more efficiently. Stick to your schedule to build consistency and avoid last-minute stress.
2. Use CNA Study Guides and Practice Exams
There are many CNA study guides and online resources that can help you understand the format and content of the exam. Practice exams are particularly helpful as they give you a sense of the types of questions you'll face and allow you to assess your knowledge. Focus on both the written exam and practical skills, and make use of CNA flashcards for quick reviews of medical terms and procedures.
3. Master the Skills Portion
The skills section of the CNA exam is just as important as the written part, if not more. Practice the core skills such as hand hygiene, taking vital signs, patient transfers, and personal care. Use checklists from your training program to ensure you’re meeting all the necessary steps. Practicing with a friend or in front of a mirror can help you fine-tune your technique and boost your confidence.
4. Focus on Key Topics
While the CNA exam covers a broad range of subjects, some topics are more commonly tested. Prioritize areas such as:
- Patient rights and confidentiality (HIPAA regulations)
- Infection control procedures (especially hand hygiene)
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Communication skills with patients and healthcare teams Review these critical areas regularly to solidify your understanding and ensure you're well-prepared.
5. Stay Calm and Confident
Test anxiety can hinder your performance, so managing stress is crucial. Stay calm by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization before and during the exam. Remember that you’ve trained for this moment and trust your preparation. On the day of the exam, arrive early, get a good night's sleep beforehand, and focus on doing your best without putting too much pressure on yourself.
Passing the CNA state board exam requires focused preparation, a solid study plan, and consistent practice. By following these five tips—creating a study schedule, using study guides, mastering skills, prioritizing key topics, and managing stress—you’ll be well-equipped to pass the exam and take the next step in your CNA career. Good luck!
When people think about success, they often imagine big moments—graduation day, landing a job, or starting a new career. But what many don’t realize is that those big milestones are built on small, everyday habits. Success doesn’t usually happen overnight. It happens little by little. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we see it all the time. The students who succeed most aren’t necessarily the fastest or the most experienced—they’re the ones who stay consistent. They show up, stay disciplined, and keep going, even on ordinary days. Here’s how small daily habits can lead to big career results. 1. Show Up Consistently The simplest habit is also the most powerful: showing up. Attend class regularly Be on time Stay present and focused Consistency builds confidence, knowledge, and trust. Just being there every day puts you ahead. 2. Study a Little Each Day You don’t need hours of studying to improve. Short, steady review sessions make a big difference. Try: Reviewing notes for 15–20 minutes Practicing one skill at a time Asking questions when unsure Small daily learning adds up faster than last-minute cramming. 3. Prepare the Night Before Mornings feel easier when you plan ahead. Simple habits like: Packing your bag Laying out your uniform Checking your schedule reduce stress and help you start the day calmly and confidently. Preparation creates peace of mind. 4. Take Care of Your Health Your body is your most important tool in healthcare. Make it a habit to: Get enough sleep Eat balanced meals Stay hydrated Take short breaks when needed When you feel good physically, everything else becomes easier. 5. Keep a Positive, Patient Mindset Progress takes time. Some days will feel easier than others. Stay patient with yourself and remember why you started. Small steps forward are still steps forward. Success grows from steady effort—not perfection. Big Results Start Small The little things you do each day may not seem important—but over weeks and months, they create powerful change. One class. One skill. One habit at a time. That’s how careers are built. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training Small daily habits create big futures. Keep showing up—your success is closer than you think. 💙
Starting something new can feel exciting—and a little nerve-wracking at the same time. If you’ve been thinking about enrolling in a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, you might be wondering: “What will class be like?” “Will it be hard?” “Do I need experience?” “Am I going to feel prepared?” These questions are completely normal. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we work with many first-time healthcare students, and one thing we always say is this: you don’t need experience to start—you just need the willingness to learn. We guide you step-by-step from the very beginning. Here’s what you can expect during your first weeks of training. 1. A Supportive, Welcoming Environment Your first days are about getting comfortable. You’ll meet: Your instructors Your classmates Your learning space Our goal is to help you feel supported, not overwhelmed. Many students quickly realize they’re not alone—everyone is learning together. 2. Step-by-Step Learning You won’t be expected to know everything right away. Training starts with the basics and builds gradually: Understanding caregiving responsibilities Learning safety procedures Practicing essential skills Gaining confidence little by little Each lesson prepares you for the next one. 3. Hands-On Practice Healthcare is best learned by doing. That’s why training includes hands-on learning, not just reading or listening. You’ll practice real-life skills so you feel comfortable and capable—not just informed. This helps you feel ready for real work situations. 4. Building Confidence Each Day It’s normal to feel unsure at first. But something amazing happens during training—confidence grows quickly. Skills that once felt new begin to feel natural. Tasks that seemed intimidating become manageable. With practice and guidance, you’ll start thinking, “I can really do this.” 5. Preparation for Employment Training isn’t just about passing a class—it’s about preparing for a career. You’ll gain: Practical knowledge Professional habits Real-world readiness Plus, Fordham Institute Inc. offers job placement assistance , connecting students with agencies and employers that are hiring.  Your First Step Toward a New Career Starting something new always feels uncertain at first—but every professional was once a beginner. The key is simply getting started. If you’re ready to take that first step, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training You don’t have to be experienced to begin. You just have to begin. 💙
Training for a healthcare career is rewarding—but it can also be demanding. Between classes, studying, work, family responsibilities, and daily life, it’s easy to feel tired or overwhelmed. Many Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and students spend so much time caring for others that they forget to care for themselves. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we remind our students that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you protect your energy and health, you perform better, think clearly, and show up stronger for the people who depend on you. Here are simple self-care habits that can help you avoid burnout while staying focused on your goals. 1. Protect Your Sleep Sleep is the foundation of everything—your mood, focus, and energy. Try to: Go to bed at a consistent time Limit phone or screen time before sleep Give your body enough rest to recharge A well-rested mind learns faster and handles stress better. 2. Keep Meals Simple and Nourishing Busy days often lead to skipped meals or fast food, which can leave you feeling drained. Instead, aim for: Easy, balanced meals Healthy snacks during long days Drinking enough water Fueling your body properly keeps your energy steady throughout the day. 3. Take Short Breaks to Reset You don’t need long vacations to recharge. Even small breaks help. Try: A short walk Stretching Deep breathing A few quiet minutes to yourself These small resets reduce stress and help you stay mentally sharp. 4. Stay Organized to Reduce Overwhelm Clutter and last-minute rushing increase stress. Simple organization can make life feel lighter. Prepare by: Packing your bag the night before Writing down your schedule Planning tasks ahead of time Preparation creates peace of mind. 5. Give Yourself Grace Not every day will feel perfect—and that’s okay. Some days you’ll feel tired or less productive. Be kind to yourself. Progress doesn’t require perfection. It requires consistency. Treat yourself with the same patience and compassion you give others. Take Care of You, Too Healthcare is about caring—but that care includes yourself. Protecting your well-being helps you become a stronger student, caregiver, and professional. When you feel balanced, everything else becomes easier. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training Taking care of yourself isn’t a break from your goals—it’s how you reach them. 💙