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!
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. 💙
When people think about becoming a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), they often focus on the technical skills—learning procedures, assisting clients, or understanding healthcare practices. But caregiving teaches you something even bigger. It builds life skills that stay with you long after training ends. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we see it all the time. Students don’t just grow professionally—they grow personally. The habits and strengths developed during healthcare training carry over into everyday life, making you more confident, capable, and resilient. Here’s how caregiving helps you beyond the classroom. 1. Stronger Time Management Balancing classes, responsibilities, and daily life teaches you how to manage your time wisely. You learn to: Plan your day Stay organized Prioritize what matters Meet deadlines These skills help not only at work—but at home, with family, and in every area of life. 2. Better Communication Skills Caregiving requires clear, compassionate communication. You learn how to: Listen carefully Explain things simply Speak with patience and respect Support people emotionally Strong communication builds better relationships everywhere—not just with clients. 3. Patience and Emotional Strength Healthcare teaches you how to stay calm under pressure. You develop patience, understanding, and empathy—especially during challenging moments. These qualities help you: Handle stress better Stay level-headed Solve problems calmly Emotional strength is a skill you carry for life. 4. Confidence in Yourself Each new skill you learn builds confidence. The more you practice, the more capable you feel. Over time, you begin to think: “I can handle this.” “I know what I’m doing.” “I’m prepared.” That confidence spreads into every part of your life. 5. A Strong Sense of Purpose Few careers allow you to make a real difference every day. Caregiving reminds you that your work matters. Helping others brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose that goes far beyond a paycheck. Knowing you make a difference changes how you see yourself—and your future. More Than a Job—A Life Skillset Healthcare training isn’t just about preparing for employment. It’s about building habits, confidence, and strengths that help you succeed in life. When you invest in this path, you’re investing in yourself. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training Caregiving doesn’t just change careers—it changes people. And it m ight change your life too. 💙
When the weather is cold and the days feel slower, many people put their goals on hold and say, “I’ll start later.” But what if winter was actually the best time to begin something new? While others are waiting for spring, you could already be building skills, completing training, and preparing for a stable career. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we often see students make their biggest life changes during the winter months. Starting now means you’re not waiting for opportunity—you’re creating it. Here’s why this season might be the perfect time to begin your healthcare journey. 1. Use the Slower Season to Focus on Yourself Winter naturally encourages us to slow down and reset. With fewer distractions and social obligations, it’s easier to focus on personal growth and education. This makes it a great time to: Start training Learn new skills Plan your future Invest in yourself A few months of focus now can change your entire year ahead. 2. Start Now, Work Sooner Healthcare training programs like HHA and CNA are designed to be completed in a short period of time. That means you don’t have to wait years to start earning. By starting now, you could: Finish training sooner Apply for jobs sooner Begin working sooner The earlier you start, the faster you move toward income and stability. 3. Healthcare Is Always in Demand Unlike many industries that slow down seasonally, healthcare is needed year-round. Families and facilities always need trained caregivers. This means: Consistent job opportunities Reliable work Long-term career growth Choosing healthcare means choosing stability—no matter the season. 4. Build Momentum Before Spring Imagine entering spring already trained, confident, and ready to work—while others are just getting started. Winter preparation creates spring results. The effort you put in now pays off sooner than you think. 5. There’s No “Perfect Time”—Only the Time You Start Many people wait for the “right time.” But the truth is, the right time is simply when you decide to begin. If you’ve been thinking about starting a healthcare career, this could be your sign. Take the First Step Today Your future doesn’t have to wait for warmer weather. Start now, stay consistent, and watch how much progress you can make. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training Winter is for preparation. Spring is for progress. Your journey can start today. ❄️💙