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!

How to Stay Motivated When You’re Tired but Still Have to Keep Going

By Fordham Institute Inc. • November 10, 2025
Some days feel heavier than others. You’re tired, your mind is full, your body needs rest—but responsibilities don’t pause. Whether you’re studying to become an HHA or CNA, already working in the field, or balancing family on top of it all, staying motivated when you’re exhausted can feel almost impossible. But here’s the truth: the fact that you’re still trying means you’re stronger than you think. At Fordham Institute Inc., we see students and caregivers every day who push through long hours, personal struggles, and sleepless nights—all because they believe in a better future. This post is for you. 1. Remember Your “Why” When motivation fades, purpose takes over. Ask yourself: Why did I start this journey? Who am I doing this for? What future am I working toward? Your “why” is stronger than your tiredness. 2. Focus on One Task at a Time Thinking about everything you need to do can feel overwhelming. Instead: ✔ Break your day into small steps. ✔ Finish one task, then move to the next. ✔ Celebrate each little win. Progress is still progress—even when it’s slow. 3. Rest When You Can (Not Just When You’re Done) You don’t have to earn rest by reaching burnout. Take a 10-minute break. Close your eyes, breathe deeply. Drink water or eat something nourishing. Even small moments of rest help your mind and body recharge. 4. Speak Kindly to Yourself Instead of saying: “I can’t do this,” try: “I’m doing my best.” “This feeling is temporary.” “I have gotten through hard days before—I will do it again.” The way you speak to yourself matters more than you think. 5. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—You Just Have to Keep Going Your journey won’t always look perfect. You might miss a study session, feel behind, or need a day to catch your breath. That’s okay. What matters is that you don’t stop showing up for your future.  Keep Going—Your Effort Will Be Worth It You might be tired today—but one day, you will look back and be grateful you didn’t give up. 📞 Want to start or continue your journey in healthcare? Call 718-480-1804 You’re tired, but you’re still trying. And that is something to be proud of 💛

Finding Strength When Life Feels Overwhelming: A Message for Students & Caregivers

By Fordham Institute Inc. • November 5, 2025
Life doesn’t always slow down when we need it to. Sometimes, everything happens at once—school, work, family, bills, health, emotions—and it feels like you’re barely holding everything together. If you’re a Home Health Aide (HHA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or a student in training right now and life feels heavy, this post is for you. At Fordham Institute Inc., we see how hard our students and caregivers work—not just in the classroom or at their jobs, but in life. And we want to remind you of something important: Struggling does not mean you’re failing. It means you’re still fighting. You’re Not Alone So many students and caregivers are silently dealing with stress, financial pressure, family issues, grief, or exhaustion— and still showing up. You may not see it, but someone else is sitting in class with a heavy heart, someone else is leaving work and crying in their car, someone else is pushing through because they believe in their future. You are never alone in this. Small Steps Still Count as Progress When life feels overwhelming, you don’t have to have everything figured out. Just focus on what you can do today: ✔ Attend class ✔ Complete one assignment ✔ Take care of your client or loved one ✔ Drink water, eat something, breathe Even if it’s not perfect, showing up is a victory. Take Care of Yourself, Too You cannot pour from an empty cup. Take care of you in small, simple ways: Get some sunlight or fresh air Take a warm shower or nap when you can Write your feelings down or talk to someone you trust Say “no” when your heart and mind need rest Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s survival.  Your Story Isn’t Over Yet Life may feel difficult right now, but this is not the end of your story. You are growing in strength, resilience, and faith—even if it doesn’t feel like it. What seems like pressure now is preparing you for a stronger future. You’ve made it this far. You will make it further. 📞 Want support or ready to start your journey in healthcare? Call 718-480-1804 You are trying. You are learning. You are stronger than you think 💛

Lessons from the Heart: What Caregiving Teaches Us About Life

By Fordham Institute Inc. • November 4, 2025
Caregiving is more than a job or a training program—it’s an experience that touches the heart and changes how you see the world. Whether you’re an HHA, CNA, or student preparing to enter the field, caregiving teaches powerful life lessons that stay with you long after each shift ends. At Fordham Institute Inc., we see students grow not only in skill, but in compassion, patience, strength, and purpose. Here are some of the most meaningful lessons caregiving teaches us about life. 1. Kindness Is Powerful—even in Small Moments Caregiving proves that kindness doesn’t have to be big to make a difference. A gentle tone, a warm smile, holding someone’s hand—these simple actions bring comfort, calm, and hope. The smallest act can mean the world to someone in need. 2. Every Day Is a Gift Caring for others reminds us how precious time and health truly are. You begin to appreciate the little things—breathing fresh air, being able to move, or enjoying a quiet morning. Caregiving teaches you to value life more deeply. 3. Patience Is Strength—not weakness Patience isn’t just waiting—it’s choosing to stay calm when things are slow, difficult, or emotional. In caregiving, patience helps build trust, avoid stress, and show understanding when others need it most. 4. Empathy Can Change Lives Caregiving teaches you to see life through someone else’s eyes. You learn to notice pain without judgment, to listen without interrupting, and to care without expecting anything in return. Empathy doesn’t solve every problem—but it makes every person feel seen. 5. You Are Stronger Than You Realize Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. But through each challenge, you discover courage, resilience, and the ability to keep going—even on tough days. It shows you that your heart is stronger than you ever imagined. A Career That Teaches the Heart Becoming a caregiver doesn’t just prepare you for a job—it shapes you into someone who heals, comforts, and inspires. These lessons stay with you for life.  📞 Ready to start your journey? Call 718-480-1804 Because caregiving doesn’t just change lives—it changes hearts ❤️