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!

Preparing for a Strong Start: How to Get Back into Routine After the Holidays

By Fordham Institute Inc. • January 12, 2026
The holidays are over, decorations are coming down, and life slowly begins to return to its regular pace. Today can feel like a transition day—caught between rest and responsibility. For Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and healthcare students, getting back into routine doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we believe the start of the year is about resetting, not rushing. Here are simple ways to ease back into your schedule and start the year feeling organized, calm, and confident. 1. Start Slow and Be Realistic You don’t need to jump back into everything all at once. Instead of trying to “catch up” on everything, focus on: One priority at a time One day at a time A gentle restart helps build consistency without burnout. 2. Reset Your Sleep Schedule Holiday schedules often disrupt sleep. Begin adjusting by: Going to bed 15–30 minutes earlier Waking up at a consistent time Limiting late-night screen time Good sleep is the foundation for focus, energy, and motivation. 3. Reorganize Your Essentials Take a few minutes to prepare for the days ahead: Lay out uniforms or work clothes Organize your bag with notebooks, supplies, and snacks Write down your schedule for the week Feeling prepared reduces stress before the day even begins. 4. Plan Simple Meals and Snacks Getting back into routine is easier when food is planned. Keep meals simple and nourishing Pack easy snacks for work or class Stay hydrated throughout the day Fueling your body helps your mind stay clear and focused. 5. Reconnect With Your Goals January is a great time to remind yourself why you’re here. Why did you choose healthcare? What are you working toward this year? You don’t need all the answers—just a clear direction and belief in yourself. 6. Be Kind to Yourself Transitions take time. If things feel slow or awkward at first, that’s normal. Give yourself grace as you settle back into your routine. Progress will come with patience and consistency. A Fresh Start, One Step at a Time The new year isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up again, with a little more clarity and confidence than before. Take it step by step, and trust that you’re moving in the right direction. 📞 Ready to begin or continue your healthcare journey? Call 718-480-1804 A strong year doesn’t start with rushing—it starts with resetting ❄️✨

New Year, New Purpose: Starting 2026 with Intention in Healthcare

By Fordham Institute Inc. • January 8, 2026
A new year brings a fresh beginning. The 1st day isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about setting intentions, opening your heart to growth, and stepping forward with purpose. For Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and healthcare students, 2026 is an opportunity to continue building a meaningful career rooted in compassion, stability, and service. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we believe the start of a new year is the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity. 1. Choose Intention Over Pressure Instead of overwhelming resolutions, focus on simple intentions: To keep learning To show up consistently To care for others while caring for yourself To grow at your own pace Intentions create direction without pressure—and that’s how lasting change happens. 2. Begin the Year with Purpose Healthcare is more than a job—it’s a calling. Each day, caregivers bring comfort, safety, and dignity into people’s lives. Starting this year with purpose means remembering why you chose this path and honoring the impact of your work. 3. Small Steps Create Big Change You don’t need to do everything at once. One class. One shift. One skill learned. One act of kindness. Small steps taken consistently will shape your success in 2026. 4. Be Patient With Your Journey Growth doesn’t follow a straight line. Some days will feel easier than others. Be patient with yourself as you learn, adjust, and improve. Every experience—good or challenging—is part of your development. 5. Believe in What’s Possible A new year is a reminder that opportunity is always ahead. Whether you’re starting training, continuing your education, or working toward a new goal, believe that your effort will lead to progress. You are capable. You are needed. You are becoming something meaningful. Welcome to 2026 As this new year begins, move forward with confidence, compassion, and intention. Your journey in healthcare matters—and the work you do makes a difference every single day. 📞 Ready to take the next step this year? Call 718-480-1804 New year. New purpose. New opportunities to care, grow, and succeed ✨💙

Ending the Year Strong: Reflecting on Effort, Not Perfection

By Fordham Institute Inc. • January 7, 2026
Many people feel pressure to measure success by big milestones or perfect outcomes. But for caregivers, students, and healthcare professionals, this year likely wasn’t about perfection—it was about effort, perseverance, and showing up. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we believe the end of the year is not about judging yourself. It’s about honoring the work you put in, even when things didn’t go exactly as planned. 1. 2025 Year Was About Effort You may not have completed every goal or checked every box—but you tried. You attended class when you were tired. You showed up to work in difficult weather. You balanced responsibilities that others may never see. That effort matters. 2. Progress Isn’t Always Visible Growth doesn’t always come with big announcements. Sometimes it looks like: Gaining confidence little by little Learning from mistakes Becoming more patient, resilient, or disciplined Continuing even when motivation was low If you kept going, you grew—whether you realized it or not. 3. Let Go of Perfection Perfection creates pressure. Effort creates progress. It’s okay if this year had setbacks, delays, or detours. Those moments didn’t stop your journey—they shaped it. Give yourself permission to release guilt, comparison, and self-criticism as the year ends. 4. Honor What You Carried This year may have required you to carry: Heavy schedules Emotional responsibilities Family obligations Financial stress Personal challenges And yet—you still moved forward. That strength deserves recognition. 5. Step Into the New Year with Grace As the clock turns toward a new year, take one deep breath and remind yourself: I did my best with what I had. I am still learning. I am still becoming. You don’t need to have everything figured out tonight. You just need to keep believing in yourself. Closing the Year with Pride End this year not by asking what you didn’t do—but by honoring what you did. Effort counts. Growth counts. You count. 📞 Ready to continue your healthcare journey in the new year? Call 718-480-1804 End the year with kindness toward yourself—and begin the next with confidence in who you’re becoming ✨❄️