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!

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 ❤️

Simple Ways to Prevent Burnout Before the Holidays

By Fordham Institute Inc. • November 3, 2025
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year—filled with gatherings, long shifts, family responsibilities, and the pressure to do it all. For Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and students balancing training or work, it’s easy to forget about your own well-being in the rush to care for others. At Fordham Institute Inc., we remind our caregivers that preventing burnout isn’t just about rest—it’s about recharging your energy, protecting your peace, and creating balance before exhaustion sets in. Here are a few simple ways to protect your health and spirit before the holiday rush begins. 1. Recognize the Signs Early Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It often begins with small signs—feeling more tired than usual, losing motivation, or becoming easily frustrated. If you notice these changes, slow down and make adjustments before it grows into full exhaustion. 2. Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them) You can’t pour from an empty cup. Learn to say no when your plate is full, and don’t feel guilty for protecting your time and energy. Boundaries create space for you to rest and refocus—something every great caregiver needs. 3. Take Mini Breaks Even on your busiest days, short breaks help you reset. Step outside for a breath of fresh air, stretch your shoulders, or drink water slowly and mindfully. A few calm minutes can refresh your body and clear your mind. 4. Keep Your Body Nourished Healthy eating and hydration are powerful tools against fatigue. Pack easy snacks like fruit, nuts, or granola bars, and drink water regularly throughout your shift or study time. Nutrition fuels energy and focus. 5. Give Yourself Grace You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Some days will be harder than others—but showing up, doing your best, and caring with heart is enough. Speak kindly to yourself and celebrate your effort, not just your results. 6. Plan Small Moments of Joy Whether it’s watching a favorite movie, calling a friend, or lighting a candle after work, find small ways to bring comfort and peace into your day. These little rituals remind you that your happiness matters too. Care for Yourself, So You Can Care for Others As the holidays approach, take time to protect your well-being. Rest, nourish, and refill your energy. The best gift you can give this season—both to yourself and to others—is a healthy, balanced you.  📞 Ready to begin your training journey? Call 718-480-1804 Because great caregivers don’t wait until burnout—they build balance every day 🌿