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 Gratitude Can Change the Way You Care and Live

By Fordham Institute Inc. • November 14, 2025
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s a way of seeing life—focusing on what is still good, even when things are hard. For caregivers, HHAs, CNAs, and students working toward a better future, gratitude can be a powerful tool that brings peace, motivation, and strength. At Fordham Institute Inc., we see how students and healthcare workers sacrifice, study, and care deeply for others. Gratitude doesn’t take away the stress—but it helps you see your purpose more clearly. 1. Gratitude Helps You Stay Grounded During Stress Caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding. But gratitude reminds you of why your work matters. When you focus on: A client’s smile A lesson you’ve mastered A step closer to your goals …it becomes easier to keep going, even on difficult days. 2. It Shifts Your Mindset from “I Have To” → “I Get To” Instead of saying: “I have to go to class.” Try: “I get to go to class because I’m building a better future.” Instead of: “I have to go to work.” Say: “I get to care for someone who depends on me.” This small shift changes pressure into purpose. 3. Gratitude Strengthens Relationships with Clients and Families Clients feel it when care comes from the heart. Simple actions like: Thanking them for trusting you Listening to their stories Saying, “I’m happy to help” …create warmth, trust, and connection. 4. Practice Gratitude in Small, Simple Ways Here are easy daily habits: Write 3 things you’re grateful for before bed. Say “thank you” out loud—even when you’re alone. Pause during your shift or class and think: There is something good in today. 5. Gratitude Gives You Strength for Tomorrow Gratitude doesn’t mean life is perfect. It means you’re choosing to see the beauty and growth in the middle of your journey. It keeps your heart soft, your mind clear, and your spirit strong. 📞 Interested in becoming an HHA or CNA? Call 718-480-1804 Gratitude doesn’t change the work—but it changes you while you do it 💛

Affordable Self-Care Ideas for HHAs & CNAs on a Budget

By Fordham Institute Inc. • November 13, 2025
Self-care is important—but for many Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, and students in training, it’s not always easy to make time for it (or money to spend on it). Between school, work, family responsibilities, and financial stress, taking care of yourself may feel like a luxury. But self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. It’s simply about giving your mind, body, and heart what they need to recharge. Here are simple, affordable self-care ideas you can start today—especially for busy caregivers. 1. Take a 10-Minute Break (Guilt-Free) Find a quiet spot, sit down, close your eyes, and breathe. No phone. No noise. Just let your mind rest. Even a small pause can make a long day feel more manageable. 2. Warm Showers, Blankets, and Cozy Moments You don’t need a spa to relax. Take a warm shower after a long shift Put on your softest sweater or blanket Sip tea or hot cocoa and let your body breathe Comfort is a form of care. 3. Nature Therapy—It’s Free Go outside for 5–10 minutes. Look at the trees, breathe fresh air, feel the sun or cool breeze. Nature calms the nervous system and clears your mind. 4. Journaling or Voice Notes Write down (or record on your phone): What you’re feeling What you’re grateful for What’s been weighing on your heart Letting it out helps you heal and release stress. 5. Stretch Before Bed or After Work You don’t need a gym. A few gentle stretches help with back pain, leg soreness, and stress—especially for caregivers who stand, lift, or walk all day. 6. Free Self-Care Ideas for the Soul Take a nap when you can Listen to your favorite music Rewatch your favorite movie or show Laugh with someone you love Light a candle and sit quietly Because You Deserve Care, Too You spend so much of your life caring for others—please remember that you deserve care as well. Self-care is not selfish. It is strength. It’s what keeps you going, learning, loving, and showing up with heart. 📞 Want to start or continue your HHA or CNA journey? Call 718-480-1804 Take care of others—but don’t forget to take care of you 💛

Veterans Day Appreciation: Honoring Caregivers Who Serve Those Who Served

By Fordham Institute • November 12, 2025
Every year on Veterans Day , we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and dedication. Their strength and commitment remind us of what it truly means to care for others—and for many caregivers, that same spirit lives on in the work they do every day. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we take this day to not only thank our veterans, but also to recognize the caregivers—HHAs, CNAs, nurses, and students—who provide compassionate support to veterans and their families . Their work helps bring comfort, dignity, and healing to those who have already given so much. 1. A Shared Mission: Service Through Compassion Caregiving and military service share a common value: serving others before self . While veterans protect lives, caregivers restore them—offering hope, support, and care to those who once stood in defense of our nation. 2. The Honor of Caring for Veterans Many caregivers have the privilege of working directly with veterans in hospitals, nursing homes, or home care. These moments are more than a job—they’re a way to give back to the heroes who made a difference. A warm meal, gentle conversation, or helping hand can mean more than words could ever express. 3. To Our Veteran Caregivers Some of our students and staff are veterans themselves—individuals who continue their mission of service in healthcare. We salute you for continuing to protect, heal, and uplift others long after your military service has ended. 4. How We Can All Honor Veterans Today Even small actions matter: Thank a veteran personally. Listen to their stories. Volunteer or donate to veterans’ organizations. Support programs that help them access quality care. Gratitude keeps their legacy alive. 5. We Thank You To our veterans—and to every caregiver who serves them—we see your compassion, your discipline, and your courage. Your work reminds us that care and respect are the foundation of true service. 📞 To begin your journey in healthcare, call 718-480-1804 Today and every day, we honor those who served—and those who continue to serve through care 💙