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!

Ending the Year with Purpose: Reflecting on Growth in Your Caregiving Journey

By Fordham Institute Inc. • December 29, 2025
As the year comes to a close, winter invites us to slow down, reflect, and look back on how far we’ve come. For Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and healthcare students, this time of year is an opportunity to recognize growth—not just in skills, but in strength, resilience, and purpose. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we see the hard work and dedication our students and caregivers put in every day. Before stepping into a new year, it’s important to pause and honor the journey you’ve been on. 1. Acknowledge How Much You’ve Learned Over the past year, you’ve gained knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience. Whether you completed a class, learned new caregiving skills, or simply grew more confident in your abilities, every lesson matters. Growth isn’t always loud—but it’s always meaningful. 2. Recognize the Challenges You Overcame This year may have brought long days, personal struggles, financial stress, or moments of doubt. And yet—you kept going. Resilience is built during difficult times, and each challenge you faced strengthened you for what’s ahead. 3. Celebrate Your Commitment to Care Choosing a caregiving path is choosing compassion, patience, and service. You’ve made a difference in people’s lives—often in quiet, unseen ways. That commitment is something to be proud of, today and every day. 4. Reflect on What Motivates You Take time to reconnect with your “why.” Why did you choose healthcare? Why do you keep showing up? Your purpose is your anchor—and remembering it helps guide you into the new year with clarity and confidence. 5. Set Gentle Intentions for the Year Ahead You don’t need big resolutions. Instead, focus on intentions: Continue learning Protect your health and well-being Stay consistent, not perfect Be kind to yourself Progress happens one step at a time. Moving Forward With Purpose As winter settles in and the year ends, know this: your effort mattered. Your growth mattered. You mattered. 📞Ready to continue your journey in healthcare? Call 718-480-1804 End this year with pride, enter the next with purpose, and trust that your journey is unfolding exactly as it should. ❄️✨

Snowy Days and Busy Shifts: How Caregivers Can Stay Prepared

By Fordham Institute Inc. • December 24, 2025
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Snowy sidewalks, icy roads, delayed transportation, and colder temperatures can turn an already busy day into a stressful one—especially for Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and healthcare students who still need to show up no matter the forecast. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we know that preparation is key. With the right mindset and a few simple habits, caregivers can navigate snowy days safely, calmly, and confidently. 1. Prepare the Night Before Snowy mornings are easier when you plan ahead. Lay out your uniform and warm layers Pack your bag with essentials Charge your phone fully Check the weather and transit updates A few minutes of preparation can save a lot of stress the next day. 2. Allow Extra Travel Time Snow and ice slow everything down. Give yourself extra time to commute so you don’t feel rushed. Walk carefully and wear shoes with good traction Use handrails when available Take your time—safety comes first Arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly. 3. Pack Winter Essentials Keep a small winter-ready kit in your bag: Gloves and a hat Extra socks Hand lotion (cold weather dries skin) Water and snacks Being prepared helps you stay comfortable and focused throughout your shift or class. 4. Stay Warm to Stay Energized Cold weather can drain your energy fast. Dress in layers Drink warm beverages when possible Take short moments to warm up Staying warm helps your body maintain strength and focus. 5. Stay Calm When Plans Change Winter weather sometimes causes delays or schedule changes. Staying calm and flexible helps you adapt without added stress. Communicate clearly, take things one step at a time, and remember that doing your best is enough. 6. Give Yourself Credit Showing up on a snowy day takes effort, responsibility, and dedication. Whether you’re caring for clients, attending class, or studying at home, your commitment matters—and it deserves recognition. Prepared Caregivers Handle Winter With Confidence Snowy days don’t stop caregivers—they reveal their strength. With preparation, patience, and self-care, you can handle winter challenges while continuing to provide excellent care. 📞 Interested in starting a healthcare career? Call 718-480-1804 Winter may bring snow—but prepared caregivers bring calm, care, and confidence. ❄️💙

Staying Motivated During the Coldest Months of the Year

By Fordham Institute Inc. • December 23, 2025
When winter settles in, motivation can feel harder to find. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and energy levels can dip. For Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and healthcare students, staying motivated during this season takes intention and patience. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we know that winter can test your determination—but it can also strengthen it. Here are practical ways to stay motivated, focused, and moving forward, even when the cold makes everything feel slower. 1. Start Your Day with Light and Warmth Dark mornings can make it harder to get going. Try: Turning on bright lights as soon as you wake up Enjoying a warm drink you love Playing uplifting music These small habits signal your body and mind that the day has begun. 2. Set Small, Achievable Goals Winter isn’t the time for pressure—it’s the time for progress. Instead of focusing on everything at once, aim for: One lesson reviewed One assignment completed One healthy meal prepared Small wins build momentum and confidence. 3. Keep a Simple Routine Consistency helps combat winter sluggishness. Try to maintain regular times for: Waking up Eating meals Studying or reviewing notes Resting A steady routine creates stability during unpredictable weather. 4. Move Your Body to Boost Energy Even gentle movement helps lift your mood. Stretch for five minutes Walk indoors Do light exercises at home Movement increases circulation and helps fight fatigue. 5. Stay Connected Winter isolation can drain motivation. Reach out to: Classmates Friends Family Coworkers A simple conversation can bring encouragement and renewed focus. 6. Remember Why You Started When motivation fades, purpose remains. Remind yourself why you chose this path—to build a stable future, help others, and grow professionally. That purpose is stronger than winter fatigue. Keep Going—Even When It’s Hard Winter doesn’t last forever. Every step you take now is preparing you for brighter days ahead. Stay patient with yourself, keep showing up, and trust that your effort matters. 📞 Ready to begin your healthcare journey? Call 718-480-1804 Cold weather may slow the pace—but it cannot stop your progress. ❄️✨