Minnesota CNA exam-day guide
Minnesota CNA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Confirm with the testing provider which IDs are accepted and that the name matches your CNA registry/application name.
Exam admission or registration confirmation
Bring the confirmation the testing provider sent you, whether printed or allowed on your phone before the exam. Confirm the provider’s exact document and electronic-device rules.
Clean scrubs and closed-toe non-skid shoes
Wear a neat, comfortable scrub uniform and safe closed-toe shoes. Confirm the provider’s dress code, including whether any color or sleeve restrictions apply.
Analog watch with a second hand
Some skills, such as pulse or respiration counting, may require a watch with a sweep second hand. Confirm whether a watch is required, allowed, or provided.
Black pen or pencil
Bring a black pen or pencil for any written paperwork. Confirm whether the provider supplies writing materials or restricts what you may bring.
Test-site directions and arrival time
Know the exact building, entrance, parking, and check-in location. Arrive at the provider-specified time and allow extra travel time.
Cell phone, smartwatch, and valuables plan
Leave valuables at home or plan to store them as the provider directs. Do not use a phone or smartwatch during the exam unless the provider explicitly permits it.
Skills review from your training program
Review the step-by-step skills you practiced in your approved nurse aide training program, especially hand hygiene, safety, privacy, and infection control. Do not rely on unfamiliar outside materials.
Knowledge of the skills list and critical steps
Be prepared to perform assigned skills exactly as taught, including explaining steps when required. Confirm with your training program or provider which skills are tested and how they are scored.
Water and a light snack for afterward
Stay hydrated and eat normally before the exam. Keep snacks and drinks outside the testing area unless the provider says otherwise.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the testing provider’s phone number in case of delay, illness, or directions problems. Confirm the provider’s policy for lateness or rescheduling.
Plan the day
Re-read your provider’s admission instructions and confirm the test date, time, location, ID rules, dress code, and what you may bring. Practice each skill aloud in order using your training program’s checklist.
Gather your ID, confirmation document, uniform, shoes, watch, and pen. Confirm transportation and parking, and arrange for any caregiving or work coverage you need.
Do a final light review of skill steps and critical safety points. Pack your bag, set out clothes, charge your phone if you need it for directions, and get a full night’s sleep.
Avoid cramming unfamiliar material. If you feel unwell, call the testing provider promptly to ask about illness or rescheduling policies.
Eat a normal meal, dress in clean scrubs and safe shoes, and bring your ID, confirmation, watch, and pen. Leave phones and valuables at home or secure them as directed.
Arrive at the provider-specified time with extra travel margin. Check in, follow sign-in instructions, and keep conversation with other candidates minimal.
Listen carefully to the proctor’s instructions. When a skill begins, state what you are doing if required, perform steps in order, and verbalize safety and privacy measures as taught.
Ask the evaluator only for clarification of instructions, not for coaching on how to perform a skill. If equipment is missing or unsafe, tell the evaluator before continuing.
Follow hand-hygiene and infection-control steps exactly. Do not improvise or skip critical steps, even if you feel rushed.
Return any borrowed supplies, collect your belongings as directed, and leave the testing area. Ask the provider how and when results will be reported.
Rules to check
Bring the ID and admission documents your testing provider requires. If your name or ID does not match your registration, ask the provider before test day how to correct it.
Follow the provider’s conduct rules. Do not use phones, smartwatches, notes, or other unauthorized materials during the exam; confirm the exact electronic-device policy with the provider.
Wear the required uniform and safe footwear. Remove dangling jewelry or anything that could interfere with patient care unless the provider says otherwise.
Arrive at the scheduled time. Lateness, rescheduling, and no-show policies vary, so confirm them with the testing provider in advance.
Take breaks only when and where the proctor directs. Do not leave the testing area or communicate with others during the exam unless you have permission.
Skills are scored against a standardized checklist. Critical safety or infection-control steps must be performed correctly; confirm the provider’s exact passing and retake rules before test day.
Do not discuss or share exam content with other candidates. If you believe there is an equipment problem or unsafe condition, notify the evaluator immediately.
Ask the provider, not other candidates, about scoring, results, retakes, or registry reporting. Policies can differ by testing site and provider.