Free CNA Training and Certification Resources

What are nurse aide certification exam preparation courses? This type of course is usually offered by two-year community colleges as well as private schools to individuals who completed a nurse aide training program. The course's main goal is to help you prepare for the CNA state exam. Keep in mind that there is a fee associated with each course and the cost depends on the facility offering the review. Are these type of CNA certification review courses really helpful and do they deserve your time and money? Individual student experiences vary widely when it comes to evaluating the benefits of attending these courses. If you are not disciplined when it comes to studying for the certification exam then you may benefit from enrolling in a structured review class. However, if you have no problem setting aside time for studying and practicing by yourself, then you do not really need to pay and attend a CNA certification exam preparation class.

The review classes focus mostly on performing clinical skills such as hand washing, practicing aseptic techniques, measuring vital signs, performing mouth and denture care, and bathing a patient. If you don't want to pay for formal training, you can practice these skills in the privacy of your home and make use of CNA practice skills videos for referencing any steps you might have forgotten. All you need are several good resources for CNA practice tests and skills videos to get started. Practice the skills you learned during the nurse aide training class and you will pass the hands-on portion of the certified nurse aide examination. To be successful on the written part, study your class notes and then test yourself with our free practice questions and answers as well as tests you might find in your textbooks. This type of preparation is just as good and effective as that offered in formal CNA review classes.

Recording Client Information
In most healthcare facilities you will be required to record the care you give to your patients. This video lesson focuses on the purpose of medical records (charts) and on how to correctly record patient information. (part 1, part 2, part 3)

CNA Exam Practice Questions
Here you can find 20 practice questions to help you prepare for certification testing. Answers, along with explanations, follow the questions.

Certified Nurse Aide Practice Test
Here you can find the Certified Nursing Assistant Candidate Handbook for the State of South Dakota and at the bottom of the document is a sample nurse aide exam which has six questions and answers.

Bloodborne Infections
This video lesson deals with bloodborne infections. Learn about OSHA policies regarding infection control as well as standard precautions from the CDC. (part 1, part 2, part 3)

Study Materials for CNA Classes
This presentation covers 28 subjects and is similar to what an instructor would use in class but is no substitute for in-depth training materials.

Personal Safety Measures
This video lesson focuses on emergencies including first aid procedures for chocking, bleeding control, heart attack, stroke, seizures and much more. (part 1, part 2, part 3)

Posture and Body Mechanics
Learn about proper posture and body mechanics. This video has an emphasis on preventing back injuries. (part 1, part 2, part 3)

Texas Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook
This page contains specific information about the Texas nurse aides test including the steps you must follow to apply for and take the test to become a certified nurse aide.

Physical Restraining Devices
This is a lesson about the lawful use of physical restraining devices in long term care facilities and hospitals. (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4)

Complete Bed Bath
As a caregiver, one of your responsibilities will be to bathe the patients. Learn how to give a complete bed bath to your patients. (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4)

Topical Application of Medication to Skin
In certain states, nursing assistants are allowed to apply certain medications to the skin. This video deals with topical applications of medications to the skin. (part 1, part 2, part 3)

Fluid Balance
Learn about the importance of water and other fluids in our bodies. The lesson deals with fluid intake, fluid output, the effects of certain fluids on the body and much more. (part 1, part 2, part 3)

Bowel Elimination
This lesson deals with the different ways the body uses to eliminate waste with an emphasis on bowel movement and the gastrointestinal system. (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4)

Virginia Certified Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook
Here you can find the nurse aide candidate handbook for the State of Virginia.

Enema and Suppository Treatment
This lesson deals with the structure and function of the gastrointestinal system as well as constipation and different ways to deal with it in a healthcare setting. (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4)

Range of Motion Exercises
Learn about what problems can be caused by a lack of exercise, and how a caregiver can help patients get enough exercise. (part 1, part 2, part 3)

CNA Training Videos ( Page 3 )

A nursing assistant training course gives you the knowledge and skills required for entry-level CNA jobs, but as a nurse aide program graduate you must prove your competency by passing a state exam. The nurse aide test is the final challenge you need to overcome so that you can hold certification in a particular state. Nursing assistants who move from one state to another and wish to transfer their CNA certificate are also required by several states to sit for the nurse aide competency exam. Candidates challenging this test for the first time might experience a certain level of nervousness and anxiety. These feelings are absolutely normal, and usually subside once the test begins.

Some of the most important things you can do to prepare for the CNA exam include: give yourself enough time to prepare for the test after you complete the nursing assistant training; review your notes and take any available practice tests; practice the skills outlined in the candidate handbook; rest well prior to the exam day, and keep a positive attitude. The nurse aide exam is not identical in every state. If you are applying for transfer of your certification from one state to another and have to challenge the CNA exam, make sure you obtain a candidate handbook from the testing agency in the state to which you are endorsing. This will ensure that you study the material you will be tested on, and that you are aware of any differences in skills or procedures required in that particular state.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions

Judy S. on August 12, 2014 at 10:25 PM
Can I enroll in an online CNA class if I don't have a high school diploma?


Admin on August 13, 2014 at 06:15 AM
It depends on what the requirements are for the online CNA program you choose. Just like with traditional CNA classes, some educational institutions require a high-school diploma or GED while other do not.


My girlfriend is already a caregiver who has worked at a facility for over two years, is it possible for her to take the test instead of enrolling in a CNA class or must she enroll beforehand?

Is there an example of the CNA test online I can take?

Could you give some examples of questions I might be asked at a CNA job interview?

Can I join a CNA training course as a J-2 visa holder? Am I allowed to work as a certified nursing assistant after I finish the training and pass the certification exam?

Is it typical to use a staffing agency to get job placement after becoming a CNA?

CNA Resources

Being a Successful C.N.A

Besides knowledge and proficiency there are many qualities which define a competent CNA. Our list includes the answers of residents, families, and those of experienced nurse aides who have been in the health care field for an extended period of time. Most of the qualities listed below represent the reasons and motivational factors driving new individuals to become certified nurse aides.


A competent CNA shows support for others, as well as patience, compassion and empathy. To become a good nursing assistant one needs to understand the meaning of being a team player. An effective nursing assistant learns to become a good listener who cares about and understands the needs of the residents, has a helping nature and a positive attitude. Both patients and co-workers appreciate a smile, an upbeat personality, as well as someone who takes pride in their work. A nurse aide job requires good organizational skills, patience, good judgment, and effective communication.

CNA Training Programs

Nurse Aide Registries