Ohio CNA Skills Test Guide

Last reviewed November 5, 2026

The skills test is the part most people worry about. You’ll perform 3 or 4 randomly chosen tasks in 35 minutes. To pass a task you must do every key step (bold in the handbook) and at least 80% of the other steps.

Steps that count on almost every task

• Knock, introduce yourself, identify the resident, explain the procedure.
• Hand hygiene before and after.
• Provide privacy (curtain, cover the resident).
• Lock bed/wheelchair brakes when needed; return the bed to its lowest position.
• Leave the call light within reach.

Commonly tested skills

Hand hygiene; measuring and recording blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and weight; perineal care; catheter care; denture and mouth care; dressing; feeding; ambulation with a gait belt; transfers (bed to wheelchair); positioning on side; passive range of motion; measuring and recording urine output; applying knee-high elastic stockings; donning and doffing PPE.

The full, current checklists are in the Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (D&S/Headmaster, rev. Oct 19, 2026). Practice each one out loud until you can do it without notes.