Mississippi CNA Exam: Key Facts, Procedures, and Requirements

What is the passing score for the Mississippi CNA Knowledge Exam?

73% or better

How many questions are on the Knowledge Exam?

70 multiple-choice questions

How long do you have to complete the Knowledge Exam?

60 minutes

How many skill tasks will you perform on the Skill Test?

3 or 4 tasks (1 mandatory + 2 or 3 random)

How long do you have to complete the Skill Test?

30 minutes

What score is needed to pass each skill task?

80% on each task without missing any KEY steps

What happens if you miss a KEY step on a skill task?

Automatic failure for that task

How many attempts do you have to pass the CNA exam?

3 attempts within 24 months of training completion

What must you wear to the CNA exam?

Full clinical attire (scrubs) and closed-toe shoes

How early must you arrive before your exam start time?

20 minutes before the scheduled start time

What ID is required at the CNA exam?

Non-expired, US government-issued, signature-bearing photo ID

Are school IDs acceptable for the CNA exam?

No

What happens if your name on your ID does not match your TMU account?

You will be considered a NO-SHOW and forfeit testing fees

Are electronic devices allowed in the testing room?

No, all devices must be turned off and stored away

Are smart watches allowed during the CNA exam?

No, smart watches and fitness monitors must be removed

What type of watch is allowed during the CNA exam?

A standard watch with a second hand

Can you leave the testing room once the exam has started?

No, leaving for any reason means you cannot return

What website is used to schedule your Mississippi CNA exam?

ms.tmutest.com

How much does the Knowledge Exam cost?

$35.00

How much does the Audio Version of the Knowledge Exam cost?

$45.00 ($35 + $10 audio fee)

How much does the Skills Test cost?

$100.00

How much does the full exam cost (knowledge + skills)?

$135.00

Who administers the Mississippi CNA competency exam?

D&S Diversified Technologies (D&SDT) - Headmaster LLP

What does MSDH stand for?

Mississippi State Department of Health

What does MSNAR stand for?

Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry

How often must a CNA renew their certification?

Every 24 months

How many hours must you work as a nurse aide to be eligible for renewal?

At least 8 consecutive hours during the previous 24 months

How long after certification expires can you still renew without retesting?

30 days

What law established the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation program?

The Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA 1987)

What are the 4 possible MANDATORY first tasks on the Skills Test?

Bedpan with Hand Washing, Catheter Care, Don/Doff PPE with Urinary Drainage Bag, and Perineal Care

Which two mandatory skill tasks are demonstrated on a manikin?

Catheter Care and Perineal Care for a Female Resident

Are skill task steps order-dependent?

Only when the words BEFORE or AFTER are used in the step

Can you correct a mistake during the Skill Test?

Yes, tell the RN Test Observer and re-demonstrate the step correctly

What must you do at the end of each skill task?

Verbally tell the RN Test Observer you are finished

How long must you scrub/wash hands with soap during hand washing?

At least 20 seconds

How do you turn off the faucet after hand washing?

Use a clean, dry paper towel, then discard it

What is the KEY step when applying an anti-embolic stocking?

Leave the resident with a stocking that is smooth and wrinkle-free

How do you check gait belt tightness?

Slip fingers between the gait belt and the resident

How far must you ambulate the resident during the gait belt ambulation task?

At least 10 steps to the wheelchair

What position must a resident be in BEFORE feeding?

Upright sitting position at least 75-90 degrees

How long must you count the radial pulse?

One full minute

How long must you count respirations?

One full minute

How do you clean the catheter during catheter care?

Clean at least 3-4 inches down the tube with strokes only AWAY from the urethra

What must never happen to the catheter tube during a procedure?

The tube must not be tugged or pulled at any time.

In which direction should you clean during perineal care?

Always clean from front to back.

What soap products are not allowed during perineal care?

Peri-wash and no-rinse soap are not allowed.

What must be placed under the resident's buttocks during perineal care?

A waterproof pad.

What is the key step before cleaning a resident's mouth?

Put on gloves before cleaning.

Which surfaces must be brushed during mouth care?

Inner surfaces, outer surfaces, chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth, and the tongue.

What must you line the sink with before cleaning dentures?

A protective lining such as a towel, washcloth, or paper towels.

What temperature water should be used to rinse dentures?

Cool running water.

How should dentures be stored after cleaning?

Place in a rinsed cup with cool, clean water and replace the lid.

What is the key step when donning PPE (gown and gloves)?

The cuffs of the gloves must overlap the cuffs of the gown.

What must you do before removing the gown during doffing PPE?

Remove gloves before removing the gown.

What is the definition of abduction?

Moving a limb away from the body.

What is the definition of adduction?

Moving a limb toward the body.

What is the definition of flexion?

Bending a joint, decreasing the angle.

What is the definition of extension?

Straightening a joint, increasing the angle.

How many times must you complete each ROM movement?

At least 3 times.

What must you never do during range of motion exercises?

Force any joint beyond the point of free movement.

What position must the resident be in for hip and knee PROM?

Supine (bed flat).

How do you support the leg during hip and knee PROM?

One hand under the resident's knee, other hand under the resident's ankle.

How do you support the arm during shoulder PROM?

One hand under the resident's elbow, other hand under the resident's wrist.

What is the key step during foot care drying?

Dry thoroughly between the toes.

Where must lotion not be applied during foot care?

Between the resident's toes.

How do you wash the eyes during a bed bath?

Without soap, washing from inner to outer aspect using a clean portion of washcloth for each stroke.

Which subject area has the most questions on the Knowledge Exam?

Basic Nursing Skills (11 questions).

What is abdominal thrust?

An emergency maneuver used to dislodge an object from a choking person's airway (Heimlich maneuver).

What is aphasia?

Impaired ability to communicate due to brain damage.

What is aspiration?

Accidentally inhaling food, liquid, or objects into the lungs.

What is a contracture?

Permanent shortening of a muscle or joint due to lack of use or scarring.

What is dysphagia?

Difficulty swallowing.

What is dyspnea?

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

What is edema?

Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues

What is gerontology?

The study of aging and the elderly

What is HIPAA?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — protects patient privacy and health information

What is hypertension?

High blood pressure

What is hypoglycemia?

Low blood sugar — a dangerous condition especially in diabetic residents

What is an incident report?

A formal document completed when an accident, injury, or unusual event occurs

What is incontinence?

Inability to control bladder or bowel function

What is infection control?

Practices used to prevent the spread of infection (hand washing, PPE, isolation)

What is medical asepsis?

Practices that reduce the number and spread of microorganisms (clean technique)

What is metastasis?

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another

What is mobility?

The ability to move independently or with assistance

What is a nosocomial infection?

An infection acquired in a healthcare facility (hospital-acquired infection)

What is NPO?

Nothing By Mouth — patient must not eat or drink anything

What is an ombudsman?

A person who advocates for the rights and well-being of long-term care residents

What is osteoporosis?

A condition where bones become weak and brittle due to loss of bone density

What is passive range of motion (PROM)?

Moving a resident's joints through their full range of motion without the resident's effort

What is a pathogen?

A microorganism (bacteria, virus, fungus) that causes disease

What is peristalsis?

Wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract

What is PPE?

Personal Protective Equipment — gloves, gown, mask, goggles used to prevent infection spread

What is a pressure ulcer?

Skin breakdown caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shearing on skin (also decubitus ulcer)

What is rehabilitation?

The process of restoring a person to their highest possible level of function

What are resident rights?

Legal and ethical rights that all nursing home residents are entitled to under federal law

What is restorative care?

Care that helps residents regain or maintain their highest level of function and independence

What is a restraint?

A device used to limit a resident's movement — requires physician order and careful monitoring

What is scope of practice?

The procedures and actions a CNA is legally permitted to perform based on their training and licensure

What are standard precautions?

Infection control practices used with ALL patients regardless of diagnosis (hand hygiene, PPE, etc.)

What is sundowning?

Increased confusion and agitation in dementia patients that occurs in the late afternoon/evening