The skills test can feel intimidating, but it’s very manageable once you know what evaluators look for. You’ll usually be assigned a handful of skills to perform while an evaluator observes. Consistency and attention to the small steps are what earn a passing score.
The indirect care steps evaluators always watch
Before the specific skill, there are steps expected on nearly every task. Skipping these is one of the most common reasons candidates lose points.
- Wash your hands at the start.
- Introduce yourself and explain what you’re going to do.
- Provide for the resident’s privacy.
- Check for comfort and safety throughout.
- Place the call light within reach and wash your hands when finished.
Skills you may be asked to perform
The exact list varies, but commonly evaluated skills include:
- Handwashing and using personal protective equipment
- Measuring vital signs such as pulse, respirations, and blood pressure
- Transferring a resident and ambulating with a gait belt
- Positioning a resident and performing range-of-motion exercises
- Personal care: partial bed bath, mouth care, perineal care, and dressing
- Measuring and recording urinary output
How to practice effectively
Practice each skill out loud and in order, narrating what you’re doing as if the evaluator is watching. Repetition builds the muscle memory that keeps nerves from derailing you. Use a skills checklistto confirm you’re including every step — especially the indirect care steps that are easy to forget under pressure.
Review our detailed skills checklist to see the common skills laid out by category, then pair it with written practice so both halves of your exam prep move forward together.