How to Challenge the CNA Test in Florida
If you’ve gone through an average schooling scenario, you are used to attending a class, studying, and then taking an exam. You would have to be pretty crazy to skip the class part and go right to the test, right? Believe it or not, here in the Florida CNA world, many people try to do just that, and they succeed. This is what it means to challenge the CNA exam in Florida.
What Does It Look Like To Challenge the CNA Test?
Here in Florida, challenging the CNA exam means that you sign up for and take the CNA exam without going through the state-accredited 120-hour training course. If you pass the exam, you receive your certification the same as you would if you went through a training course. You can challenge the exam up to three times. After the third time, you are not barred from the exam—you are just required to attend a state-accredited 120-hour training course before trying again.
The Challenges of Challenging the CNA Test
At a glance, this may seem simple. After all, there are practice materials available, so you could still study up a little before walking into the exam. However, the CNA nursing exam isn’t just a multiple-choice test that you can bubble in and be done with. It requires a written and skill portion. While you can learn about the skills from a book or online, it’s challenging to perform the skill without experience. Again, it is far from impossible, but there is a reason they call it “challenging” the exam.
How to Get Ready to Challenge the CNA Test
To get ready to Challenge the CNA test you can:
- Self-prepare. As the name implies, you can get ready for the state exam by searching the internet for videos of the skills, watching YouTube tutorials, and buying study guides online. If you have the discipline to practice and take online or study guide quizzes, then this option might work well for you.
- Take an “Exam Prep Class”. These classes usually last 2 or 3 days. They will focus mainly on learning and practicing (one or two times max) all 22 skills, and give you time to take practice quizzes to prepare you for the written exam. The benefit of taking an “Exam Prep Class” instead of just going the self-prepare route, is that you have an instructor to ask questions, who can give you pointers and insights about the skills and written test, and provide you with information about what does it involve to be a CNA.
“Challenging” the exam has its pros and its cons.
- Pros: Time effective, and cost effective. You can challenge the CNA test up to 3 times
- Cons: You might approach the exam with questions and uncertainties. You are required to take both parts of the exam, written and skills. If you fail 3 times, if you want to try again, you have to enroll in a state-approved 120-hour CNA training class.
How To Know if You Should Challenge the CNA Test
Other than being eighteen and having your diploma or GED, there are no specifications as far as who can and cannot challenge the CNA test. It all comes down to your personal confidence in your abilities.
Most importantly, while passing the exam and obtaining your license is a significant milestone, it’s essential to recognize that watching videos and practicing with mannequins and peers may not fully prepare you for the reality of the job. Being a CNA involves demanding work, and you may find yourself unprepared for the genuine challenges of caring for another human being.
If you aren’t a good test taker, struggle under pressure, and have no background in science, there’s no shame in taking your time and going through a training program. But, if you do well under pressure and have previous experience, such as a high school AP course related to medicine or caregiving for relatives, you may be a good candidate to challenge the CNA test. Click here to find out more about our CNA ‘Exam Prep Class”. Ready to challenge the CNA test? click here to go to the official CNA testing site, Prometric, and register.