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Ohio CNA Skills Test: Every Skill and Critical Step

Ohio’s CNA skills test is given by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Below: the test format, every skill on the list, and one skill in full.

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The test

Tested by
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Skills on the test
3-4 tasks
Time allowed
35 minutes
Skills on the list
21
Critical steps marked
33

How it is scored: On every task: perform all critical/key (bold) steps and at least 80% of the non-key steps.

Hand hygiene: Every task starts and ends with scored hand hygiene. The first task is always one of five mandatory tasks with embedded soap-and-water hand washing at the end; other tasks start and end with hand-sanitizer hand hygiene.

The 21 skills on the list

  1. Apply an Anti-Embolic Stocking on a Resident's Leg
  2. Assist a Resident to Ambulate Using a Gait Belt
  3. Assist a Resident to Ambulate with a Walker Using a Gait Belt
  4. Assist a Resident with a Bedpan, Measure and Record Output, with Hand Washing
  5. Bed Bath (Partial): Whole Face and One Arm, Hand, and Underarm
  6. Change a Male Resident's Brief and Provide Perineal Care, with Hand Washing
  7. Denture Care: Clean a Resident's Upper or Lower Denture
  8. Don PPE (Gown, Gloves, Goggles or Face Shield), Empty a Urinary Drainage Bag, Measure and Record Output, Doff PPE, with Hand Washing
  9. Don PPE (Gown and Gloves), Provide Catheter Care for a Female Resident, Doff PPE, with Hand Washing
  10. Dress a Bedridden Resident with an Affected (Weak) Side
  11. Feed a Dependent Resident in Bed
  12. Hair Care for a Resident
  13. Make an Occupied Bed
  14. Mouth Care: Brush a Resident's Teeth
  15. Nail Care for a Resident
  16. Perineal Care for a Female Resident, with Hand Washing
  17. Position a Resident in Bed on Their Side
  18. Range of Motion for a Resident's Hip and Knee
  19. Range of Motion for a Resident's Shoulder
  20. Stand and Pivot-Transfer a Resident from Bed to Wheelchair Using a Gait Belt
  21. Vital Signs: Take and Record a Resident's Pulse and Respirations

One skill in full: Apply an Anti-Embolic Stocking on a Resident's Leg

  1. Clean your hands with hand sanitizer: cover every surface of both hands, then rub until dry.
  2. Explain the procedure to the resident.
  3. Raise the bed to between mid-thigh and waist height.
  4. Pull the privacy curtain.
  5. Keep the resident covered, exposing only one leg.
  6. Roll, gather, or turn the stocking inside out down to the heel.
  7. Fully place the stocking over the toes, foot, and heel.
  8. Roll or pull the stocking up the leg.
  9. Check the toes for pressure from the stocking and adjust if needed.
  10. Leave the stocking smooth, with no wrinkles. (critical)
  11. Lower the bed.
  12. Open the privacy curtain.
  13. Maintain respectful, courteous interaction with the resident throughout.
  14. Place the call light or signal device within easy reach of the resident.
  15. Clean your hands with hand sanitizer: cover every surface of both hands, then rub until dry.

Steps are written in our words from D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)’s candidate handbook (Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, Version 27, effective December 1, 2025), in the same order, with critical steps as the handbook marks them. The handbook is the final word.

Also for the Ohio exam

Practise the written part with the Ohio CNA practice test, and check a certification on the Ohio nurse aide registry.