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Oregon CNA Skills Test: Every Skill and Critical Step

Oregon’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
15
Critical steps marked
37

How it is scored: Perform all key steps correctly and at least 80% of non-key steps on each task. Steps or corrections only said aloud do not count.

Hand hygiene: First task is one of 5 mandatory tasks with scored soap-and-water hand washing at the end; every other task starts and ends with scored hand-sanitizer hand hygiene.

The 15 skills on the list

  1. Ambulate a Client with a Walker Using a Gait Belt
  2. Assist a Client to Use a Bedpan, Measure and Record Output with Hand Washing
  3. Assist a Dependent Client with a Meal in Bed
  4. Bed Bath (Partial) for a Client: Whole Face, Arm, Hand and Armpit
  5. Catheter Care for a Male Client with Hand Washing
  6. Dress a Bedridden Client
  7. Mouth Care: Brush a Client's Teeth
  8. Perineal Care for a Female Client with Hand Washing
  9. Perineal Care for a Male Client and Change Their Soiled Brief with Hand Washing
  10. Put On a Gown and Gloves, Measure and Record Output from a Urinary Drainage Bag, Remove Gown and Gloves with Hand Washing
  11. Range of Motion for a Client's Upper (One Shoulder) and Lower (Hip and Knee) Extremities
  12. Re-position a Client on Their Side in the Bed
  13. Transfer a Client from a Wheelchair to Their Bed Using a Gait Belt
  14. Vital Signs: Take and Record a Client's Blood Pressure and Pulse Oximetry
  15. Vital Signs: Take and Record a Client's Temperature (Touchless Infrared Thermometer), Radial Pulse and Respirations

One skill in full: Ambulate a Client with a Walker Using a Gait Belt

  1. Knock on the door.
  2. Clean your hands with hand sanitizer: cover every surface and rub until completely dry.
  3. Tell the client what you are going to do.
  4. Lock the bed brakes for the client's safety. (critical)
  5. Lower the bed so the client's feet will be flat on the floor when sitting on the edge.
  6. Help the client sit up.
  7. Put the gait belt around the waist to steady the trunk, and tighten it.
  8. Check the belt by sliding your fingers between it and the client.
  9. Help the client put on shoes.
  10. Help the client stand.
  11. Place the walker in front of the client.
  12. Make sure the client has steadied the walker.
  13. Stand behind and slightly to the side of the client.
  14. Walk beside and a little behind the client.
  15. Walk the client safely at least ten (10) steps to the wheelchair.
  16. Lock the wheelchair brakes for the client's safety. (critical)
  17. Help the client sit in the wheelchair in a controlled, safe way.
  18. Use correct body mechanics the whole time.
  19. Take off the gait belt.
  20. Leave the client comfortable and safe.
  21. Stay respectful and polite with the client the whole time.
  22. Leave the client within easy reach of the call light or signal device.
  23. Clean your hands with hand sanitizer: cover every surface and rub until completely dry.

Steps are written in our words from D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)’s candidate handbook (Oregon NA Candidate Handbook, updated July 2026), in the same order, with critical steps as the handbook marks them. The handbook is the final word.

Also for the Oregon exam

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