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Wisconsin CNA Skills Test: Every Skill and Critical Step

Wisconsin’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
30 minutes
Skills on the list
17
Critical steps marked
29

How it is scored: Perform all key (bold) steps and at least 80% of the non-key steps on each task.

Hand hygiene: Every task includes scored hand hygiene: non-mandatory tasks start and end with hand sanitizer on all surfaces rubbed until dry; the 4 mandatory first tasks end with full soap-and-water hand washing (not recontaminating hands is the key step).

The 17 skills on the list

  1. Apply an Anti-Embolic Stocking to a Resident's Leg
  2. Assist a Resident to Ambulate Using a Gait Belt
  3. Assist a Resident Who Is Dependent with a Meal
  4. Assist a Resident with a Bedpan (Modified) with Hand Washing
  5. Catheter Care for a Female Resident with Hand Washing
  6. Denture Care: Clean an Upper or Lower Denture
  7. Don an Isolation Gown and Gloves, Empty a Urinary Bag, Measure and Record Output, and Doff the Gown and Gloves with Hand Washing
  8. Dress a Bedridden Resident with an Affected (Weak) Side
  9. Foot Care for One Foot
  10. Modified Bed Bath: Whole Face and One Arm, Hand, and Underarm
  11. Oral Care: Brush a Resident's Teeth
  12. Perineal Care for a Female Resident with Hand Washing
  13. Position a Resident in Bed on Their Side
  14. Range of Motion for a Resident's Hip and Knee
  15. Range of Motion for a Resident's Shoulder
  16. Stand and Pivot Transfer a Weight-Bearing Resident from Their Bed to a Wheelchair Using a Gait Belt
  17. Vital Signs: Count and Record a Resident's Radial Pulse and Respirations

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

  1. Clean hands with hand sanitizer: cover every surface of both hands and rub until fully dry.
  2. Explain the procedure to the resident.
  3. Raise the bed.
  4. Provide privacy by pulling the curtain.
  5. Keep the resident covered, exposing only one leg.
  6. Roll, gather or turn the stocking inside out down to the heel.
  7. Put 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.
  10. Adjust the stocking if needed.
  11. Leave the stocking smooth, with no wrinkles. (critical)
  12. Lower the bed.
  13. Stay respectful and polite with the resident the whole time.
  14. Leave the call light or signal device where the resident can easily reach it.
  15. Clean hands with hand sanitizer: cover every surface of both hands and rub until fully dry.

Steps are written in our words from D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)’s candidate handbook (Wisconsin Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook V.75, effective August 19, 2026), in the same order, with critical steps as the handbook marks them. The handbook is the final word.

Also for the Wisconsin exam

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