Certified Nursing Assistant

The State of Utah requires that each student completing the UT nursing assistant course learn and demonstrate the ability to perform more than 70 skills. This is documented while enrolled in our program by completing the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) Nursing Assistant Skill Proficiency Performance List (NAPP). Of the 70+ skills learned, 22 have been identified for inclusion in the state skills exam, which are included in the skills handbook and covered extensively throughout our program. Of these 22, students will be expected to perform 5 random skills during the state test. To pass the skill exam students must receive a minimum score of 80% for each skill performed along with 100% of key steps and complete testing within 45 minutes.

The knowledge portion of the exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. In order to pass the knowledge test students must receive a minimum score of 75%. This means students must answer a minimum of 57 questions correctly to pass this portion of the exam. The exam questions are selected randomly by the testing software from a large pool of questions that have been approved by a UNAR Test Advisory Panel. The panel consists of nursing assistant instructors from the State of Utah. Each question has been reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness by the panel. You have up to 2 hours to complete the exam.

UNAR has independent testing site partners across the state in Blanding, Cedar City, Kaysville, Hurricane, Lehi, Logan, Moab, Ogden, Price, Richfield, Roosevelt, Salt Lake City, St. George, Tooele, and Vernal.

Test Scheduling

Each test site is run independently and sets their own schedule. To view the most current list of our testing sites, visit UNARs website at https://utahcnaregistry.com and view the Test Site Information document. This document will also list each sites testing hours and whether an appointment is required for the knowledge exam or if they welcome walk-ins. Appointments are always required for the skill exam. This document can also be viewed in your TMU personal portal.

To schedule a test with a specific test site, you must login to your TMU personal portal and pay for the test. Testing fees are non-refundable. Once you have paid for your test, you will be able to access all the testing appointments that are available. You can also reschedule any testing appointments through your TMU personal portal. Step-by-step scheduling instructions can be found on https://utahcnaregistry.com.

Any changes or cancellations to a testing appointment must be made at least one full business day prior to your testing appointment. If you fail to show up to your scheduled appointment, you will forfeit your testing fee. If you schedule an appointment for your knowledge test and later decide you would like to test as a walk-in, you must first cancel your testing appointment. If you miss your scheduled testing appointment, you will forfeit your testing fee.

ID Requirements

A current, valid, photo ID must be presented at time of testing and must be the original ID. Photo, fax, or digital copies will not be accepted. First and last name on ID must match first and last name of tester in TMU. The identification must have an expiration date and must be current. The following forms of identification are acceptable:
Driver’s license, learner’s permit, or temporary operator card from any state
Identification issued by any branch, department, or agency of the US or State of Utah
High school, technical school, college, or professional school identification within the State of Utah may not have expiration date but must be current school year
A tribal identification card
Passport from any country

Items Allowed During Testing

Personal items are to be stored according to test site policy. No cell phones are allowed. You may use a calculator, scratch paper, and pencil/pen, all of which are provided by the testing site. A translation dictionary is allowed but must be provided to the testing center in advance for inspection and may not contain definitions or added notes. All equipment needed for the skills test will be provided by the testing site including blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and a watch.

Dress for Skills Exam

All examinees must wear scrubs, closed toe shoes, have their hair tied back, and no dangling jewelry.

Physical Limitations

You will not be allowed to take the skills exam if you have an injury, serious illness or are more than 6 months pregnant without providing the testing site with a health care providers release to work full duty as a CNA.

Accommodations

Accommodations for testing may be requested by completing the ADA Accommodations Request form available on UNARs website, https://utahcnaregistry.com. The completed form and supporting documentation must be submitted to UNAR as directed on the form.

Three Testing Attempts

Students completing a training course have up to 1 year to pass both the knowledge and skill exams and are given up to three attempts at both portions of the exam.

Most employers will require BLS with AED certification (CPR for Healthcare Providers) and immunizations; Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B series, Covid-19 series and seasonal Influenza vaccine. Some employers will cover the cost for some or all of the required vaccines, if student is employed while enrolled in nursing assistant training program (within 120 days of Certification). Employers will also require a current drug screen and background check.

Advancement within the nursing profession requires completion of all pre-nursing courses and for admittance to the UT Nursing Program, state Certification as CNA. Patient contact experience is highly valued.