5.4 Final Review & Exam-Day Strategy
Key Takeaways
High-yield recap: hand hygiene is the #1 infection measure, Standard Precautions apply to everyone, and residents' rights and safety outrank efficiency every time
The PSI knowledge test has 60 questions in 90 minutes and a 75% passing score; 90/60 gives a planning average of 1.5 minutes per question.
Spot qualifier keywords (FIRST, BEST, EXCEPT, NEVER, INITIAL); when two answers seem right, choose the one that is safest, protects dignity, and is within CNA scope
Each assigned skills task requires at least 80% of its scored steps and no missed key step; knowledge and skills must both be passed.
Use separate appointment checklists: PSI requires two accepted IDs for knowledge testing; follow D&S instructions for the skills site.
Final review of the current format
The PSI New Jersey knowledge examination has 60 questions, 90 minutes and a 75% passing score. The published 12-topic outline totals 60 questions. A pacing average of 90/60 is 1.5 minutes per question; it is a study calculation, not an allocation required for each individual item.
The skills evaluation through D&S/Headmaster assigns five tasks: hand washing first, then four randomly selected tasks from the current 22-task list. Each task must meet at least 80% of its scored steps with no missed key step. Passing knowledge does not offset a failed skills evaluation.
For the usual training route, track both two years from training completion and one year from the first skills attempt. Use the earlier applicable deadline; approved waiver routes have separate conditions.
Review knowledge errors by topic and rehearse the exact published task checklist. Read the requested action and resident situation carefully; an independent study strategy is not a guarantee of passing.
Separate knowledge and skills appointments
For PSI knowledge testing, bring two accepted forms of identification: the primary government-issued photo ID with signature, and the accepted secondary ID with signature and preprinted legal name. Names must match the PSI record. Check the bulletin's complete list before relying on a particular document. Arrive 30 minutes before the PSI appointment for check-in and follow its prohibited-items and cancellation instructions.
For D&S skills testing, use that appointment's current instructions for identification, clothing, location, equipment and timing. Do not assume the PSI computer-room checklist or a Credentia/NNAAP timer applies to the skills site.
A suggested final week
| Days before your appointment | Independent preparation plan |
|---|---|
| 7–5 | Review the weakest knowledge topics and record why each wrong answer was wrong |
| 4–3 | Rehearse the current task checklists and actual corrective actions |
| 2 | Recheck eligibility dates, both testing deadlines and the separate vendor instructions |
| 1 | Confirm the location, appointment time, accepted ID and supplies |
| Appointment day | Follow the relevant vendor's check-in and task instructions |
This schedule is a study suggestion. It does not add official scoring steps, require a measurement task or promise a pass.
On the written exam you read: "A resident refuses a bath. What should the CNA do FIRST?" Two answers look reasonable. Which choice best applies the test-taking strategy for this question?
Tell the resident the bath is required and proceed gently
Respect the refusal, find out why, and report it to the nurse
Document that the resident is non-compliant and move on
Wait and give the bath later without telling anyone
A New Jersey candidate needs to know the written-exam pass standard before test day. Which statement is correct?
There is no minimum score; passing the skills test alone certifies you
You only need to answer 30 of 60 questions to pass
The written exam is graded purely pass/fail with no percentage involved
The knowledge test has 60 questions and a 75% passing score, and the skills evaluation must also be passed
A candidate arrives for a PSI New Jersey knowledge examination with only an unsigned debit card and a scheduling email as identification. What is the most likely outcome?
The candidate is admitted because the scheduling email proves the appointment
An unsigned debit card counts as one valid form of identification
The candidate can test now and bring proper ID to a later appointment
Testing may be denied because the required primary and secondary accepted IDs were not supplied
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.
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