Prometric Nurse Aide Competency Examination

The Prometric Nurse Aide Competency Examination is a certification test used by participating states to assess whether nurse aide candidates meet required competency standards. It is generally taken after completing a state-approved nurse aide training program, although eligibility rules and accepted training pathways can vary. Passing the required examination components is typically part of becoming eligible for placement on the state nurse aide registry. The exam is a competency assessment, not a job interview or a general college admission test.

The exam commonly includes a knowledge evaluation and a hands-on skills evaluation, but the exact format, scheduling, and available options depend on the state. Knowledge topics often include resident rights, privacy and dignity, communication, infection prevention, safety, and emergency procedures. The skills portion assesses the ability to perform assigned care tasks safely and in the required sequence. To prepare, review your state’s current Prometric candidate handbook and training materials, then practice explaining procedures and applying them accurately—not just memorizing definitions.