Is manual blood pressure on the California skills test?

Yes, in Credentia's California-region listing manual BP is the state-specific BP skill; you must be within ±8 mm Hg on both numbers.

How long is the California skills exam?

30 minutes for five skills in Credentia's California-region exam overview.

What skills are tested on the California CNA skills exam?

Updated November 12, 2026 · Reviewed against official sources

If you test with Credentia's California region program, you perform five randomly selected skills in 30 minutes, chosen from a 23-skill NNAAP-style list on which electronic blood pressure is marked not tested in California (manual blood pressure is the state-specific BP skill). California approves more than one testing program, so confirm which handbook applies to you with your training program.

Credentia California-region skills listing (checked 2026-11-12)
#	Skill	Tested in CA?
1	Hand hygiene (hand washing)	Yes
2	Applies one knee-high elastic stocking	Yes
3	Assists to ambulate using transfer belt	Yes
4	Assists with use of bedpan	Yes
5	Cleans upper or lower denture	Yes
6	Counts and records radial pulse	Yes
7	Counts and records respirations	Yes
8	Donning and removing PPE (gown and gloves)	Yes
9	Dresses client with affected (weak) right arm	Yes
10	Feeds client who cannot feed self	Yes
11	Gives modified bed bath (face and one arm, hand and underarm)	Yes
12	Measures and records electronic blood pressure	Not tested in California
13	Measures and records urinary output	Yes
14	Measures and records weight of ambulatory client	Yes
15	Modified passive ROM for one knee and one ankle	Yes
16	Modified passive ROM for one shoulder	Yes
17	Positions on side	Yes
18	Provides catheter care for female	Yes
19	Provides foot care on one foot	Yes
20	Provides mouth care	Yes
21	Provides perineal care (peri-care) for female	Yes
22	Transfers from bed to wheelchair using transfer belt	Yes
23	Measures and records manual blood pressure	Yes (state-specific)

Format

Five randomly selected skills, 30 minutes to complete them (Credentia California-region exam overview).
Critical element steps are in bold on each checklist; missing one fails that skill.
Measurement accuracy: pulse within ±4 beats, respirations ±2, urinary output ±25 mL, weight ±2 lb, manual BP within ±8 mm Hg for both numbers. See tolerances.
Handwashing: lather at least 20 seconds, hands lower than elbows; pulse and respirations are counted for a full minute; ROM needs at least three repetitions unless the client reports pain.

Which California testing program are you in?

CDPH approves the competency exam; testing is delivered by approved programs. Credentia's California page covers the region formerly served by the Northern Regional Testing Center. If your program uses a different tester, its handbook decides the skills list.

Quick answers

What skills are tested on the California CNA skills exam?: Five skills chosen at random from the program's list. In Credentia's California-region list that's 22 testable skills, because electronic blood pressure is marked not tested in California.
Is manual blood pressure on the California skills test?: Yes, in Credentia's California-region listing manual BP is the state-specific BP skill; you must be within ±8 mm Hg on both numbers.
How long is the California skills exam?: 30 minutes for five skills in Credentia's California-region exam overview.

What to do next

Drill the measurement skills hardest — they're graded on the number, not just the steps.

Why measurement skills fail Get full access — $29 one-time

You must pass the written test too. Take the free 20-question practice test, or unlock the timed 60-question exam simulator, the full question bank and every skill checklist for $29 one-time (or $9/month).

Related guides

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.