What PPE and glove mistakes fail the CNA skills test?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
PPE fails come from order and contamination: putting gloves on before the gown, gloves not covering the gown cuffs, touching the contaminated outside when removing, or not removing gloves before touching clean items. In North Carolina, failing to put on or remove gloves properly after a reminder means a correction earns no credit, so get gloves right the first time.
| Vendor | PPE skill |
|---|---|
| Credentia | Donning and removing PPE (gown and gloves) |
| D&S Headmaster (OH) | Gown, gloves and goggles/face shield with emptying a drainage bag; gown and gloves with female catheter care (both mandatory first-task options) |
| Prometric (TX, FL) | No separate PPE skill; glove use scored inside skills and Indirect Care |
Safe order
- Hand hygiene.
- Gown: tie at neck and waist.
- Gloves last, over the gown cuffs.
- Remove gloves first without touching the outside with bare skin, then the gown rolled inside-out away from you.
- Hand hygiene.
Quick answers
- Can I correct a glove mistake?
- Generally yes, but Credentia NC gives no credit for a glove correction after a reminder.
- Is PPE always tested in Ohio?
- Two of Ohio's five mandatory first-task options include PPE.
- Do I wear goggles?
- Only if your task lists them (Ohio's drainage bag task).
What to do next
Gloves are tied to every peri and catheter step too.
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
- Why do people fail perineal care and catheter care on the CNA skills test?
- Why do people fail handwashing on the CNA skills test?
- Can you correct a mistake during the CNA skills test?
- Why do people fail the CNA measurement skills?
- Why do people fail the transfer and ambulation skills?
- Why do people fail range of motion and positioning on the CNA skills test?
- How do you avoid running out of time on the CNA skills test?
Sources
- Credentia North Carolina handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Credentia North Carolina handbook — Skills
- Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, Version 27, December 2025 (D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster, PDF)
- Texas Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin (Prometric, PDF)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.