Virginia CNA skills test: which skills, how long, and how is it scored?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Virginia's skills evaluation (Credentia) is five skills in 30 minutes: Handwashing is always one of them, and one of the four randomly selected skills is a measurement skill. You must pass all five; each skill requires every critical element step plus enough other steps to meet that skill's cut score. Electronic blood pressure is not tested in Virginia.
| # | Skill | Tested in VA? |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Virginia |
| 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) |
Scoring in Virginia
- Five of five skills must be passed.
- Critical element steps must be correct, and you must perform enough other steps to meet the passing standard (cut score) for each skill.
- For a measurement skill, full credit requires an accurate measurement recorded digitally in the Candidate Results box.
- Corrections: say so, then redo only the steps you want to correct — not the whole skill.
You'll play the client too
Virginia candidates act as the nursing home client for another candidate's evaluation. Dress so your sleeves and pant legs can be rolled up.
Quick answers
- Is there always a measurement skill in Virginia?
- Yes. The Virginia skill evaluation page says one measurement skill is included among the randomly selected skills.
- Is blood pressure on the Virginia CNA skills test?
- Manual blood pressure can be; electronic blood pressure is marked not tested in Virginia.
- How long is the Virginia skills test?
- 30 minutes for all five skills.
What to do next
Practice your measurement skill until you're inside the tolerance every 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
- Credentia NNAAP skills list: all 23 skills and their tolerances
- Why do people fail the CNA measurement skills?
- Georgia CNA skills test: what to expect in the 30 minutes
- Is handwashing always on the CNA skills test?
- Texas CNA skills test list 2026: which skills are on the exam?
- Florida CNA skills checklist: what's on the Prometric skills test?
- What skills are tested on the California CNA skills exam?
- PA CNA skills test: is hand washing always on it, and which skills are tested?
Sources
- Credentia Virginia handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Credentia Virginia handbook — Skills
- Credentia Virginia handbook — Exam overview
- Virginia Board of Nursing
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.