Can you correct a mistake during the CNA skills test?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Yes. With Credentia, Prometric and D&S Headmaster you can correct a mistake by telling the evaluator and then actually redoing the step. With Credentia and Prometric you must do it before you finish that skill; with Headmaster you can go back to any task until you say you're finished with the whole test.
| Vendor | When you can correct | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Credentia (NC, VA, GA) | During the skill; not after you begin a new skill | NC: no credit for glove corrections after a reminder, or for order-dependent steps corrected without stating their place |
| Prometric (TX, FL) | During the skill, by telling the evaluator | FL: no correction if the nurse had to step in for safety |
| D&S Headmaster (OH) | Any task, any time in the 35 minutes, until you say you're finished | You must physically redo the step |
Exactly what to say
Stop, look at the evaluator and say: "I'd like to correct a step. I did not lock the wheelchair brakes before the transfer." Then do it. Credentia's handbooks say you don't redo the entire skill, just the steps you want to correct.
When a correction can't save you
- The step was order dependent and the order can't be fixed after the fact (for example, hand hygiene before touching the resident).
- A safety intervention by the evaluator (Florida).
- You already moved on to the next skill (Credentia, Prometric).
Quick answers
- Will I lose points for correcting?
- The handbooks we checked give credit for a correction performed properly; the risk is in corrections that can't fix the order or safety.
- Can I go back to the first skill at the end?
- Only on D&S Headmaster tests (like Ohio). Not with Credentia or Prometric.
- Do I have to say "correction"?
- Tell the evaluator clearly you're making a correction; Prometric and Headmaster require it.
What to do next
Corrections eat time. Check how much time you actually have.
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
- What is a critical element step on the CNA skills test?
- Do you have to do CNA skills steps in order?
- How does the D&S Headmaster CNA skills test work?
- What PPE and glove mistakes fail the CNA skills test?
- How long is the CNA skills test?
- Is handwashing always on the CNA skills test?
- How close do your measurements have to be on the CNA skills test?
- What is indirect care on the CNA skills test?
Sources
- Credentia North Carolina handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Credentia Virginia handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Credentia Georgia handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Texas Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin (Prometric, PDF)
- Florida CNA Candidate Information Bulletin, Rev. 11012025 (Prometric, PDF)
- Ohio Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, Version 27, December 2025 (D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster, PDF)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.