Credentia NNAAP skills list: all 23 skills and their tolerances
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Credentia's NNAAP-style handbooks (used in states such as North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania and its California region) list 23 skills, and you perform five of them, usually in 30 minutes. Critical element steps are printed in bold and must be done correctly; measurements must fall within set tolerances, such as pulse within 4 beats and manual blood pressure within 8 mm Hg.
| Skill | Tolerance vs. the evaluator | Rounding / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Counts and records radial pulse | ±4 beats | Count one full minute |
| Counts and records respirations | ±2 breaths | Count one full minute |
| Measures and records manual blood pressure | ±8 mm Hg, systolic and diastolic each | Round UP to nearest 2 mm Hg |
| Measures and records electronic blood pressure | Exactly as displayed | Not tested in CA, PA or VA |
| Measures and records urinary output | ±25 mL | Between lines, round UP to nearest 25 mL |
| Measures and records weight of ambulatory client | ±2 lb (±0.9 kg) |
The 23 skills
- Hand hygiene (hand washing)
- Applies one knee-high elastic stocking
- Assists to ambulate using transfer belt
- Assists with use of bedpan (not tested in PA)
- Cleans upper or lower denture
- Counts and records radial pulse
- Counts and records respirations
- Donning and removing PPE (gown and gloves)
- Dresses client with affected (weak) right arm
- Feeds client who cannot feed self
- Gives modified bed bath (face and one arm, hand and underarm)
- Measures and records electronic blood pressure (state-specific; not tested in CA, PA, VA)
- Measures and records urinary output
- Measures and records weight of ambulatory client
- Modified passive range of motion for one knee and one ankle
- Modified passive range of motion for one shoulder
- Positions on side
- Provides catheter care for female
- Provides foot care on one foot
- Provides mouth care
- Provides perineal care (peri-care) for female
- Transfers from bed to wheelchair using transfer belt
- Measures and records manual blood pressure (state-specific)
Rules shared across Credentia states
- Five skills. NC, VA and GA say hand hygiene is always one of them; VA and GA add that one random skill includes a measurement.
- Critical element steps in bold — missing one fails the skill. Virginia adds a cut score for the remaining steps.
- Corrections: say you made a mistake and redo only those steps; you can't go back once you begin the next skill (NC).
- Candidate volunteers play the client.
- Hand washing: lather at least 20 seconds with hands lower than elbows; ROM at least three repetitions unless pain.
Quick answers
- How many skills are on the NNAAP skills test?
- Five skills from the 23-skill list, in 30 minutes in the Credentia states we checked (PA, VA, GA, California region).
- Is the NNAAP still run by Pearson VUE?
- Many former Pearson VUE NNAAP states now test with Credentia; check your state's handbook for the current vendor.
- Are electronic and manual BP interchangeable?
- No. The lists say evaluators must not substitute one for the other; each is state-specific.
What to do next
Measurement skills are where Credentia candidates lose points. Learn why.
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
- How close do your measurements have to be on the CNA skills test?
- North Carolina Nurse Aide I skills test: which skills are on it?
- Virginia CNA skills test: which skills, how long, and how is it scored?
- Credentia vs Prometric vs Headmaster: how the CNA skills test differs
- How does the Prometric CNA clinical skills test work?
- How does the D&S Headmaster CNA skills test work?
Sources
- Credentia North Carolina handbook — Skills
- Credentia Pennsylvania handbook — Skills
- Credentia Virginia handbook — Skills
- Credentia California region handbook — Skills listing
- Credentia Virginia handbook — The Skill Evaluation
- Credentia Georgia handbook — The Skill Evaluation
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.