CNA Skill: Handwashing | Step-by-Step Guide for the Florida Exam

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Handwashing is the single most important infection control measure in healthcare and is scored on every Florida CNA clinical skills test. Two nurses will watch and evaluate your handwashing technique during the exam. Proper handwashing technique must become second nature before test day.

Equipment and Supplies Needed

There is nothing to gather for this skill. Everything you need is already at the testing room sink: running water, a liquid soap dispenser, clean paper towels, and a trash receptacle.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Here is an abbreviated overview of how to perform Handwashing during the Florida CNA clinical skills exam. The evaluator will score you on specific checkpoints, and every step matters.

1. Turn on the water to a comfortable warm temperature.
2. Wet your hands and wrists thoroughly under running water.
3. Apply soap and create a lather.
4. Use friction to wash all surfaces: front and back of hands, between fingers, around cuticles, under nails, and wrists.
5. Continue scrubbing for a minimum of 20 seconds with hands lathered.
6. Rinse hands and wrists thoroughly, allowing water to flow from wrists to fingertips.
7. Use clean paper towel(s) to dry hands and wrists completely.
8. Dispose of used paper towel in the trash.
9. End with clean hands: avoid recontamination by not touching faucet handles or sink surfaces with clean hands (use a paper towel as a barrier to turn off faucet).

Common Mistakes on the Prometric Test

Based on our experience preparing thousands of students for Florida's CNA state exam, here are the most common mistakes candidates make on this skill:

• Touching the faucet after washing: Always use a paper towel as a barrier to turn off the faucet. Direct contact with faucet handles after handwashing means the no-recontamination checkpoint is not met.
• Not washing long enough: The 20-second minimum with soap lather is strictly timed. Many nervous candidates rush through this step.
• Missing areas: Forgetting to wash between fingers, under nails, or wrists. The evaluator checks that ALL surfaces are cleaned.

Test Day Tips for Handwashing

• Practice the paper-towel-as-barrier technique until it's automatic: this prevents recontamination.
• Silently count to 20 while scrubbing to ensure you meet the minimum friction time.
• Keep your hands below your elbows while rinsing so water flows away from clean areas.
• Don't touch anything between washing and gloving: go directly to putting on gloves after drying.
• Remove rings and jewelry before the exam, and keep your nails short and free of dark polish.
• Do not shake the water off your hands. Pat dry with the paper towel, and do not go back over skin you already dried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is handwashing scored on every CNA test?

Yes. Handwashing and Indirect Care are the two skills scored on every Clinical Skills Test, regardless of which other skills you're assigned. Two nurses specifically watch and evaluate your handwashing technique.

How long do I need to wash my hands on the CNA exam?

You must maintain friction with soap lather for a minimum of 20 seconds. This means 20 seconds of active scrubbing after applying soap, not counting the time to wet hands or rinse.

Master This Skill with Video Demonstrations

Reading the steps is a great start, but watching the skill performed correctly makes a huge difference on test day. Our online CNA course includes:

• HD video demonstration of Handwashing performed exactly as Prometric expects
• Detailed narration explaining each checkpoint the evaluator looks for
• Practice scenarios and tips from experienced CNA instructors
• All 22 clinical skills plus written exam preparation

Start with a free course preview. See the quality of our video instruction before you commit.

All 22 CNA Clinical Skills

See the full CNA clinical skills guide, or jump to any skill: Mouth Care (Brushing Teeth) · Hand and Nail Care · Denture Care · Feeding a Resident · Taking a Pulse · Measuring Respirations · Changing an Occupied Bed · Dressing with One-Sided Weakness · Female Catheter Care · Bedpan Assistance · Emptying Urinary Drainage Bag · Female Perineal Care · Range of Motion (Lower Body) · Range of Motion (Elbow and Wrist) · Range of Motion (Shoulder) · Partial Bed Bath · Change of Position · Wheelchair Transfer · Foot Care · Ambulation with Gait Belt · Indirect Care.