Communication Skills
Communication is at the core of everything a CNA does. From reporting a change in a patient's condition to explaining a procedure before performing it, effective communication directly affects patient safety, trust, and quality of care. CNAs must communicate clearly with patients, families, and the broader care team — and they must do so under pressure, across language barriers, and with patients who may be confused, frightened, or unable to speak.
The two practice tests below (Easy, and Difficult) give you a structured way to sharpen these instincts and identify where your communication knowledge needs work.
How to Use These Practice Tests
Use the Easy test to confirm your understanding of foundational concepts like active listening, verbal versus nonverbal communication, and proper reporting. The Difficult test presents complex situations involving sensitive conversations, communication barriers, and documentation decisions. Progress through all three to build well-rounded skill in this area.
What Is Covered in the Communication Skills Section
The exam tests how CNAs communicate in real care situations — not just what communication means in theory. Questions focus on appropriate responses to patients, correct reporting procedures, and recognizing when and how to escalate information to a nurse.
Key subtopics include:
- Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques
- Active listening and therapeutic communication with patients
- Communicating with patients who have speech, hearing, or language barriers
- Accurate and timely reporting of patient observations to the charge nurse
- Proper documentation practices and objective language in charting
- Maintaining confidentiality and HIPAA-related communication boundaries
- Communicating respectfully with family members within appropriate limits
Our Strategies for Communication Skills Questions
Questions in this section often hinge on whether you choose a response that is patient-centered, honest, and within the CNA's scope. Many scenarios present a patient who is upset, confused, or asking a question you are not qualified to answer — and the correct response is always the one that acknowledges the patient and directs them appropriately without overstepping.
- When a patient asks a medical question you cannot answer, the right response is to acknowledge them, reassure them, and tell them you will inform the nurse — not to guess or redirect with vague language.
- Common misconception: many test-takers think giving a patient more information is always helpful. CNAs have communication boundaries, and providing medical interpretations or diagnoses is outside their scope even if well-intentioned.
- Look for answers that use open-ended, empathetic language when responding to emotional or distressed patients.
- For documentation questions, always choose objective, factual language over subjective interpretations of patient behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Communication Skills section test on the CNA?
It tests your ability to communicate appropriately with patients, families, and the care team — including active listening, accurate reporting, documentation, and knowing the limits of your role.
What is the best way to prepare for Communication Skills questions?
Study therapeutic communication techniques, practice identifying objective versus subjective language, and review what CNAs are and are not permitted to communicate to patients and families.
What should I do if I keep struggling with Communication Skills?
Focus on understanding the CNA's communication boundaries and go back to the Easy test to reinforce the basics before moving to more complex scenario-based questions.