The State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) certification is the definitive credential required to work as a nursing assistant in the state of Ohio. This specialized exam is designed for individuals who have completed an approved nurse aide training program and wish to prove their competency in foundational healthcare skills. By earning the STNA designation, candidates demonstrate to employers that they possess the knowledge and practical abilities necessary to provide safe, respectful, and effective care to residents in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health settings.

This exam serves as the gateway to a rewarding career in healthcare, validating your preparedness to join a vital workforce dedicated to supporting the well-being of others.

What the Course Entails and Exam Details

An STNA training course is a rigorous program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum is specifically structured to teach the essential skills a nursing assistant must master before working with actual residents. The course focuses heavily on personal care skills, safety measures, and communication techniques.

Key topics and skills covered in the STNA course, and ultimately tested on the exam, include:

• Resident Rights and Independence Promotion

• Basic Nursing Skills (e.g., taking vital signs, observing residents)

• Personal Care Skills (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming)

• Restorative and Rehabilitative Care

• Mental Health and Social Service Needs

• Infection Control Procedures

• Safety and Emergency Measures

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Care of the Cognitively Impaired

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The actual STNA state competency evaluation consists of two independent components: a written examination (or an oral option) and a manual skills test. Candidates must pass both sections to receive their certification and be listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry.

The written portion of the exam typically features multiple-choice questions (the full state test varies but often includes between 70 and 80 items, aligning with the scope of this 78-question practice test). These questions cover all the subject areas taught during the training program, such as safety rules, infection control, and resident care protocols.

The skills portion is a hands-on demonstration in front of an evaluator. You will be asked to perform a randomly selected subset of critical skills you learned, which always includes the mandatory skill of handwashing.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation is the cornerstone of success for the STNA exam. Leveraging practice exams, such as the 2025 version featuring 78 comprehensive questions, is one of the most effective strategies available. Active recall through testing helps you identify knowledge gaps and get accustomed to the format of state-level questioning.

When studying, dedicate ample time to reviewing your course textbook, focusing specifically on safety guidelines and procedures. Crucially, do not neglect the skills portion; practice the required manual skills repeatedly, ensuring you memorize each critical step exactly as taught in your program. Forming study groups to role-play the skills can be immensely beneficial.

Official STNA examinations in Ohio are generally scheduled after you complete your training. While many training programs and schools are authorized testing sites themselves, providing a familiar environment, others utilize centralized regional testing locations often managed by providers like D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster), which administers the test for the state. Your training coordinator will facilitate this registration process.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning your STNA certification opens the door to numerous high-demand entry-level roles across the healthcare industry. This credential provides essential experience that can also serve as a launchpad for further advancement into nursing or allied health careers.

Graduates with an STNA certification are qualified for roles such as:

• State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) in Long-Term Care (Nursing Homes)

• Patient Care Technician (PCT) in Hospitals

• Home Health Aide (HHA) for in-home patient support

• Assisted Living Caregiver

• Rehabilitation Aide

• Specialized Memory Care Assistant