CNA Study Guide
Nebraska CNA Skills Test: NHCLC Six Skills, Mandatory Steps, and How to Prep
Nebraska CNA skills test with NHCLC: six skills at 70% each, mandatory steps, DHHS registry notes, and a rehearsal method that does not replace official NHCLC / DHHS materials.
By MedCertPrep Team · Updated September 21, 2026
This guide is for Nebraska nurse aide candidates preparing for the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC) clinical skills exam under DHHS. Nebraska is not Credentia NNAAP, not Prometric, and not Headmaster. For the state overview and official resource cards, start at Nebraska CNA. For a vendor-agnostic skills rehearsal method, use CNA skills test.
Confirm live task lists, timing, fees, and attempt rules on the DHHS Nurse Aide page and NHCLC testing information. Register through the NHCLC registration form. Registry lookup: Nebraska License Information System.
What is the Nebraska CNA skills test?
The skills test is the hands-on half of Nebraska competency evaluation. An approved test instructor scores you against NHCLC skill packets. You must pass skills in addition to the written/oral exam (typically 50 multiple-choice questions; pass at 70% or greater).
Per DHHS Nurse Aide materials (verify live pages before exam day):
| Detail | Typical Nebraska rule |
|---|---|
| Vendor | NHCLC under DHHS |
| Written/oral exam | About 50 questions, pass 70%+ |
| Skills day | 6 randomly selected skills (packet chosen by the candidate) |
| Skills scoring | 70%+ on each skill; mandatory/critical steps required |
| Fail rule | Fail any one of the six skills = fail the skills exam |
| Attempt window | 3 opportunities per exam portion; then retake the 75-hour course |
| Scheduling | NHCLC registration |
| Registry | DHHS listing often about 3 weeks after passing both parts |
| Official steps | Current NHCLC skill packets (do not use another state's vendor checklist) |
This page does not reprint Nebraska skill checklists. Memorize steps from NHCLC / program materials only.
Pro Tip: Nebraska scores each of the six skills independently at 70%, with mandatory steps that must be correct. One failed skill fails the whole skills exam even if other skills look strong.
Where do Nebraska candidates get the official checklist?
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide course (commonly 75+ hours) plus Nebraska-specific abuse/neglect training
- Confirm eligibility on DHHS Nurse Aide and NHCLC testing information
- Register and pay through the NHCLC registration form
- Rehearse only NHCLC skill-packet steps provided through testing / your program
- After you pass both parts, confirm listing in the Nebraska LIS search
For written-exam theme planning, use the Title 172 curriculum map on Nebraska CNA. Subject weights there are study aids, not an official NHCLC item-count table.
How should you rehearse Nebraska skills?
- Shell habits: introduce yourself, explain, protect privacy, keep the call light in reach, and protect safety before every transfer. Details: CNA skills test.
- Mandatory steps first: critical/mandatory steps fail the skill if missed. Drill those until automatic, then protect the 70% threshold on every skill.
- Six-skill mocks: rehearse full packets under time pressure, graded only against Nebraska wording.
Support overlapping knowledge themes:
- Physical Care
- Psychosocial Care
- Role of the Nurse Aide
- Free diagnostic: Try CNA
How this guide connects to MedCertPrep
| Need | Link |
|---|---|
| Nebraska state landing | Nebraska CNA |
| National skills method | CNA skills test |
| Free diagnostic | Try CNA |
| DHHS Nurse Aide | dhhs.ne.gov Nurse Aide |
| NHCLC testing | nehca.org NHCLC testing |
| Registry search | nebraska.gov LIS search |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebraska CNA the same as NNAAP / Credentia?
No. Nebraska uses an NHCLC / DHHS state exam. MedCertPrep national practice overlaps on themes but is not an NHCLC clone bank.
Can MedCertPrep replace NHCLC skill packets?
No. MedCertPrep provides supplemental written practice and a rehearsal method. Scored skills steps come only from current NHCLC / DHHS materials.
Next step for Nebraska skills week
- Open Nebraska CNA and confirm DHHS + NHCLC links.
- Complete NHCLC registration after training eligibility is clear.
- Drill six-skill mocks with mandatory steps protected first.
- Support weak knowledge themes with Physical Care.
Practice what you just read
Use blueprint-aligned questions and timed mocks for CNA to turn this guide into exam-day readiness.