CNA Study Guide
New Jersey CNA Skills Test: Headmaster Evaluation, Critical Steps, and How to Prep
New Jersey CNA skills evaluation with Headmaster: hand washing plus four skills, 80% per task with bold key steps, skills-first then PSI written, NJDOH notes, and a rehearsal method that does not replace the PSI bulletin.
By MedCertPrep Team · Updated September 21, 2026
This guide is for New Jersey nurse aide candidates preparing for the Headmaster / D&S Diversified Skills Evaluation under the New Jersey Department of Health. After you pass skills, you schedule the written or oral exam with PSI. For the state overview and official resource cards, start at New Jersey CNA. For a vendor-agnostic skills rehearsal method, use CNA skills test.
Confirm live fees, attempt limits, and exact skill wording on:
- NJDOH apply for certification
- Headmaster New Jersey home
- New Jersey TMU
- PSI New Jersey scheduling
- PSI Candidate Information Bulletin
What is the New Jersey CNA skills test?
The Skills Evaluation is the hands-on half of New Jersey certification testing. An RN Nurse Aide Evaluator rates you against the New Jersey skill list published with the PSI bulletin. You must pass skills before you can schedule the PSI written or oral exam.
Per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (verify live wording before exam day):
| Detail | Typical New Jersey rule |
|---|---|
| Skills vendor | Headmaster / D&S Diversified (TMU) |
| Written vendor | PSI Services (after skills pass) |
| Skills day | Hand washing + 4 random skills (5 tasks) |
| Passing bar | 80% on each task; no missed bold key steps |
| Written exam | 60 questions, 90 minutes, pass 75% |
| Attempt window | Commonly 3 fails per part → retrain |
| Registry | New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry |
This page does not reprint the full New Jersey skill checklist. Memorize steps from the current bulletin skill section only.
Pro Tip: New Jersey is skills-first. Do not schedule PSI written until Headmaster skills results post and you are eligible.
Where do New Jersey candidates get the official checklist?
- Complete a 90-hour NATCEP
- Register in New Jersey TMU through your training program or alternate route
- Open the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin skill section
- Rehearse hand washing plus the randomly selected skill tasks using bulletin wording
- After skills pass, schedule written/oral at PSI njdh
For written-exam theme planning, use the PSI topic map on New Jersey CNA.
How should you rehearse New Jersey skills?
- Shell habits: introduce yourself, explain, protect privacy, keep the call light in reach, and protect safety. Details: CNA skills test.
- Bold key steps first: missing a bold step fails the task. Drill those until automatic.
- Five-task mocks: hand washing plus four skills, graded at 80% per task against bulletin wording.
Support overlapping knowledge themes for the later PSI written:
- Physical Care
- Psychosocial Care
- Role of the Nurse Aide
- Free diagnostic: Try CNA
How this guide connects to MedCertPrep
| Need | Link |
|---|---|
| New Jersey state landing | New Jersey CNA |
| National skills method | CNA skills test |
| Free diagnostic | Try CNA |
| Headmaster NJ | hdmaster New Jersey |
| NJ TMU | nj.tmutest.com |
| PSI scheduling | test-takers.psiexams.com/njdh |
| PSI bulletin | Candidate Information Bulletin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey CNA the same as NNAAP / Credentia?
No. New Jersey uses Headmaster skills plus PSI written/oral under NJDOH. MedCertPrep national practice overlaps on themes but is not a PSI or Headmaster clone bank.
Can MedCertPrep replace the New Jersey bulletin skill list?
No. MedCertPrep provides supplemental written practice and a rehearsal method. Scored skills steps come only from the current New Jersey bulletin / Headmaster materials.
Next step for New Jersey skills week
- Open New Jersey CNA and confirm TMU registration.
- Bookmark the PSI bulletin skill section.
- Drill hand washing and bold key steps, then run five-task mocks.
- After skills pass, schedule PSI written and protect the 60-question / 75% map 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.