Top Certified Nursing Assistant Skills for 2026

Source: O*NET 30.0 Database (SOC 31-1131) · Updated April 2026

According to O*NET 30.0 occupational data (SOC 31-1131), these are the tools, technologies, and competencies employers require for Certified Nursing Assistant positions. Add the ones you have to your resume — and consider building the ones you don't.

Tools & Technologies for Certified Nursing Assistants

High-demand tools and technologies for Certified Nursing Assistant roles. Use exact names when listing on your resume — ATS systems match on precise tool names.

1 Apache Spark
2 Epic Systems
3 MEDITECH software
4 Microsoft Excel
5 Microsoft Office software
6 Microsoft Outlook
7 Microsoft Word

Core Occupational Skills for Certified Nursing Assistants

These competencies are most important for Certified Nursing Assistant performance. Don't list these generically — demonstrate them through quantified achievements in your work experience section.

✓ Service Orientation
✓ Active Listening
✓ Social Perceptiveness
✓ Monitoring
✓ Reading Comprehension
✓ Speaking
✓ Critical Thinking
✓ Coordination
✓ Active Learning
✓ Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge Areas for Certified Nursing Assistant Roles

Core knowledge domains for this occupation. Demonstrating depth in these areas signals readiness to employers and sets you apart from candidates with surface-level experience.

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    Customer and Personal Service

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    Administration and Management

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    English Language

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    Public Safety and Security

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    Medicine and Dentistry

ATS Optimization Tips for Certified Nursing Assistant Resumes

  • 1. Use exact tool names from this list — ATS systems match on "Microsoft Excel" not "Excel."
  • 2. Mirror keywords from the job description — don't just use this list verbatim.
  • 3. Put a "Skills" or "Technical Skills" section near the top of your resume.
  • 4. Only list skills you can discuss confidently in an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important skills for a Certified Nursing Assistant resume?
The top skills for Certified Nursing Assistant resumes include Apache Spark, Epic Systems, MEDITECH software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software. These are the tools and technologies most frequently required in Certified Nursing Assistant job postings, according to O*NET occupational data (SOC 31-1131).
How many skills should I list on my Certified Nursing Assistant resume?
List 8–12 relevant skills. Prioritize skills from the job description, then add complementary skills from this guide. For ATS purposes, use exact tool names (e.g., "Microsoft Excel" not just "spreadsheets"). Quality and match-rate to the posting matters more than length.
What soft skills do employers look for in Certified Nursing Assistants?
Employers hiring Certified Nursing Assistants prioritize occupational skills like Service Orientation, Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Monitoring. Rather than listing these generically, demonstrate them through specific achievements in your work experience bullets.
What knowledge areas are most important for Certified Nursing Assistants?
O*NET identifies the following core knowledge domains for Certified Nursing Assistant roles: Customer and Personal Service, Administration and Management, English Language, Public Safety and Security, Medicine and Dentistry.

Skills and knowledge data: O*NET 30.0 Database (CC-BY 4.0), U.S. Department of Labor. Actual requirements vary by employer and role.