NACC PSW EXAM EVALUATION |NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CAREER
COLLEGES (NACC) PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER (PSW)
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR – VERIFIED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
This exam comprehensively evaluates Personal Support Worker (PSW) knowledge
across ten core content domains essential for safe, competent, and compassionate
client care:
1. PSW FOUNDATIONS & ROLE – Scope of practice, professional boundaries,
confidentiality (PHIPA), DIPPS principles (Dignity, Independence,
Individualized Care, Privacy, Preferences), client rights, and applicable
legislation (Long-Term Care Homes Act, Health Care Consent Act).
2. SAFETY & MOBILITY – Body mechanics, safe transfer techniques, use of
assistive devices (gait belts, mechanical lifts, wheelchairs), fall
prevention, emergency procedures (fire safety, code blue), and workplace
safety.
3. BODY SYSTEMS & COMMON CONDITIONS – Anatomy and physiology of major body
systems, common chronic conditions (diabetes, COPD, heart failure, stroke,
Parkinson's disease), cognitive impairments (dementia, Alzheimer's disease,
delirium), and mental health conditions.
4. ASSISTING WITH PERSONAL HYGIENE – Bathing, oral care, skin care, hair care,
nail care, perineal care, dressing, grooming, and maintaining skin integrity
(pressure injury prevention).
5. ABUSE & NEGLECT – Recognizing signs of physical, emotional, financial, and
sexual abuse; neglect; reporting requirements; PSW's role in protecting
vulnerable clients; and professional boundaries.
6. NUTRITION & HYDRATION – Therapeutic diets, modified textures, dysphagia
management, fluid balance, assistance with feeding, enteral feeding
(tube feeding basics), and monitoring intake and output.
7. CARE PLANNING & RESTORATIVE CARE – Person-centered care planning, goal
setting, restorative care (range of motion exercises, ambulation, ADL
retraining), palliative care, and end-of-life support.
8. HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT & DOCUMENTATION – Housekeeping tasks, laundry,
meal preparation, shopping assistance, documentation guidelines (charting,
1
, incident reports), and maintaining a safe home environment.
9. COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS – Therapeutic communication, active
listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, cultural competence,
supporting clients with sensory impairments, de-escalation techniques,
and team collaboration.
10. COMMUNITY SUPPORT & FAMILY DYNAMICS – Supporting clients in community
settings, family dynamics, caregiver support, assisting families with
children or special needs, community resources, and transition planning.
SECTION A: PSW FOUNDATIONS & ROLE (Questions 1-25)
Question 1:
What is the primary role of a Personal Support Worker (PSW)?
A) Diagnosing medical conditions and prescribing medications
B) Providing personal care and support to clients in various healthcare settings
C) Performing surgical procedures
D) Managing the healthcare facility's budget
Answer: B) Providing personal care and support to clients in various healthcare
settings[reference:0]
Rationale: The primary role of a PSW is to assist clients with activities of
daily living (ADLs) and provide personal care, emotional support, and
assistance with mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and household tasks. PSWs do not
diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or manage facility budgets.
Question 2:
What does the acronym DIPPS stand for in the context of PSW practice?
A) Dignity, Independence, Individualized Care, Privacy, Preferences
B) Duty, Integrity, Patience, Professionalism, Safety
C) Dedication, Involvement, Privacy, Protection, Service
D) Documentation, Infection Control, Personal Care, Safety
2
,Answer: A) Dignity, Independence, Individualized Care, Privacy,
Preferences[reference:1]
Rationale: DIPPS is a foundational principle in PSW practice that guides
client-centered care: Dignity (respecting each client's worth),
Independence (supporting clients to do as much as they can for themselves),
Individualized Care (tailoring care to each client's unique needs),
Privacy (protecting personal information and respecting personal space), and
Preferences (honoring client choices). It is a core component of the NACC
curriculum[reference:2].
Question 3:
Which legislation in Ontario governs the protection of personal health
information for PSWs and other healthcare providers?
A) Health Care Consent Act
B) Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)
C) Long-Term Care Homes Act
D) Occupational Health and Safety Act
Answer: B) Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)[reference:3]
Rationale: PHIPA is the Ontario legislation that governs the collection, use,
and disclosure of personal health information. PSWs must protect client
confidentiality and follow PHIPA guidelines. The Health Care Consent Act
governs consent to treatment. The Long-Term Care Homes Act regulates
long-term care facilities. The Occupational Health and Safety Act governs
workplace safety.
Question 4:
A client asks the PSW about their medical diagnosis. What should the PSW do?
A) Provide the client with a detailed explanation of their diagnosis
B) Tell the client to ask their family doctor or nurse
C) Look up the diagnosis online and share the information
3
, D) Ignore the client's question
Answer: B) Tell the client to ask their family doctor or nurse
Rationale: PSWs are not qualified to diagnose or provide medical explanations.
It is outside their scope of practice. The appropriate response is to
respectfully direct the client to their nurse or doctor, who can provide
accurate medical information.
Question 5:
What is the meaning of "scope of practice" for a PSW?
A) The legal boundaries of what a PSW is permitted to do in their role
B) The physical area where a PSW works
C) The number of clients a PSW can care for
D) The type of uniform a PSW must wear
Answer: A) The legal boundaries of what a PSW is permitted to do in their role
Rationale: Scope of practice defines the duties, responsibilities, and
activities that a PSW is legally authorized and competent to perform. It is
determined by legislation, employer policies, and the PSW's training. It does
not refer to a physical area, client load, or uniform.
Question 6:
A PSW notices that a client's personal information is left open on a computer
screen in a common area. What should the PSW do?
A) Walk away and ignore it
B) Close the information or cover the screen and report the breach to a
supervisor
C) Read the information out of curiosity
D) Share the information with other staff members
Answer: B) Close the information or cover the screen and report the breach to a
4
COLLEGES (NACC) PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER (PSW)
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR – VERIFIED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
This exam comprehensively evaluates Personal Support Worker (PSW) knowledge
across ten core content domains essential for safe, competent, and compassionate
client care:
1. PSW FOUNDATIONS & ROLE – Scope of practice, professional boundaries,
confidentiality (PHIPA), DIPPS principles (Dignity, Independence,
Individualized Care, Privacy, Preferences), client rights, and applicable
legislation (Long-Term Care Homes Act, Health Care Consent Act).
2. SAFETY & MOBILITY – Body mechanics, safe transfer techniques, use of
assistive devices (gait belts, mechanical lifts, wheelchairs), fall
prevention, emergency procedures (fire safety, code blue), and workplace
safety.
3. BODY SYSTEMS & COMMON CONDITIONS – Anatomy and physiology of major body
systems, common chronic conditions (diabetes, COPD, heart failure, stroke,
Parkinson's disease), cognitive impairments (dementia, Alzheimer's disease,
delirium), and mental health conditions.
4. ASSISTING WITH PERSONAL HYGIENE – Bathing, oral care, skin care, hair care,
nail care, perineal care, dressing, grooming, and maintaining skin integrity
(pressure injury prevention).
5. ABUSE & NEGLECT – Recognizing signs of physical, emotional, financial, and
sexual abuse; neglect; reporting requirements; PSW's role in protecting
vulnerable clients; and professional boundaries.
6. NUTRITION & HYDRATION – Therapeutic diets, modified textures, dysphagia
management, fluid balance, assistance with feeding, enteral feeding
(tube feeding basics), and monitoring intake and output.
7. CARE PLANNING & RESTORATIVE CARE – Person-centered care planning, goal
setting, restorative care (range of motion exercises, ambulation, ADL
retraining), palliative care, and end-of-life support.
8. HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT & DOCUMENTATION – Housekeeping tasks, laundry,
meal preparation, shopping assistance, documentation guidelines (charting,
1
, incident reports), and maintaining a safe home environment.
9. COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS – Therapeutic communication, active
listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, cultural competence,
supporting clients with sensory impairments, de-escalation techniques,
and team collaboration.
10. COMMUNITY SUPPORT & FAMILY DYNAMICS – Supporting clients in community
settings, family dynamics, caregiver support, assisting families with
children or special needs, community resources, and transition planning.
SECTION A: PSW FOUNDATIONS & ROLE (Questions 1-25)
Question 1:
What is the primary role of a Personal Support Worker (PSW)?
A) Diagnosing medical conditions and prescribing medications
B) Providing personal care and support to clients in various healthcare settings
C) Performing surgical procedures
D) Managing the healthcare facility's budget
Answer: B) Providing personal care and support to clients in various healthcare
settings[reference:0]
Rationale: The primary role of a PSW is to assist clients with activities of
daily living (ADLs) and provide personal care, emotional support, and
assistance with mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and household tasks. PSWs do not
diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or manage facility budgets.
Question 2:
What does the acronym DIPPS stand for in the context of PSW practice?
A) Dignity, Independence, Individualized Care, Privacy, Preferences
B) Duty, Integrity, Patience, Professionalism, Safety
C) Dedication, Involvement, Privacy, Protection, Service
D) Documentation, Infection Control, Personal Care, Safety
2
,Answer: A) Dignity, Independence, Individualized Care, Privacy,
Preferences[reference:1]
Rationale: DIPPS is a foundational principle in PSW practice that guides
client-centered care: Dignity (respecting each client's worth),
Independence (supporting clients to do as much as they can for themselves),
Individualized Care (tailoring care to each client's unique needs),
Privacy (protecting personal information and respecting personal space), and
Preferences (honoring client choices). It is a core component of the NACC
curriculum[reference:2].
Question 3:
Which legislation in Ontario governs the protection of personal health
information for PSWs and other healthcare providers?
A) Health Care Consent Act
B) Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)
C) Long-Term Care Homes Act
D) Occupational Health and Safety Act
Answer: B) Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)[reference:3]
Rationale: PHIPA is the Ontario legislation that governs the collection, use,
and disclosure of personal health information. PSWs must protect client
confidentiality and follow PHIPA guidelines. The Health Care Consent Act
governs consent to treatment. The Long-Term Care Homes Act regulates
long-term care facilities. The Occupational Health and Safety Act governs
workplace safety.
Question 4:
A client asks the PSW about their medical diagnosis. What should the PSW do?
A) Provide the client with a detailed explanation of their diagnosis
B) Tell the client to ask their family doctor or nurse
C) Look up the diagnosis online and share the information
3
, D) Ignore the client's question
Answer: B) Tell the client to ask their family doctor or nurse
Rationale: PSWs are not qualified to diagnose or provide medical explanations.
It is outside their scope of practice. The appropriate response is to
respectfully direct the client to their nurse or doctor, who can provide
accurate medical information.
Question 5:
What is the meaning of "scope of practice" for a PSW?
A) The legal boundaries of what a PSW is permitted to do in their role
B) The physical area where a PSW works
C) The number of clients a PSW can care for
D) The type of uniform a PSW must wear
Answer: A) The legal boundaries of what a PSW is permitted to do in their role
Rationale: Scope of practice defines the duties, responsibilities, and
activities that a PSW is legally authorized and competent to perform. It is
determined by legislation, employer policies, and the PSW's training. It does
not refer to a physical area, client load, or uniform.
Question 6:
A PSW notices that a client's personal information is left open on a computer
screen in a common area. What should the PSW do?
A) Walk away and ignore it
B) Close the information or cover the screen and report the breach to a
supervisor
C) Read the information out of curiosity
D) Share the information with other staff members
Answer: B) Close the information or cover the screen and report the breach to a
4
