PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER CERTIFICATION
NACC PSW EXAM A+
2026/2027
Official-Style Certification Examination — A+ Verified Questions & Rationales
A+ QUESTIONS 5 SECTIONS 100% RATIONALES
VERIFIED COVERED INCLUDED
CATEGORIES
■ Section 1: Foundations, Ethics & Communication
■ Section 2: Safety, IPAC & Mobility
■ Section 3: Personal Care, Nutrition & Household
■ Section 4: Care Planning, Meds & Assessment
■ Section 5: Cognitive, Abuse, Palliative & Conditions
Examination Specifications
• Question Format: Multiple Choice (A–D)
• Total Marks: 1 mark per question
• Passing Score: 75%
• Cognitive Level: Application & Analysis
• All questions are original and aligned to the public NACC PSW curriculum blueprint.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
STUVIAACTUALEXAM Page 1
, SECTION 1: PSW Foundations, Ethics, Communication & Legislation
Q1.
A newly hired personal support worker is assigned to a client who has recently immigrated and speaks limited
English. During morning care the client appears anxious and repeatedly points to a photo of family members.
The PSW wants to provide culturally sensitive support while completing the care plan tasks. What is the most
appropriate first action?
A. Acknowledge the photo, use simple gestures, and request an interpreter through the care team
B. Leave the room and return later when an English-speaking staff member is available
C. Ask a family member who is present to interpret the client's concerns immediately
D. Continue with the scheduled care tasks and ignore the photo to stay on time
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognizing cultural and emotional cues while arranging proper interpretation respects the client's rights and
ensures accurate communication. Family members should not routinely interpret clinical or care-related information due to
potential bias and confidentiality issues.
Q2.
While reviewing the assignment sheet at the start of a shift, a PSW notices that a client's care plan includes a
task that falls outside the PSW scope of practice, such as changing a sterile dressing on a surgical wound. The
charge nurse is busy with another emergency. What should the PSW do?
A. Ask a more experienced PSW to demonstrate the procedure once
B. Perform the dressing change carefully using the supplies provided
C. Complete all other tasks and leave the dressing for the next shift
D. Refuse the task, document the reason, and report it to the supervisor or nurse as soon as possible
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: PSWs must work strictly within their defined scope of practice. Attempting a regulated procedure such as
sterile dressing changes can harm the client and expose the worker and employer to liability. Prompt reporting protects
both the client and the PSW.
Q3.
A client with decision-making capacity refuses the scheduled bath and states they prefer to wait until their
daughter arrives later in the afternoon. The PSW has already prepared the supplies and the care plan indicates
hygiene is due this morning. How should the PSW respond?
A. Insist that the bath must be done now to follow the care plan
B. Call the daughter immediately and ask her to convince the client
C. Document the refusal, respect the client's choice, and offer to assist later when the daughter is present
D. Proceed with a partial wash while explaining that it is required by policy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Competent clients have the right to refuse care. The PSW's role is to respect autonomy, document the refusal
accurately, and remain flexible about timing when safety is not compromised.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM Page 2
, Q4.
During a team huddle a PSW overhears a colleague joking about a client's incontinence in the hallway where
visitors can hear. The colleague continues the conversation after the huddle ends. What is the most
professional response?
A. Privately remind the colleague that discussing client information in public areas violates confidentiality
B. Ignore the comments because they occurred outside the client's room
C. Laugh along so the colleague does not feel singled out
D. Report the incident directly to the family without speaking to the colleague
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Confidentiality is a legal and ethical obligation. Addressing the breach privately first allows the colleague an
opportunity to correct behaviour while still protecting the client's privacy. Escalation may follow if the behaviour continues.
Q5.
A PSW is asked by a family member to share details from the client's chart about laboratory results that the
physician has not yet discussed with the family. The family member insists they have a right to know. What is
the correct action?
A. Provide a brief summary of the results since the family is involved in care
B. Direct the family member to the nurse or physician who can discuss the results appropriately
C. Allow the family member to read the chart while the PSW supervises
D. Tell the family member the results are normal to reduce their anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PSWs do not interpret or disclose diagnostic results. Referring the family to the appropriate regulated
professional maintains professional boundaries and ensures accurate information is shared.
Q6.
At the beginning of a shift the PSW reviews the care plan and notices a new intervention that has not been
explained. The client is non-verbal and cannot clarify preferences. What is the best way for the PSW to clarify
the change?
A. Ask the charge nurse or team leader for clarification before starting care
B. Implement the new intervention as written and evaluate the outcome later
C. Ask another PSW who worked the previous day what the change means
D. Skip the new intervention until the next care conference
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clarifying unclear or new directives with the supervising nurse ensures safe, consistent care and prevents
errors that could arise from assumptions or informal second-hand information.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM Page 3
, Q7.
A client who lives alone in the community tells the PSW they are running out of money for groceries and feel
lonely. The PSW is concerned about the client's well-being but is not authorized to manage finances. What is
the most appropriate action?
A. Report the concerns to the supervisor so community resources and social work can be engaged
B. Contact the client's bank on their behalf to request an emergency advance
C. Ignore the comments because financial matters are outside the PSW role
D. Offer to lend the client a small amount of money until the next pension cheque
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognizing psychosocial needs and escalating them through the proper channels allows the interdisciplinary
team to connect the client with appropriate community supports while keeping the PSW within professional boundaries.
Q8.
While assisting a client with morning care, the PSW notices the client has a new bruise on the upper arm that
was not present the day before. The client is alert and states they do not know how it happened. What should
the PSW do first?
A. Document the bruise and continue with the care routine without further action
B. Report the observation to the nurse or supervisor promptly and document factual findings
C. Apply ice to the bruise and monitor it for the rest of the shift
D. Ask the client probing questions about possible family conflict
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Any unexplained injury must be reported immediately so that further assessment and investigation can occur.
Factual documentation without speculation is essential.
Q9.
A PSW is assigned to a client who practices a religion that requires specific prayer times during the day. The
care schedule conflicts with one of these times. How should the PSW handle the situation?
A. Explain that facility routines take priority over personal religious practices
B. Adjust the timing of non-urgent care tasks to accommodate the client's prayer schedule whenever
possible
C. Ask the client to skip prayer on days when the care schedule is busy
D. Complete all care tasks first and allow prayer only if time remains
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Person-centred care includes respect for spiritual and religious practices. Reasonable adjustments that do not
compromise safety demonstrate cultural competence and support the client's dignity.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM Page 4
NACC PSW EXAM A+
2026/2027
Official-Style Certification Examination — A+ Verified Questions & Rationales
A+ QUESTIONS 5 SECTIONS 100% RATIONALES
VERIFIED COVERED INCLUDED
CATEGORIES
■ Section 1: Foundations, Ethics & Communication
■ Section 2: Safety, IPAC & Mobility
■ Section 3: Personal Care, Nutrition & Household
■ Section 4: Care Planning, Meds & Assessment
■ Section 5: Cognitive, Abuse, Palliative & Conditions
Examination Specifications
• Question Format: Multiple Choice (A–D)
• Total Marks: 1 mark per question
• Passing Score: 75%
• Cognitive Level: Application & Analysis
• All questions are original and aligned to the public NACC PSW curriculum blueprint.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
STUVIAACTUALEXAM Page 1
, SECTION 1: PSW Foundations, Ethics, Communication & Legislation
Q1.
A newly hired personal support worker is assigned to a client who has recently immigrated and speaks limited
English. During morning care the client appears anxious and repeatedly points to a photo of family members.
The PSW wants to provide culturally sensitive support while completing the care plan tasks. What is the most
appropriate first action?
A. Acknowledge the photo, use simple gestures, and request an interpreter through the care team
B. Leave the room and return later when an English-speaking staff member is available
C. Ask a family member who is present to interpret the client's concerns immediately
D. Continue with the scheduled care tasks and ignore the photo to stay on time
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognizing cultural and emotional cues while arranging proper interpretation respects the client's rights and
ensures accurate communication. Family members should not routinely interpret clinical or care-related information due to
potential bias and confidentiality issues.
Q2.
While reviewing the assignment sheet at the start of a shift, a PSW notices that a client's care plan includes a
task that falls outside the PSW scope of practice, such as changing a sterile dressing on a surgical wound. The
charge nurse is busy with another emergency. What should the PSW do?
A. Ask a more experienced PSW to demonstrate the procedure once
B. Perform the dressing change carefully using the supplies provided
C. Complete all other tasks and leave the dressing for the next shift
D. Refuse the task, document the reason, and report it to the supervisor or nurse as soon as possible
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: PSWs must work strictly within their defined scope of practice. Attempting a regulated procedure such as
sterile dressing changes can harm the client and expose the worker and employer to liability. Prompt reporting protects
both the client and the PSW.
Q3.
A client with decision-making capacity refuses the scheduled bath and states they prefer to wait until their
daughter arrives later in the afternoon. The PSW has already prepared the supplies and the care plan indicates
hygiene is due this morning. How should the PSW respond?
A. Insist that the bath must be done now to follow the care plan
B. Call the daughter immediately and ask her to convince the client
C. Document the refusal, respect the client's choice, and offer to assist later when the daughter is present
D. Proceed with a partial wash while explaining that it is required by policy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Competent clients have the right to refuse care. The PSW's role is to respect autonomy, document the refusal
accurately, and remain flexible about timing when safety is not compromised.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM Page 2
, Q4.
During a team huddle a PSW overhears a colleague joking about a client's incontinence in the hallway where
visitors can hear. The colleague continues the conversation after the huddle ends. What is the most
professional response?
A. Privately remind the colleague that discussing client information in public areas violates confidentiality
B. Ignore the comments because they occurred outside the client's room
C. Laugh along so the colleague does not feel singled out
D. Report the incident directly to the family without speaking to the colleague
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Confidentiality is a legal and ethical obligation. Addressing the breach privately first allows the colleague an
opportunity to correct behaviour while still protecting the client's privacy. Escalation may follow if the behaviour continues.
Q5.
A PSW is asked by a family member to share details from the client's chart about laboratory results that the
physician has not yet discussed with the family. The family member insists they have a right to know. What is
the correct action?
A. Provide a brief summary of the results since the family is involved in care
B. Direct the family member to the nurse or physician who can discuss the results appropriately
C. Allow the family member to read the chart while the PSW supervises
D. Tell the family member the results are normal to reduce their anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PSWs do not interpret or disclose diagnostic results. Referring the family to the appropriate regulated
professional maintains professional boundaries and ensures accurate information is shared.
Q6.
At the beginning of a shift the PSW reviews the care plan and notices a new intervention that has not been
explained. The client is non-verbal and cannot clarify preferences. What is the best way for the PSW to clarify
the change?
A. Ask the charge nurse or team leader for clarification before starting care
B. Implement the new intervention as written and evaluate the outcome later
C. Ask another PSW who worked the previous day what the change means
D. Skip the new intervention until the next care conference
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clarifying unclear or new directives with the supervising nurse ensures safe, consistent care and prevents
errors that could arise from assumptions or informal second-hand information.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM Page 3
, Q7.
A client who lives alone in the community tells the PSW they are running out of money for groceries and feel
lonely. The PSW is concerned about the client's well-being but is not authorized to manage finances. What is
the most appropriate action?
A. Report the concerns to the supervisor so community resources and social work can be engaged
B. Contact the client's bank on their behalf to request an emergency advance
C. Ignore the comments because financial matters are outside the PSW role
D. Offer to lend the client a small amount of money until the next pension cheque
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognizing psychosocial needs and escalating them through the proper channels allows the interdisciplinary
team to connect the client with appropriate community supports while keeping the PSW within professional boundaries.
Q8.
While assisting a client with morning care, the PSW notices the client has a new bruise on the upper arm that
was not present the day before. The client is alert and states they do not know how it happened. What should
the PSW do first?
A. Document the bruise and continue with the care routine without further action
B. Report the observation to the nurse or supervisor promptly and document factual findings
C. Apply ice to the bruise and monitor it for the rest of the shift
D. Ask the client probing questions about possible family conflict
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Any unexplained injury must be reported immediately so that further assessment and investigation can occur.
Factual documentation without speculation is essential.
Q9.
A PSW is assigned to a client who practices a religion that requires specific prayer times during the day. The
care schedule conflicts with one of these times. How should the PSW handle the situation?
A. Explain that facility routines take priority over personal religious practices
B. Adjust the timing of non-urgent care tasks to accommodate the client's prayer schedule whenever
possible
C. Ask the client to skip prayer on days when the care schedule is busy
D. Complete all care tasks first and allow prayer only if time remains
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Person-centred care includes respect for spiritual and religious practices. Reasonable adjustments that do not
compromise safety demonstrate cultural competence and support the client's dignity.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM Page 4
