Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in Connecticut
Connecticut’s Certified Nurse Aides are regulated by the Department of Health. CNAs take training courses and then pass an examination. The Department of Health contracts with Prometric to manage the application and examination process and also to maintain the nurse aide registry.
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Select a Connecticut Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Topic:
- CNA Training in Connecticut
- Exemptions from Usual Testing/ Training Requirements
- Examination Requirements
- The Application Process & Reciprocity Information
- Contacts, Nursing Assistant Programs and Additional Information
- Advancement: CNA to RN Programs
CNA Training Requirements
Connecticut CNAs must have either CNA or nursing training.
An in-state student typically completes a Connecticut-approved CNA program. The Department of Health has provided a list of approved programs (http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3120&q=387686). All Connecticut-approved programs are at least 100 hours and are coordinated by RNs who have experience in long-term care.
A Connecticut CNA may also be approved to take the certification examination on the basis of a CNA program approved by another state. The program must be at least 100 hours.
LPNs, RNs, and nursing students can also be approved to test. A student nurse must have completed at least 100 hour of education and clinical practice.
New nurse aide applicants must have completed their training within the prior 24 months.
The Examination Process
Connecticut CNAs take the Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The assessment consists of two tests. In the skills test, candidates interact with “resident actors” and assist them by performing typical CNA functions. A list of nurse aide skills can be found on the ‘Connecticut Nurse Aide’ page of the Prometric site (https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/Nurseaide/Pages/CT.aspx). The test taker can expect to perform five of these skills on test day.
The knowledge test is multiple choice and is administered by computer. Test takers can opt for a written or oral version. Both are administered only in English. Candidates who select the oral test will also see written text on their computer screen. Applicants will need to make their examination choice when they first submit materials to Prometric.
Some candidates will take their assessments at their facility. Those who don’t test on-site will be scheduled at a regional testing center. They will be given the opportunity to select a preferred site as part of the application process. Approved candidates are scheduled for the next available exam. Test takers will receive their admission letters sooner if they provide email addresses. Those who will not be able to make the exam that they are scheduled for are advised to contact Prometric promptly.
Test takers will find basic examination information in the candidate bulletin. A sample test is also included in the bulletin. Practice tests can be purchased. Test takers will find links to many resources on the Connecticut testing page (https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/Nurseaide/Pages/CT.aspx).
A first-time test taker will take both tests. A candidate who fails one may retake only the failed one. Test takers who fail either the written or knowledge section will be notified at the testing site and given information about rescheduling. Score reports are generally provided at the testing site. If there is a glitch that prevents this, the test taker may go online to view results.
Exemptions from Usual Testing/ Training Requirements
A CNA who is current and in good standing in another state may be granted reciprocity. Testing is not required.
An individual who has completed a program offered through the Connecticut Department of Education or Higher Education and taken a state exam within the past 24 months may also be exempted from the usual testing requirements. The program must be approved by the Department of Health. An applicants who selects this method will need to provide an instructor signature.
Former nurse aides who have allowed their CNA certification to lapse and do not qualify for renewal will be required to go through the examination process, but not necessarily to retrain. They will apply under ‘Route 4’.
Those who do qualify for renewal can find the required forms on the Prometric site.
The Application Process
Registry application materials can be found on the Prometric site (https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/Nurseaide/Pages/CT.aspx). Applicants who are testing at their own facility will submit applications to a training coordinator. Other applicants will submit them to Prometric.
Applicants may apply online or print out forms. Both mailed and faxed applications will be accepted; a candidate who opts to apply by fax must pay fees with an approved credit card. In either case, the applicant will need to make sure the name on the application matches the name on the ID that will be brought to the testing center.
Some supporting documentation will be required.
A newly trained nurse aide, whether educated in Connecticut or out-of-state, must provide a copy of the certificate of completion.
A nurse or nursing student will provide a copy of a nursing school transcript or LPN or RN license.
Reciprocity
A reciprocity candidate will provide either a copy of a certificate or a letter from a state registry. A letter must include issue and expiration dates and confirmation that the credential is in good standing.
The examination costs $110 for candidates who choose the written knowledge test; it costs $120 for those who choose the oral knowledge test. The fee is $65 to retake the skills examination, $45 to retake the written examination and $55 to retake the oral examination. Candidates who are exempted from Connecticut testing pay a $55 fee with their applications.
A candidate who passes both parts of the examination is typically added to the nurse aide registry within 48 hours; status can be checked online. The paper certificate generally follows within 15 days of testing.
Additional Information
The Connecticut Department of Health has provided information about the nurse aide certification process on its website (http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3121&q=389390). The Department of Health can be reached at 860-509-7596.
Prometric may be reached by telephone at 866-499-7485 or by email at ‘ctcna at prometric.com’.
Related Content:
How to become a Medical Assistant in Connecticut
How to Become an LPN in Connecticut
How to Become an RN in Connecticut
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