CNA Certification In Massachusetts

Candidates are qualified to take the nurse aide certification test after completing program program approved by the state.

• Program Program Approved by the MDPHYou need to provide any one of the following documents:
  • Completion certificate which must have a valid approval number printed on it. Confirm with your program instructor to verify if the number is accurate.
    OR
  • Letter from the program course which must be signed and include the candidate’s name, a valid approval number, the date of passing the course. This letter must be written on letterhead, verifying that you have passed the program.
• 75 hours of Accredited Nursing School Clinical ProgramYou are required to submit any one of the below-listed documents:
  • A signed letter from your nursing school verifying the completion of 75 hours of clinical program, which must include the dates and course name.
    OR
  • A transcript that documents the course title. If the clinical program is not indicated in the course title, make sure you attach the description of the course. This description must also include the number of hours of clinical experience.
• Work Experience in Nursing Home as of December 19, 1989If you have working experience in nursing home in MA as of December 19, 1989 and you were employed at that nursing home as a CNA for a minimum of 2 years, you are eligible to take the certification test without taking any further program. You need to provide a signed letter from a nursing facility that verifies your work experience for 2 consecutive years, as of December 19, 1989.Note – Your documents must be approved by the MDPH prior submission of your testing application.
• Completed Program Program of 100 Hours Before July 1, 1989If you have completed a CNA Program course of 100 hours before July 1, 1989, you are not required to take any further program and may apply directly for the test.You must request the American Red Cross Testing Office or the MDPH for a Testing Eligibility Application, or else you can also download the application from the below link:
  http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m12040109_Eastern_MA_-_NAT_-_NAT_Eligibility_Form.pdfSubmit this application to the MDPH before submitting the testing application. If approved, the Testing Eligibility Application will be returned to you within 7 working days. Then, return this application along with the testing application.
• Work Experience Combined with Health Care Aide Program If you have completed a health care aide program program in the last 5 years and has worked for over 2 years as a health care aide since passing the course, you may take permission to test without taking any program course. The application will be viewed individually. The approval of the application will be based on the similarity of work experience to nurse aide experience and similarity of the program program to nurse aide courses.You must request a Testing Eligibility Application as mentioned above (Refer point number 4 of “Completed Program Program of 100 Hours before July 1, 1989”).

The pre-requisites for obtaining nurse aide license in Massachusetts include:

• Proof of immunization
• Current background check
• Photo ID
• A negative TB test performed within the last 6 months
• Two fingerprint cards
• Two passport-size photos

The steps to obtain CNA licensure in Massachusetts by testing are as follows:

Step 1 – Download the “Massachusetts Nurse Aide Testing and Registration Application Form” using the below link:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m24321106_testing_application.pdf

Step 2 – Submit the required fee in the form of money order or check made payable to the ARC/Nurse Aide Program.

Step 3 – Mail the completed application, copy of eligibility documents, and required fee to:

ARC/Nurse Aide Program
85 Lowell Street
Peabody, Massachusetts 01960

The testing fee in MA is as follows:

• Initial Testing Fees:
  • Full Certification – $93
  • Recertification – $93
• Re-take Fees:
  • Failed only the clinical test – $46
  • Failed only the written test – $47
  • Failed the entire exam – $93
• No show / Absent Fees:
  • Absent for only the clinical test – $20
  • Absent for only the written test – $20
  • Absent for the entire exam – $40

If you are a nursing assistant in another state registry in good standing and never held a CNA license in MA, and want to transfer your CNA licensure to Massachusetts, follow the below steps:

• Download the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Program Reciprocity Application from the below link:
  http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m12040111_Eastern_MA_-_NAT_-_NAT_Reciprocity.pdf

• Before filling the form, read reciprocity instructions by visiting the following link:
  http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m24320978_reciprocity_instructions.pdf

• Submit the completed application to:Division of Health Care Quality
  Nurse Aide Registry/Program Verification
  99 Chauncy Street
  2nd Floor
  Boston, Massachusetts 02111

• If all the requirements are met, your name will be placed in the MA Nurse Aide Registry.5

The licensure of a certified nursing assistant is valid for 2 years in the State Registry. Approximately 45 days before the expiry date of the license, a reminder with instructions will be sent by the American Red Cross Testing Office. In order to renew CNA certificate, the applicant will have to render nursing related services for a minimum duration of 8 hours during the renewal period of 2 years.

Method to Renew the Nursing Assistant License in MA

Click the below link to download the renewal application:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m24320953_renewal_form.pdf

Submit the completed renewal application to:

American Red Cross Testing Office
Renewal Program
85 Lowell Street
Peabody, Massachusetts 01960

You may verify the status of licensure in either ways:

• Individual License SearchIf you are searching for license as an individual, click on the following link:
  https://checkalicense.hhs.state.ma.us/MyLicenseVerification/You will be required to enter the below details to complete your search:
  • Profession
  • License Type
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • License Number
  • License Status
  • City
  • State
  • Zipcode
• Business License SearchClick the below link to search for a business license:
  https://checkalicense.hhs.state.ma.us/MyLicenseVerification/Search.aspx?facility=YYou need to enter the following information to complete your search process:
  • Profession
  • License Type
  • Business Name
  • Manager Name
  • License Number
  • License Status
  • City
  • State
  • Zipcode

If you have lost or misplaced your Massachusetts CNA license, you may download the “Duplicate/Replacement Certificate Request” application using the below link:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m24320861_duplicate_certificate_request.pdf

If you have changed your name after the last registration, you need to provide a legal document verifying the name change.

If your SSN (Social Security Number) has been changed, you need to provide a copy of your old as well as new social security cards.

Note – You need to submit a non-refundable duplicate license fee of $20.

If you want to change your personal information i.e. name or address, download the “Change of Information Application” using the below link:

http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m24320877_change_of_information.pdf

You can also send a written application to:

Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry
Division of Health Care Quality
Department of Public Health
99 Chauncy Street
2nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts – 02111

Question 1 – Can I send the renewal application by fax?

Answer – No. Since the Nursing Board of Massachusetts requires original signature, candidates must mail their completed renewal application directly to the office. These forms are processed within a period of 30 days after the date of receipt of the renewal application.

Question 2 – Is there any fee charged to transfer CNA license to MA?

Answer – No. The state does not charge any fee for direct reciprocity.

Question 3 – What mode of payment is accepted by the Board office?

Answer – The Board office only accepts facility checks and money orders. No personal checks are accepted by the office. If you are requesting a duplicate certificate or rescheduling a test, the office accepts payments by credit card over the phone.