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Becoming a CNA in Hawaii

Steps to Become a CNA in Hawaii:

Requirements: Understand the basic qualifications and prerequisites for becoming a CNA in Hawaii.

Attend a School: Choose and complete a state-approved CNA training program in Hawaii.

Test Information: Learn about the certification exam process, including the written and skills components. Includes a CTA button to access practice tests.

Certification Registration and Upkeep: Find out how to register as a CNA in Hawaii and maintain your certification status through renewals and continuing education.

1. Requirements

To become a CNA in Hawaii, there are a few state-specific requirements you’ll need to meet before starting your training and certification process. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Basic Requirements:

Minimum Training Hours: Hawaii mandates that CNA candidates complete at least 100 hours of training, which includes:

70 hours of classroom and lab training.

30 hours of clinical experience under supervision.

Age and Education: While there is no official minimum age to begin CNA training, most programs prefer candidates to be 18 years old. You don’t need a high school diploma or GED to begin training, but it is highly recommended.

Background Check: CNAs are not required to undergo a background check for certification, but most employers (especially long-term care facilities) will require one before you can start working.

Meeting these requirements ensures that you’re ready to move on to the next step in your journey to becoming a CNA in Hawaii.

2. Attend a CNA Program in Hawaii

Once you meet the basic requirements, the next step is enrolling in a state-approved CNA training program. This program will prepare you for the hands-on skills and knowledge you’ll need as a CNA.

What to Expect in a CNA Program:

Program Length: CNA programs in Hawaii typically last about 6 to 8 weeks. Programs combine classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical practice.

Classroom Training: During your 70 hours of classroom and lab instruction, you’ll learn essential nursing skills such as:

Communication and interpersonal skills

Infection control

Safety and emergency procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver)

Promoting resident independence

Basic nursing and personal care skills

Clinical Training: The 30 hours of clinical practice involve working directly with patients in a real healthcare setting, like a nursing home or hospital, under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Tips for Choosing a Program:

State Approval: Ensure the program is accredited by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). This is crucial as only graduates from state-approved programs can take the CNA certification exam.

Cost: Tuition for CNA programs in Hawaii can range from $400 to $1,500, depending on the school. Some employers, such as nursing homes, may offer free or reduced-cost training if you agree to work for them after certification.

Location: Choose a program that is convenient for your schedule and location. Many community colleges, technical schools, and healthcare facilities across Hawaii offer CNA programs.

With the right training, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to move forward to the certification exam.

Featured CNA Programs in Hawaii

3. Test Information

After completing your CNA training, the next step is passing the Hawaii CNA certification exam. This exam tests both your knowledge and practical nursing skills.

Exam Overview:

Written Exam: The written portion consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as basic nursing care, patient rights, and safety. You’ll have 90 minutes to complete it.

Skills Evaluation: During the skills test, you’ll be asked to demonstrate 5 nursing skills that you learned during your training. These might include:

Proper handwashing techniques

Assisting a patient with mobility (e.g., transferring from bed to wheelchair)

Taking vital signs (e.g., measuring pulse and respiration)

Basic personal care tasks (e.g., feeding, grooming)

Infection control practices

Exam Tips:

Preparation: To prepare for the written exam, consider taking practice tests. These can help you become familiar with the types of questions you’ll face and the format of the test.

CTA: Take a practice test to prepare for your CNA exam

Key Points:

Passing Requirement: You must pass both the written and skills portions of the exam within three attempts. If you fail to pass either section within three tries, you will need to retake your CNA training program.

Cost: The combined cost of the exam is approximately $200 for the written and clinical skills test.

Testing Sites: CNA exams in Hawaii are administered by Prometric, and you can take the test at an in-facility site (often at your training location) or a regional test site.

Once you pass both parts of the exam, you’ll be eligible for certification and placement on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

After passing the certification exam, the final step is registering as a CNA and keeping your certification active.

Certification Registration:

Once you pass the CNA exam, your name will be automatically added to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry. You’ll receive your CNA certificate and wallet card by mail, which will be valid for 24 months.

Maintaining Your Certification:

To maintain your active status as a CNA, Hawaii requires:

Work Requirement: You must work at least one full day (8 hours) providing nursing care in a Medicare or Medicaid-certified facility within each 24-month certification period.

In-Service Training: You are required to complete 24 hours of in-service training every two years. This training is typically provided by your employer and focuses on skills, safety, and other job-related topics.

Renewal Application: About 90 days before your certification expires, you’ll receive a renewal notice. Make sure to submit the renewal application at least 30 days before your certification expires to avoid losing your active status.

What Happens If Your Certification Expires?

If your certification lapses because you didn’t meet the work requirement, you’ll need to retrain and retake the CNA exam to become active again on the registry. However, if you have worked during the certification period but missed the renewal deadline, you can simply submit a renewal application.

By staying on top of these renewal requirement

Other Local CNA Programs

id	Name	Website	Street Address	City	State	Zip Code	plus_code	Phone	latitude	longitude	latlong	Category	Reviews	Rating	5star	4star	3star	2star	1star	Monday Hours	Tuesday Hours	Wednesday Hours	Thursday Hours	Friday Hours	Saturday Hours	Sunday Hours	Details
546	HawaiÊ»i Community College	https://hawaii.hawaii.edu/	1175 Manono St	Hilo	HI	96720	PW4J+22 Hilo, Hawaii	(808) 934-2500	19.71	-155.07	19.7050194-155.0699525	Community college	25	4.4	17	3	4	0	1	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details
547	Hawaii Job Corps Center	https://hawaii.jobcorps.gov/	41-467 Hihimanu St	Waimanalo	HI	96795	87VJ+5R Waimanalo, Hawaii	(808) 259-6001	21.34	-157.72	21.3429508-157.7179107	Educational institution	25	4.3	18	3	1	0	3	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	Closed	Closed	More details
548	Healthcare School of Hawaii	https://healthcareschoolofhawaii.com/	98-025 Hekaha St Suite 3 & 4, Bldg. 4	Aiea	HI	96701	92MX+QG Aiea, Hawaii	(808) 488-9449	21.38	-157.95	21.3844762-157.9512172	Educational institution	9	3.7	5	1	0	1	2	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
549	Kona Community Hospital	https://kch.hhsc.org/	79-1019 Haukapila St	Kealakekua	HI	96750	G3CM+52 Kealakekua, Hawaii	(808) 322-9311	19.52	-155.92	19.5204957-155.9174671	Hospital	119	3.1	50	12	5	4	48								More details
550	Kohala Hospital	https://kohala.hhsc.org/	54-383 Hospital Rd	Kapaau	HI	96755	66J3+X9 Kapaau, Hawaii	(808) 889-6211	20.23	-155.80	20.2323874-155.7965864	General hospital	12	3.6	7	1	0	0	4								More details
551	The Clinic at Waimea	https://www.kauai.hhsc.org/	4643B Waimea Canyon Dr	Waimea	HI	96796	X86H+FG Waimea, Hawaii	(808) 338-8311	21.96	-159.67	21.9611849-159.6712023	Medical clinic	4	4.0	3	0	0	0	1	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
552	University of HawaiÊ»i Maui College	https://maui.hawaii.edu/	310 W Kaahumanu Ave	Kahului	HI	96732	VGRC+46 Kahului, Hawaii	(808) 984-3500	20.89	-156.48	20.8903364-156.4794948	Public university	33	4.5	23	5	3	1	1								More details
553	Hawaii Job Corps Center	https://hawaii.jobcorps.gov/	500 Ike Dr	Makawao	HI	96768	VMP6+M6 Makawao, Hawaii	(800) 733-5627	20.89	-156.34	20.886657-156.339416	Emergency training	4	4.0	3	0	0	0	1	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
554	Professional Healthcare Educators	https://phe-hawaii.com/	1286 Kalani St B-204	Honolulu	HI	96817	84CF+PH Honolulu, Hawaii	(808) 847-3366	21.32	-157.88	21.3217582-157.8761203	Training centre	8	4.8	7	0	1	0	0	9AM to 6PM	Closed	9AM to 6PM	Closed	9AM to 6PM	Closed	Closed	More details
555	Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital	https://www.kauai.hhsc.org/	4800 Kawaihau Rd	KapaÊ»a	HI	96746	3MPP+WW KapaÊ»a, Hawaii	(808) 822-4961	22.09	-159.31	22.0873444-159.3127103	Hospital	24	4.3	18	2	1	0	3								More details