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Becoming a CNA in Maine

Steps to Become a CNA in Maine

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Maine, there are a few important steps to follow. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the process, from meeting basic requirements to passing the state certification exam and keeping your certification active.

  • Meet Basic Requirements: Understand the minimum qualifications for enrolling in a CNA program and obtaining certification in Maine.

  • Attend a School: Select an accredited CNA program in Maine and learn the factors to consider when choosing the right one.

  • Take the Test: Schedule and pass Maine’s CNA certification exam.

  • Certification Registration and Upkeep: Learn how to register as a CNA and keep your certification active by staying compliant with state requirements.



1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Maine, there are some basic qualifications you need to meet. Here are the key requirements:

  • Age: You must be at least 16 years old to work as a CNA in Maine.

  • Education: While you don’t need to have a high school diploma, you must have completed at least the ninth grade and provide documentation of this.

  • Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check, which includes all names you’ve used, such as maiden or married names. This check is conducted by the Maine State Bureau of Identification and is mandatory for all CNA candidates.

  • English Proficiency: You need to demonstrate a ninth-grade competency level in English reading and writing. This can be shown by passing tests such as the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or the Competency Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS).

2. Attend a School

Once you meet the basic requirements, it’s time to enroll in a state-approved CNA training program in Maine. These programs must offer at least 180 hours of training, which includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and supervised clinical practice. Here’s what to expect:

  • Training Breakdown:

  • 70 hours of classroom instruction covering theory, ethical aspects of care, communication, and more.

  • 20 hours of skills lab work, where you’ll practice key nursing skills such as patient hygiene, infection control, and vital signs monitoring.

  • 40 hours of supervised clinical practice, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real healthcare setting under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

Maine has many options for CNA programs, including high schools, community colleges, adult education centers, and some nursing homes. Some programs may even offer free training if you’ve received an offer of employment from a nursing facility. When choosing a program, consider factors such as cost, scheduling flexibility, and proximity to your home.

Featured CNA Programs in Maine

Portland Adult Education

Portland Adult Educationís Nurse Aide program stands out for its tuition-free option for qualified individuals and its integration with prominent healthcare providers like Maine Medical Center for clinical training. This combination of affordability and hands-on experience ensures students are well-prepared Read more…
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3. Take the Test

Once you’ve completed your CNA training program, the next step is to pass the Maine CNA competency test. This exam is administered by the state and consists of two parts:

  • Written Test: This section consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which assess your understanding of nursing principles, patient care, and safety protocols. You’ll have 90 minutes to complete this part of the exam.

  • Skills Test: The skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate proficiency in 5 randomly selected nursing skills, such as handwashing, assisting with patient mobility, and vital signs monitoring. One of the tasks will always be handwashing, and another will involve indirect care. You will need to perform these skills within a designated time frame and to a satisfactory level of competency.

If you have a documented disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may request special testing accommodations, such as extra time or specialized equipment.

Tip: Make sure to take a practice exam before your official test date. You can access a free CNA practice test here. Start Practice Test

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you pass both sections of the CNA exam, you’ll be added to the Maine Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry. Being listed on this registry is a requirement to work as a CNA in Maine. You will receive a confirmation letter indicating the date you were placed on the registry and when your listing will expire.

Here’s how to ensure you maintain an active certification:

  • Renewal Requirements:

  • Work Hours: To stay active on the registry, you must work at least 8 hours in a qualified healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility) every 24 months. Your work must be under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

  • Ongoing Education: Nursing facilities are required to provide you with at least 12 hours of in-service training per year. Keep records of your completed in-service education for when you renew your listing.

  • Renewal: You must renew your listing on the CNA registry every 24 months. The registry will send you a reminder 45-60 days before your expiration date, so be sure to keep your address up to date with the registry.

If you plan to move out of state, you will need to contact the CNA registry in your new state to transfer your certification. This often requires a reciprocity form, which confirms your status on the Maine CNA Registry.

Final Tips for Becoming a CNA in Maine

  • Choose the Right Program: Look for state-approved CNA programs that offer flexibility and affordability. Some programs may even provide financial aid or payment plans.

  • Prepare for the Exam: Use available resources like study guides and practice tests to ensure you are fully prepared for the CNA exam.

  • Keep Your Certification Current: Be diligent about completing the required work hours and ongoing education, and make sure to renew your CNA registration on time to avoid being removed from the registry.

For more information about certification or to inquire about specific requirements, contact:

Department of Health and Human Services Division of Licensing and Certification
Phone: 207-624-7300
Email: DLRS.CNARegistry@maine.gov

Good luck with your certification process and welcome to the rewarding field of healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maine!

Other Local CNA Programs

id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
902 Auburn Adult and Community Education AF1QipOoxNabnAVZs_HqDnuJ_wBNsx2LOJwZi7Wc7tLk=w408-h306-k-no https://auburn.maineadulted.org/ 77 Harris St Auburn ME 04210 3QV8+J3 Auburn, Maine (207) 784-9220 44.09 -70.23 44.0940514-70.2347735 Learning center 7 5.0 7 0 0 0 0 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
903 Augusta Adult Education AF1QipMLDEXAcaLbmPpoQTrVpBeQu37D7JgfarnY0qQm=w408-h271-k-no https://augusta.maineadulted.org/ 22 Armory St Augusta ME 04330 8663+V8 Augusta, Maine (207) 626-2470 44.31 -69.80 44.3121414-69.7966613 Adult education school 9 4.8 8 0 1 0 0 8AM to 4:30PM 8AM to 4:30PM 8AM to 4:30PM 8AM to 4:30PM 8AM to 4:30PM Closed Closed More details
904 Augusta Center for Health & Rehabilitation AF1QipObCPGi-1TZR7kyXmXyRv30uEZCAUDucV6m9B5e=w408-h408-k-no https://augustacenterrehab.com/ 188 Eastern Ave Augusta ME 04330 864W+RM Augusta, Maine (207) 622-3121 44.31 -69.75 44.30701-69.7532655 Nursing home 36 4.1 24 5 0 0 7 More details
905 Bangor Adult Education thumbnail?panoid=rQ_YBbQA5ZuzEwL_wh0Xlg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=155.803&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://bangor.maineadulted.org/ 121 York St Bangor ME 04401 R62M+WV Bangor, Maine (207) 941-6316 44.80 -68.77 44.8023732-68.7653251 School 2 3.0 1 0 0 0 1 More details
906 Biddeford Adult Education AF1QipNb1j0eXH-ZSy9VQapdSGCFYi_n-gYnSAnFj1EX=w408-h326-k-no https://biddeford.maineadulted.org/ 189 Alfred Rd 2nd floor Biddeford ME 04005 FGQR+2F Biddeford, Maine (207) 282-3883 43.49 -70.46 43.4875726-70.4588199 Adult education school 7 4.7 6 0 1 0 0 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 3:30PM Closed Closed More details
907 Brentwood Rehab & Nursing Center https://brentwoodcenterrehab.com/ 370 Portland St Yarmouth ME 04096 QRQ4+CP Yarmouth, Maine (207) 846-9021 43.79 -70.19 43.7885561-70.1931257 Nursing home 54 4.2 37 9 0 0 8 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
908 Brewer Center for Health & Rehabilitation AF1QipP0BTOogXkGJ8sHDXaevAwW5HSS1KwXVDLT-Eiz=w408-h544-k-no https://brewercenterrehab.com/ 74 Parkway S Brewer ME 04412 Q6JW+67 Brewer, Maine (207) 989-7300 44.78 -68.75 44.7805671-68.754364 Medical clinic 76 3.7 41 10 5 1 19 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
909 Central Lincoln County School https://www.aos93.org/ 767 Main St Suite 2 Damariscotta ME 04543 3G32+M5 Damariscotta, Maine (207) 506-3044 44.05 -69.50 44.0542015-69.4995507 School 1 5.0 1 0 0 0 0 More details
910 Bella Point Fryeburg AF1QipOB_0OvSZvKMC4myDNiiB3eUu710Hf8H7XMjOuC=w408-h271-k-no https://dltchealthcare.com/locations/bella-point-fryeburg/ 70 Fairview Dr Fryeburg ME 04037 22GP+Q8 Fryeburg, Maine (207) 935-3351 44.03 -70.96 44.0269402-70.9641616 Assisted living facility 3 3.0 1 0 1 0 1 More details
911 Merrymeeting Adult Education thumbnail?panoid=47WyECdsunIuhEHoajPjbg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=87.02523&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://merrymeeting.maineadulted.org/ 35 Republic Ave Topsham ME 04086 W2WP+GF Topsham, Maine (207) 729-7323 43.95 -69.96 43.9463322-69.9638703 School 3 3.7 2 0 0 0 1 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 2PM Closed Closed More details