Becoming a CNA in Massachusetts

Step 3: Pass the CNA Exam

After completing your training, the next requirement is passing the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP), which assesses your knowledge and practical skills.

Exam Structure

The CNA exam consists of two parts:

1. Written Exam:

   • Contains 60 multiple-choice questions.
   • Can be taken in English, Spanish, or Chinese.
   • A two-hour time limit is provided.
   • An oral option is available for those who prefer it.

2. Skills Evaluation:

   • Involves demonstrating five randomly selected skills under the supervision of an evaluator.
   • Skills may include taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, or practicing proper hygiene techniques.
   • You must perform at least four of the five tasks correctly to pass.

Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the exam fees:

• Written & Skills Exam: $100
• Written Exam Only: $40
• Skills Exam Only: $60
• Oral Exam Only: $50

How to Prepare

• Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
• Review your training materials thoroughly, paying special attention to clinical skills.
• Attend review sessions if offered by your training program.

Retesting Policy

• You may retake the written portion up to four times and the skills portion up to three times.
• If you fail all attempts, you must complete another training program before retesting.

Exam Day Requirements

Bring the following items to the testing center:

• A government-issued photo ID.
• Your Social Security card.
• Non-skid, closed-toe shoes.
• A watch with a second hand (required for the skills evaluation).

Call to Action

Take Our Free CNA Practice Test

Passing the CNA exam qualifies you to move forward with certification registration.

Step 4: Certification Registration and Upkeep

After passing the certification exam, you must register with the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry to legally work as a CNA in the state.

How to Register

• Your training program or testing center will submit your exam results to the registry.
• Your certification will be issued, and your name will be added to the public Nurse Aide Registry.
• Allow at least three weeks for processing.

Renewing Your Certification

CNA certifications in Massachusetts are valid for two years. To maintain active status:

• Complete at least eight hours of CNA work within the two-year certification period.
• Participate in in-service training as required by your employer.
• Submit a renewal application before your certification expires.

If your certification lapses, you must retake the exam to regain active status.

Important Renewal Details

• Start the renewal process at least three months before expiration to avoid delays.
• If you cannot verify employment within the two-year period, you may need to retrain and retest.

Contact Information for Registry Assistance

• Phone: (617) 753-8144
• Email: nars@mass.gov

Additional Tips and Considerations

Becoming a CNA in Massachusetts involves several steps, but careful preparation and dedication can make the process smoother. Consider the following tips:

• Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines for testing and certification renewal.
• Practice Clinical Skills: Regular practice can help build confidence for the skills evaluation.
• Explore Career Paths: Use your CNA role as a foundation for further growth in healthcare, such as becoming an LPN or RN.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful CNA in Massachusetts.

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
776	3DIMENSIONS Health Services			61 Harvard St	Worcester	MA	01609	Map It!	75CX+R6 Worcester, Massachusetts	(508) 799-9786	42.27	-71.80	42.2720445-71.8019273	Health	2	4.0	1	0	1	0	0									More details
777	First Choice Academy, Inc			187 High St	Holyoke	MA	01040	Map It!	695V+48 Holyoke, Massachusetts	(413) 998-3176	42.21	-72.61	42.2077995-72.6066839	Learning center	11	5.0	11	0	0	0	0		8AM to 2PM	8AM to 2PM	8AM to 2PM	8AM to 2PM	Closed	Closed	Closed	More details
778	Commonwealth Nursing Services			847 Rogers St #201	Lowell	MA	01852	Map It!	JPHF+P8 Lowell, Massachusetts	(978) 459-7771	42.63	-71.28	42.629372-71.276658		3	5.0	3	0	0	0	0									More details
779	Grafton Job Corps Center		https://adamsaai.com/job_corps/grafton-massachusetts/	100 Pine St	North Grafton	MA	01536	Map It!	7828+6R North Grafton, Grafton, MA	(508) 887-7300	42.25	-71.68	42.2506198-71.6829088	Employment center	44	3.4	20	6	2	3	13									More details
780	International Health Care Training & Services		https://www.interhealthtrainingservices.com/	2 2nd St	Attleboro	MA	02703	Map It!	WPR6+QQ Attleboro, Massachusetts	(508) 446-4050	41.94	-71.29	41.9419785-71.2880975	Educational institution	76	4.9	72	2	0	0	2		9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
781	Minuteman High School		https://www.minuteman.org/	758 Marrett Rd	Lexington	MA	02421	Map It!	CPWG+FC Lexington, Massachusetts	(781) 861-6500	42.45	-71.27	42.4462044-71.2739514	High school	14	4.6	9	4	1	0	0		7AM to 4PM	7AM to 4PM	7AM to 4PM	7AM to 4PM	7AM to 4PM	Closed	Closed	More details
782	Mount Wachusett Community College		https://mwcc.edu/	444 Green St	Gardner	MA	01440	Map It!	H2V7+HV Gardner, Massachusetts	(978) 632-6600	42.59	-71.99	42.5939085-71.9853297	Community college	65	4.3	41	12	5	3	4		8AM to 6:30PM	8AM to 6:30PM	8AM to 6:30PM	8AM to 6:30PM	8AM to 4PM	Closed	Closed	More details
783	Ringe School of Tech Art			459 Broadway Ct	Cambridge	MA	02138	Map It!	9VFQ+H7 Cambridge, Massachusetts	(617) 349-6762	42.37	-71.11	42.3739722-71.1118673	Art school																More details
784	Shriver Job Corps Center		https://shriver.jobcorps.gov/	270 Jackson Rd	Devens	MA	01434	Map It!	H92V+J8 Devens, Massachusetts	(978) 784-2600	42.55	-71.61	42.5516077-71.6066725	School	37	2.6	11	2	3	3	18		Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
785	Westover Job Corps Center		https://westover.jobcorps.gov/	103 Johnson Rd	Chicopee	MA	01022	Map It!	5CWQ+94 Chicopee, Massachusetts	(800) 733-5627	42.20	-72.56	42.1958942-72.5621833	Educational institution	51	3.6	28	4	3	2	14		Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details

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