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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

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	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
902	Auburn Adult and Community Education	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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