Becoming and Remaining Licensed as a CNA

In order to pursue a career in certified nursing, you will need to first acquire a CNA license. 

Becoming licensed is necessary regardless of the type of health care facility you ultimately work at. 

To get the ball rolling, so to speak, the first thing you'll need to do is pass a series of basic CNA classes offered by an accredited institution. 

Staying licensed requires additional steps as well - each of which is detailed in the following article. 

Becoming Licensed as a CNA

As mentioned, the initial step in earning your CNA license is to sign-up for formal training. On average, most nursing assistant programs can be completed in less than six months (it is sometimes possible to finish your training in as little as six weeks), and require students to complete roughly 120 hours of study. Successful completion of one of these programs enables the graduate to take the exam for licensure.

Sitting for the CNA Exam 

Before you're allowed to actually take the CNA examination, you must turn-in an application to the testing organization that proves your eligibility. Fortunately, assuming that you've recently completed a training program, your school will usually handle this for you. It is also possible to take care of this by directly submitting your application to the CNA registry in your area. Once approved, you can schedule your date for the exam at the closest authorized testing center.

As soon as you've been approved to sit for the test, you'll next want to start preparing for its contents. The CNA exam consists of a written half, and a hands-on skills half, so you'll want to be sure that you prepare for both. It is crucial that you not only review theory learned in your classes, but also be ready to physically demonstrate acquired skills during the test. A passing score on both parts of the test is necessary in order to become certified.

Once you've passed the exam, you'll be ready for the final step required to become fully licensed as a certified nursing assistant. As a new CNA, you'll be required to complete a pre-determined number of hours of of on-the-job training before receiving your license. After this requirement is met, however, you need only to wait for your license to arrive in the mail.

Maintaining Your Licensed Status

Unlike some professions, certified nursing assistants must participate in ongoing education in order to remain licensed to work. In the case of the CNA, every two years you will be required to renew your license and, at that time, prove that you have continued to meet any changing local or national requirements (e.g. passed tests on new procedures, regulations, etc.) for nursing professionals. At this time, your personal background will also be checked for criminal activity or professional complaints that could cause you to have your license revoked.