A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an entry-level healthcare professional who provides direct care to patients and residents in various medical settings. The role involves assisting with daily activities and monitoring patient conditions, acting as a link between patients and licensed nursing staff. Obtaining certification allows an individual to legally practice this occupation. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for securing and maintaining a CNA certification specific to the state of Connecticut.
Prerequisites for Training
Candidates must satisfy several criteria before enrolling in an approved training program. Applicants must be at least 16 years old to begin training. Individuals under 18 typically need parental consent for the clinical rotation components. Although the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) does not mandate a high school diploma or GED, many training facilities require one for admission.
A mandatory criminal background check is required for anyone seeking to work with vulnerable populations. This screening must be cleared prior to program entry to ensure safety. Students are also often required to provide documentation of a recent physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, and a negative tuberculosis (TB) test. Some training providers may implement their own drug screening policies as an additional condition for enrollment.
Completing State-Approved Training
Connecticut state law requires candidates to successfully complete a Nurse Aide Training Program consisting of a minimum of 100 hours of instruction. These programs must be officially approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Students should verify the DPH approval status of any program before enrolling.
The mandated 100 hours combine classroom theory and hands-on, supervised practical training. A minimum of 16 hours of instruction must cover foundational topics like communication, infection control, resident rights, and emergency procedures before a student has direct contact with residents. The curriculum is structured to include at least 75 hours of core training in basic nursing skills, personal care, and mental health needs. The practical, clinical portion of the training generally takes place in a licensed long-term care facility under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Passing the Competency Examination
After completing the state-approved training, candidates must pass the Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by the vendor Prometric. This examination is a two-part assessment verifying theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Both sections must be passed within 24 months of completing the training program to qualify for certification.
The knowledge portion consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which candidates must complete in 90 minutes, needing a score of 72% or higher to pass. Candidates who have difficulty with written English can request an oral version of the test, which includes 60 multiple-choice questions read aloud and 10 reading comprehension questions. The second part is a clinical skills demonstration test where the candidate must successfully perform five randomly selected nursing assistant skills within 31 to 40 minutes.
One of the five selected skills will always be hand hygiene, which is a mandatory component of the practical assessment. The current fee for taking both the Clinical Skills Test and the Written Test concurrently is $118. If a candidate fails either portion, they are permitted to retake the failed section or sections, with specific retake fees applying. There is no limit on the number of attempts within the 24-month window.
Applying for the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry
Successfully passing the two-part competency examination does not automatically grant official certification. Prometric, the testing vendor, submits the passing scores directly to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). This action triggers the process for placement on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry, which is the official list of certified CNAs in the state.
The registry is governed by the DPH under the authority of the Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 378a. Candidates who pass the exam are officially placed on the registry under the designation of “New Nurse Aide” (Route 1). Once the DPH processes the results, the official certificate is typically mailed to the newly certified individual. Inclusion on the registry verifies that a person is legally qualified to work as a Certified Nurse Aide in Connecticut.
Maintaining Certification and Renewal
Once certified, a CNA must actively maintain their status to continue working legally in the state. Connecticut certification is valid for 24 months, requiring renewal every two years. The primary requirement for renewal is the documentation of paid employment as a CNA or in a position providing nursing-related services.
A CNA must have worked for compensation for a minimum of one eight-hour shift during the 24-month period immediately preceding the expiration date. This single shift of direct patient care is the primary requirement for renewal, replacing traditional continuing education hours. The renewal process is free of charge and requires the CNA’s employer to submit an Employment Verification Form to the DPH Nurse Aide Registry. If certification lapses for more than 24 months without the required work verification, the individual must retake and pass both parts of the competency examination for reinstatement.