The career of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a good step for students who want to make nursing their career.  On completion of the course, students have to appear for the State licensing exam in their state.  This CNA Certification examination comprises the theory and practical elements.

CNA Practical Exam
In the practical exam for CNA, the state examiner asks the student to carry out a few clinical tests on a volunteer.  The student must follow fundamental measures of sanitation and patient hygiene before starting the test as the examiner watches.  Results of the CNA exam are usually declared by the examiner on examination completion.

CNA Theory Exam
On completion of the practical exam, the student takes a CNA theory test on topics covered in the clinical training coursework.  These tests can also be taken online on numerous websites for free.  Theory exam results are declared within fifteen days and a temporary license is issued followed by permanent registration by the State licensing board.  Most permanent registrations have a year’s validity, to be renewed annually.

The initial license registration fee is a large amount; annual renewal charges vary in different states and costs far less.  In some states there is a requirement for continuing education or remunerated employment of a minimum number of hours in a health facility, based on which the license is issued.

The State board sends intimation to the primary license holder at the registered address about sixty days prior to CNA license expiry date.  Change in address should be intimated to the State licensing board, or else the license will permanently elapse. CNA License renewal can also be made online.  Nearly half the CNA licenses are renewed online and the payment system is secure.

Basic requirement for renewal of an expired CNA certification is work experience as a CNA within the past two years.

If this criterion is fulfilled, information in a CNA License Renewal Form should be submitted to the Nurses Aide Registry for consideration.

In case the criterion is not fulfilled:

• Fill up the Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Form – 1st part giving personal details and 2nd section to be filled by one’s past or current health care employer.
• Date and sign the application and mail to the State address
• Allow 2 weeks process time or check online status of renewal
• If not employed at a health care facility in past 24 months, take the state certification exam again.

Visit the website for your state-specific information for more details on renewing your CNA license.

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