CNA Programs in Alabama

The CNA competency evaluation is administered through the Alabama Department of Public Health in cooperation with Prometric. The test must be taken and passed within three attempts and within two years of having completed CNA training. If this timeframe is not met, students will be required to retrain. The fee to take the test is three-fold. The skills section costs $35, and the knowledge section costs $30 while the test site charges an additional administration fee of $40.

Prometric requires a two-part test. The knowledge test is usually administered on a computer, but students who speak English as a second language may request an oral test on their applications. The knowledge examination tests CNA theory. The test has 55 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 90 minutes or less.

During the clinical skills test, students will be required to perform five CNA skills in front of a Nurse Aide Evaluator. Two of the skills will be hand washing and indirect care; the other three skills will be randomly chosen on test day. The skills are performed on a volunteer actor who will act like a weakened individual. Students are given between 31 to 40 minutes depending on the skills that are chosen.

Students will learn whether they have passed or failed each section while they are at the testing center. Those who fail will only need to retake the section that they have failed. Prometric will notify Alabama of passing scores within two business days.

Alabama does practice reciprocity for CNAs moving in from out-of-state. However, the process is much different from what is found in most other states. Alabama does not have a reciprocity application form that must be completed. Rather, the CNA should first acquire a job at a licensed facility before having his or her employer contact the Alabama Department of Public Health asking for reciprocity. Those who are unable to find a job in Alabama will generally not be able to transfer their certifications. In addition, the process is done on a case-by-case basis. Some CNAs may be required to retrain and retest. Reciprocity is free except in the cases of those who must retest.

Alabama does not have a renewal process for CNAs. Therefore, no additional fees are needed for CNAs who continue to work for pay. To remain an active CNA in the state, individuals must work at least 8 hours every 24 months performing health care-related tasks for pay. Those who let more than 24 months elapse between work will need to retrain and retest according to the state’s guidelines. Private duty work, home health work and continuing education hours do not count towards the eight required hours. In addition, Alabama CNAs do not have an actual certification number; instead, the state uses the individuals’ social security numbers on the registry.

Links
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)
Alabama Board of Nursing
Alabama Nurse Aide Registry

Contacts
Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry
Alabama Department of Public Health
Division of Health Care Facilities
The RSA Tower, Suite 710
201 Monroe Street
Montgomery, AL 36104

Phone: (334) 206-5169
Fax: (334) 206-0361

Nurse Aide Registry Coordinator
Suniaja Smith, ASA
Phone: (334) 206-5169
E-mail: [email protected]