Nurse Aide in AZ

The Arizona Board of Nursing contracts out the CNA test to D&S Diversified Technologies who run the Nursing Assistant Competency and Evaluation Program. Before taking the test, applicants must register with the Board of Nursing. Most of the time, the training program will register its students for the CNA test.

This test consists of two parts, which cost $113. The written knowledge examination has 75 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 90 minutes or less. Individuals can take the test orally although they must request this ahead of time. There is an additional $10 fee for an oral test. The skills section examines four CNA skills. One skill is either perineal care or providing a bedpan and measuring output. The other three skills will be randomly chosen on the day of the test by the evaluator. Applicants are given 40 minutes to complete this.

The knowledge section must be passed at 75 percent or higher, and the skills section must be passed at 80 percent or higher. Those who fail either section will only be required to retake the part that they failed. The knowledge retest costs $28, and the skills retest costs $85. Applicants must pass both sections of the test within two years from the end of CNA training to avoid having to retrain; however; they can take the test as often as necessary within those two years. Those who fail the knowledge section three times will have to wait 45 days before testing again.

CNAs moving to Arizona from another state may be able to transfer their certifications to Arizona quite quickly. To do this, they must fill out an application and prove that they have worked at least 160 hours as a CNA for pay within the past two years or that they completed a CNA program in their previous state with at least 120 hours of training. If they no longer have an active license, they will need to complete Arizona-approved CNA training and the CNA examination. Applicants for Arizona endorsement will also need to have a criminal background check, have an unencumbered license with no complaints of patient abuse or neglect and proof of their active license. The fee for endorsement is $50.

Arizona CNAs must renew their licenses every two years. CNAs must work at least 160 hours for pay every two years to renew. The Board of Nursing sends out renewal notices approximately two to three month before expiration. The cost for renewal is $50 if CNAs wish to receive a paper certificate. Online renewal also allows CNAs to print off their new certificates. Those requesting a paper certificate via mail can expect it to arrive within 30 days. Otherwise, renewal is free. An additional fee of $10 per year applies to CNAs who have worked with an expired license.

Arizona Application for Exam
Endorsement FAQ
Endorsement Application
Renewal FAQ

Links
Arizona Department of Health Services
Arizona State Board of Nursing

Contacts

Arizona State Board of Nursing
4747 N. 7th St. • Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85014-3655
602-771-7800