CNA Courses in Maine

The Maine Department of Education manages 27 regional testing centers throughout the state in cooperation with the Maine Career and Technical Education division. The test is a two-part examination that tests both written knowledge and practical skills. The skills section requires students to perform randomly chosen CNA tasks in front of an evaluator. Seven out of 10 skills must be successfully completed for students to pass this part. The written test is composed of multiple-choice questions testing CNA theory. Students must answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The examination must be passed within two years from the end of training for applicants to avoid having to retrain. The cost for the entire examination is $45.

After successfully completing both sections, applicants will need to send in the competency examination score, proof of completing a state-approved training course and a copy of the previously performed criminal background check to the Maine Nurse Aide Registry. The state may take up to 30 days to process the application after which point they will send out a wallet certificate. There is no additional fee to be placed on the registry. Applicants can work as a CNA for a 120-day grace period while they wait to test and be listed on the registry.

CNAs moving to Maine from another state may be able to transfer their certifications to Maine through reciprocity. In order to be eligible for this process, CNAs should have completed a training course with similar requirements to Maine. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services states that this must be at least 150 hours of training. Those who have received less training than this will need to take Maine’s Bridge Examination. Individuals will need to send in a copy of their certificate of training, proof of successfully passing the prior state’s competency test, proof of completing at least the ninth grade and proof of having worked at least 32 hours per week for at least three of the past five years. Reciprocity is free.

CNAs in Maine will need to renew their certificates every 24 months in order to stay on the registry. The state will send out renewal reminders approximately one to two months before the expiration date. CNAs will receive paperwork to fill out and must affirm that they have worked for pay as a CNA for at least eight hours in the past 24 months. Those who work in a nursing facility will also need to show that they have completed the required in-service education each year. Renewal is free. However, CNAs who have been listed as inactive will need to pay $10 for each year that they were listed as inactive before they will be able to reactivate their licenses.

Form for new CNAs, Reciprocity, and Renewal

Links
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Maine State Board of Nursing
Maine Nurses Aide Registry
Check your CNA certification Here

Contacts
Licensing and Regulatory Services
State House Station #11
41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta Maine 04333
Phone: 1-800-791-4080