CNA Progams in Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Health contracts out its CNA competency examination to Pearson VUE, which administers a two-part test. The test may be completed at numerous training facilities following training, or it may be taken at regional testing sites across the state.

Initially, both sections of the test will be taken on the same day. The knowledge test is usually taken in a written format, which has 60 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in two hours or less. However, students with a disability may request the oral version on their applications. The oral option has 60 multiple-choice questions along with ten additional reading comprehension questions and is performed with the use of an MP3 player and earphones.

The clinical skills section tests practical knowledge that the student will perform on a volunteer acting as a disabled resident. The Nurse Aide Evaluator will monitor and score this section and will randomly choose five tasks for the student to perform in 25 minutes or less. One task is always hand washing, and another task is taking a measurement. The student must pass all five tasks to pass the skills section.

Students should receive their scores while at the testing facility. If they fail, they will receive instructions about how to reapply and will only need to retake the section of the test that they failed. Each section can be taken up to three times. The cost for the test is $101 for both written and oral versions.

CNAs moving to Mississippi from another state can apply for reciprocity. To be eligible for this, CNAs must have active certifications without any findings of patient abuse or neglect on their previous state’s registry. They must be coming from a state that subscribes to the OBRA ’87 competency evaluation and must provide proof that they have worked for pay as a CNA within the past 24 months. This could be in the form of a pay stub or W2. The process takes at least 30 days although it may take longer depending on how long the prior state takes to verify certification. The fee for reciprocity is $26. Those who are not eligible for reciprocity will need to take Mississippi’s competency examination.

CNA certifications expire every 24 months in Mississippi. The state sends out renewal notices to CNAs approximately 60 days before the expiration date. CNAs must have their correct names and addresses on file with the registry. To be eligible to renew, CNAs must have worked for pay in a health care setting for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months. Renewal costs $26. However, CNAs employed in a Medicaid/Medicare nursing home do not have to pay this fee. Renewal processing takes approximately two weeks. Those who allow their certifications to lapse are required to retake the competency examination. Those who do not pass the test on the first try will have to retrain and retest.

CNA Application
Endorsement Application
CNA Renewal Information & Application

Links
Mississippi State Department of Health
Mississippi Board of Nursing
Mississippi Nurses Aide Registry
Verify your CNA License here

Contacts
Mississippi Board of Nursing
713 Pear Orchard Road
Suite 300
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: 601-957-6300
Fax: 601-957-6301