CNA Programs in Nebraska

The Nebraska competency evaluation is taken either at community colleges that provide CNA training or at regional sites provided by the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center or Providence Health Care Institute. The test is composed of two sections that are designed to test CNA theory and CNA clinical skills. Students will take both parts of the test on the same day initially. The cost to take the knowledge test is $20, and the cost to take the skills tests is $32. Students can take each section a total of three times before being required to retrain.

The knowledge test has 70 multiple-choice questions that are answered with pencil and paper. This test is timed, and students must answer at least 70 percent correctly to pass. The clinical skills test has five randomly chosen skills that students must demonstrate in front of an Evaluator in a timed setting. Students will find out if they have passed the skills test the same day, but they may not find out if they have passed the written test for a few days while the test is graded. Both sections must be passed before a student’s name will be sent to the Nurse Aide Registry for inclusion.

Students are allowed to work as non-certified nursing assistants for up to 120 days as they train and take the test. This grace period cannot be extended for any reason. Once students pass the competency evaluation, their names should be added to the Registry within 30 days.

Nebraska has a simple process for CNAs who want to transfer their certifications in from another state. CNAs will need to fill out the application for endorsement and attach a copy of their prior certifications. CNAs transferring to Nebraska from Iowa will also need to attach a copy of their training completion certificate proving that they took a course providing at least 75 hours of training. All out-of-state transfers must complete the required one hour of reporting neglect and abuse in-service before being certified in Nebraska. CNAs must be active and in good standing with their prior registries. Those who have not worked as CNAs in the past 24 months must take the competency evaluation with the required fees. Otherwise, the endorsement is free.

Nebraska CNAs must keep their certifications active by working for pay performing nursing-related duties every 24 months. CNAs can fill out the Employment Verification Form with the help of an employer. If 24 months pass without the CNA working, the license will be considered lapsed. Those who allow their certifications to lapse must retest. There are no additional requirements for in-service or continuing education hours. Those who completed CNA training before 1989 must retrain and retest. CNAs with lapsed certifications cannot work until their names are back on the Registry; this may take up to three weeks. Renewal is free except for those who have to retest. Renewal is only necessary for CNAs who work in Medicare/Medicaid-licensed facilities.

CNA by Endorsement Application

Links
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Nebraska Board Of Nursing
Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry
CNA License Verification

Contacts
Nebraska State Office Building
301 Centennial Mall South
14th and M Streets
1st Floor
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508