CNA Training in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire competency evaluation is offered by three agencies in the state; these are the American Red Cross, Pearson VUE, and Excel Testing. Each is offered in different testing centers across the state. However, the test follows the format offered by Pearson VUE, which is a two-part examination testing CNA knowledge and skills. All agencies offer a multiple-choice knowledge test and a hands-on skills test, both of which must be performed under time constraints.

The knowledge section can be performed with pencil and paper or orally. The written version has 70 questions while the oral version has 60 questions plus an additional ten multiple-choice reading comprehension questions. Both versions must be completed in two hours or less. The skills section is performed in front of an evaluator who will watch students perform five CNA tasks. One task will always be hand washing, and another task will be taking a measurement, such as a blood pressure. The other three tasks will be randomly chosen on test day, and all must be completed in 25 minutes or less.

Students must pass both sections before their names are added to the registry. Students who fail a section will only need to retake the section that they failed. Students must pass both sections within no more than three attempts and in no more than 24 months. Otherwise, they will need to retrain. The fee to take both sections of the test is $105; the oral version costs $120.

CNAs moving to New Hampshire from another state can apply for endorsement to have their certifications moved to the New Hampshire LNA Registry. In order to be eligible for this, CNAs must have successfully passed the entire competency examination from their prior state within the past two years. Those who have been CNAs for longer than two years must have worked at least 200 hours for pay performing nursing-related tasks in the past two years. In addition, applicants must have completed at least 24 hours of continuing education in the past two years. Their certifications must be active and in good standing with their prior states. Applicants will need to undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. The process is free.

New Hampshire requires CNAs to renew their certifications every two years. The state sends out renewal reminders approximately two months before the expiration date. To be eligible to renew, CNAs must have worked at least 200 hours performing nursing-related tasks in the past two years under the supervision of a licensed nurse. In addition, CNAs must complete at least 24 hours of in-service or continuing education every two years. They must not have any complaints against them regarding patient abuse or neglect. Renewal can be completed through the mail or online. Those who do not meet the work or continuing education hours will need to reinstate their licenses for an additional fee of $35. Regular renewal costs $25.

Challenge the CNA Compentency Exam
Out-of-State Applicants
Request testing accommodation

Links
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON)
New Hampshire Nurse Aide Registry
License Verification

Contacts
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
121 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-6282
Fax (603) 271-6605