CNA Training in New Mexico

New Mexico has Prometric administer its tests. Prometric uses a two-part system to test students’ knowledge of CNA theory as well as their ability to successfully perform CNA skills. Both sections of the test must be completed on the same day initially. The fee to take both sections of the test is $105 for the written version or $115.50 for the oral version.

The knowledge section tests CNA theory and is usually performed on a computer. However, students with documented disabilities or those with difficulty reading English may request the oral test. The knowledge section has 60 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 90 minutes or less. The oral version has an additional 15 questions testing basic reading comprehension.

Next, students will take the skills section in front of an evaluator. Students will be asked to perform five skills, three of which will be randomly chosen on the test day. The other two skills are hand washing and indirect care. Students will have 31 to 40 minutes to complete this section based on the tasks that were chosen.

Students must pass both sections before their names are submitted for inclusion in the state’s Registry. Students will find out whether they have passed while at the testing center. Those who fail must retake the section that they failed. Students have up to three attempts in 24 months to pass without having to retrain.

CNAs moving to New Mexico from out-of-state will want to apply for endorsement. Because New Mexico follows minimum federal guidelines for training hours, CNAs from most states will be accepted here. CNAs must have current active statuses on their prior states’ registries and must have worked at least eight hours in the past 24 months. They must also be in good standing with their states with no complaints of patient abuse, neglect or maltreatment. Applicants will be required to pay any associated fingerprinting fees for having a state criminal background check performed. CNAs whose certifications have expired within the prior 24 months due to not working the required hours may be able to waive training in New Mexico and only take the competency evaluation.

New Mexico CNAs must renew their certifications every 24 months to remain active on the State Registry. To be eligible to renew, CNAs must have worked for pay under the supervision of a licensed nurse for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months and will need to fill out the Employment Verification Form. Those working in Medicaid-approved nursing facilities do not have to pay a recertification fee; those who work in non-licensed facilities must pay a fee of $23.10 to renew. CNAs who allow their certifications to expire will be required to retest if the expiration occurred within the past 24 months or retrain and retest if the expiration occurred more than 24 months ago.

New CNA & Endorsement Application
CNA Renewal Form

Links
New Mexico Department of Health
New Mexico Board of Nursing
New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry
Verify your CNA License here

Contacts
New Mexico Department of Health
Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau
2040 S. Pacheco Street, Room 413
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: 505-476-9040