CNA Training in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Health uses D&S Diversified Technologies to administer CNA tests. The test comes in two parts, which must initially be performed on the same day. The knowledge examination tests CNA classroom knowledge and is typically performed in a written format. While many testing sites in Ohio still use pencil and paper, some regional sites use Web test, a computer-based test. Individuals can also choose to take this test orally. The oral version comes with an additional 17 questions, which must be read to demonstrate English comprehension. This section has 79 questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass, students must get at least an 80 percent.

The second part of the examination tests CNA skills in a hands-on format. The skills will be performed in front of an evaluator and will be performed on a volunteer actor taking 35 minutes or less. Students are required to demonstrate hand washing as well as four other randomly assigned tasks. Students must score at least 80 percent on each task and must pass all five tasks to pass the skills examination successfully.

The cost for the entire examination is $100 for the written version and $110 for the oral version. Students who need to reschedule their testing day will pay an additional fee of $35. Students can take each section a total of three times before they are required to retrain. Those who fail will only need to retake the section that they failed.

Ohio practices reciprocity with CNAs coming from other states that trained and tested under the requirements of OBRA ’87 and ’89. The CNA’s license must be active and in good standing without any findings of patient abuse, neglect or maltreatment. Individuals must fill out an application and send in a copy of their driver’s licenses and social security numbers to the Ohio Department of Health. Ohio will check verification with the previously registered state before adding a CNA to their Nurse Aide Registry. Reciprocity is free. CNAs without an active license who are transferring to Ohio will be required to retrain and retest. CNAs who are on the prior state’s abuse registry will not be allowed to be certified here.

Ohio CNAs must renew their certifications every two years. CNAs who have been accused of patient neglect or abuse will not be allowed to renew their certifications. In order to renew, CNAs must have worked at least 7.5 consecutive hours or 8 non-consecutive hours in a 48-hour period for pay performing nursing-related tasks in the past 24 months. CNAs will need to have a supervising licensed nurse or physician fill out part of the renewal form attesting this fact. CNAs who allow their certifications to lapse or who do not work the specified number of hours will have their certifications become inactive. Activating a license requires additional training as well as retaking the competency evaluation. In this case, testing fees will apply.

Requirements for Ohio CNAs
Ohio State request for reciprocity

Links
Ohio Department of Health
State of Ohio Board of Nursing
Additional information on being a CNA in Ohio
License Verification

Contacts
Ohio Department of Health
Nurse Aide Registry
246 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (800) 582-5908
Fax: (614) 564-2461
E-mail: [email protected]