CNA Schools in Oklahoma

Oklahoma uses three different CNA tests depending on the type of certification students are testing for and on the regional site. These are Prometric, Headmaster and Health Certification Project. Each testing vendor has its set of rules, testing formats and time limits. Health Certification Project is often used for nursing assistants who are testing for further certifications, such as Medication Aide or Home Health Aide.

Each vendor has a two-part test, which tests both CNA theory as well as CNA clinical skills. The test begins with a knowledge section, which may be taken orally by students who have disabilities or who have difficulty reading English. Depending on the vendor, this section must be completed within 90 to 120 minutes and has 55 to 72 multiple-choice questions. Many testing sites use a computer for this portion.

The second section tests clinical skills and is performed in a hands-on environment in front of an Evaluator and on a mannequin or volunteer actor. During the skills section, students will be asked to perform five to seven CNA skills within 30 to 60 minutes. Hand washing is often one of the required tasks while the rest are chosen randomly on test day.

Students must pass both sections before they have their names submitted to the state’s CNA registry. Those who fail have up to three attempts total to pass each section. Those who do not pass by this time will be required to retake training classes. Testing fees vary by vendor.

Because Oklahoma follows the minimum federal guidelines for CNA training hours, CNAs moving to Oklahoma from other states can easily transfer their certifications with them through a process known as reciprocity. Applicants will need to fill out Reciprocity Applications and provide their social security numbers and prior certification numbers from all previous states. They must also complete criminal background checks. To be eligible for reciprocity in Oklahoma, CNAs must have active licenses in their past states and not be listed on the abuse registry. The completed application will be mailed to the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry, which will verify certification and list CNAs on the registry within 30 days from receipt of the application. Reciprocity is free.

Oklahoma CNAs must renew their certifications every two years. The Department of Health sends out renewal reminders approximately 90 days before the expiration date. To be eligible to renew, CNAs must have worked at least eight hours in the past two years and must remain in good standing with the state by not being listed on Oklahoma’s Abuse Registry. Those who allow their certifications to lapse or who have not worked the required eight hours must retake both sections of the competency examination. They must pass the examination on the first attempt; otherwise, they will need to retrain and retest. The cost for renewal is $40; additional fees apply to reinstate lapsed licenses.

Oklahoma Reciprocity Application
Oklahoma Recertification Application

Links
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry
Verify your CNA license Now

Contacts
Nurse Aide and Nontechnical Services Worker Registry
1000 N.E. 10th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Phone: (405) 271-4085