CNA Classes in Oregon

The Oregon State Board of Nursing regulates CNAs and has set up Headmaster, LLP to perform the CNA examinations. The examination consists of two parts, which must be performed on the same day initially. The knowledge test can be taken in a written or oral format. Those who choose the written format will be able to take it with pencil and paper or on a computer. The benefit of the computerized version is that applicants will receive their score the same day. The knowledge test has 77 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. Individuals must receive at least a 73 percent to pass.

The second part of the examination is the skills test, which is performed in front of an evaluator. This part tests hands-on skills. All applicants will be required to demonstrate hand washing along with four other skills that will be randomly chosen on test day. Individuals will have up to 45 minutes to complete their assigned skills. They must pass all five with a score of at least 80 percent to pass this part of the test.

Individuals who fail will only need to retake the section that they failed. They may take each section three times total before needing to retrain. The entire test must be passed within two years from the end of training to avoid having to retrain. The fee for the whole test is $106; an additional fee of $35 is required for those who request the oral version.

Out-of-state CNAs can be endorsed by Oregon by meeting several qualifications. They must have attended a training program that meets Oregon’s training specifications. In addition, CNAs must have worked at least 400 hours within the past two years under the supervision of a nurse. This is not the case, however, for CNAs, who have received their licenses within the past two years. CNAs should have an active license without any allegations of patient abuse or neglect; they will also need to have a federal criminal background check. The fee for endorsement is $60. There is an additional fee of $52 for fingerprinting, and prior states may require additional fees for verifying certifications.

CNA licenses remain valid for two years. Certifications expire at midnight on the day before an individual’s birthday on even years for people born in even years and on odd years for people born in odd years. In order to renew, CNAs must have worked for pay at least 400 hours in the past two years under the supervision of a licensed or registered nurse. The fee for renewal is $60. Those who do not renew before the expiration date will need to have the certification reinstated by paying additional fees. After 60 days from the expiration date, CNAs will need to apply for reactivation with additional fees and will need another criminal background check.

Oregon Application for CNA Certification
CNA by Endorsement Application
Online CNA renewal System for Oregon State

Links
Oregon State Public Health Division
Oregon State Board of Nursing
CNA and CMA Certification Information

Contacts
Oregon State Board of Nursing
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd.
Portland, Oregon 97224-7012
Phone: 971-673-0685
Fax: 971-673-0684