CNA Classes in Pennsylvania

The CNA examination in Pennsylvania is administered by the American Red Cross in conjunction with Pearson VUE through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program. The test is taken in two parts, which are both completed on the same day initially. The knowledge test is a written examination that may also be completed orally by those who request this option on their applications. The written knowledge test includes 50 multiple-choice questions while the oral knowledge test includes 50 multiple-choice questions testing CNA theory and an additional ten testing basic comprehension.

The skills section tests clinical skills and is performed in front of a registered nurse evaluator. The individual will be tested on hand washing technique and will be required to take a measurement, such as a blood pressure or radial pulse. He or she will also need to perform three other skills that will be randomly chosen that day. The cost for both parts of the test is $102 or $112 for the oral version. Applicants will learn if they have passed on the day of the examination.

Should an applicant fail, he or she will only be required to retest the section that was failed. Individuals can take each part of the examination up to three times before being required to retest. Fees for individual portions of the test are $70 for the skills test and $32 for the knowledge exam. Individuals must complete and pass the examination within 24 months of completing CNA training to avoid having to retrain.

CNAs moving to Pennsylvania from out-of-state can apply for reciprocity to Pennsylvania. They will need to complete an application to Pearson VUE and will initially send the application to their former state. They will need to be in good standing with the previous state and have no allegations of patient abuse, neglect or maltreatment against them. Anyone who has not lived in Pennsylvania for two years will need to submit to an FBI report and a criminal background check. However, individuals can work as CNAs in Pennsylvania for 90 days while they wait for the background check results. Reciprocity applications are available through the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. The process if free.

Pennsylvania CNAs must renew their licenses every two years. To renew, CNAs must have worked at least eight hours in the prior two years and must have completed 12 hours of in-service continuing education. Private duty work does not count towards the eight hours. The Nurse Aide Registry will send out renewal reminders about three months before expiration. It is every CNAs responsibility to renew because those who do not renew in time will be required to retake both sections of the examination. Those who must retake the test but who do not pass on the first try will be needed to retrain. The process of renewing is free unless CNAs are required to retest.

NNAAP® EXAMINATION REGISTRATION
NNAAP® Registration Appplication for Enrollment by Reciprocity

Links

Pennsylvania Department of Health
State Board of Nursing
Nurses Aide Registry for Pennsylvania
PA Nurses Licenses Verificiation

Contacts
State Board of Nursing
One Penn Center, 2601 N. 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 717-783-7142
Fax: 717-783-0822
Email: [email protected]