CNA Certification in Texas

Texas uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program through Pearson VUE for its CNA competency evaluations. Pearson VUE uses a two-part test designed to test both CNA theory as well as skills. Students will need to complete both parts on the same day.

The first section is called the knowledge test; it can be taken in either a written or an oral format. The oral format is designed for Spanish speakers as well as for anyone who has a documented problem reading English. It uses an MP3 player. The written option has 70 multiple-choice questions while the oral option has 60 multiple-choice questions plus ten basic reading comprehension questions. This section must be completed in two hours or less.

During the skills test, students must demonstrate five CNA skills in front of a Nurse Aide Evaluator using a volunteer acting as a weakened patient. One skill will always be hand washing. The other four skills are randomly chosen on test day although at least one will be taking a measurement, such as a urine output. Students will have 30 minutes to complete this section.

The fee to take both sections is $85.50. Students will learn their scores while at the testing center. Those who fail will need to retake the section that they have failed. Students may have up to three attempts at each section and up to 24 months from the end of training to complete the examination before they are required to retrain.

CNAs moving to Texas from another state can request reciprocity to get onto the Texas Nurse Aide Registry without having to retrain or retest. To be eligible for Texas reciprocity, CNAs must have active certifications and must be in good standing with their prior states without any allegations of patient abuse or neglect. They will also need to submit to a new criminal background check. CNAs will need to fill out Texas’s reciprocity application and send in a copy of their prior certifications to their previous state for verification. They may need to wait up to four weeks for approval. Reciprocity is free except for those who are required to pay a verification fee to their prior states.

Texas CNAs must renew their certifications every two years to remain active. To renew, CNAs must prove that they have worked for pay performing nursing-related duties during the past 24 months and will need to submit an employment history. In addition, CNAs must complete 12 hours of in-services or continuing education every year. Some of these hours must relate to geriatric and dementia care. Renewal fees may vary depending on location in Texas but are approximately $40. CNAs who have not worked for pay in the past 24 months or who have not completed the required continuing education will be required to take both the knowledge and skills tests to become active again. The fees for these tests are $85.50.

Links
Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Board of Nursing
Texas Nurse Aide Registry
Click here to check your CNA License

Contacts
333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460
Austin, TX 78701-3944
Phone: (512) 305-7400
Fax: (512) 305-7401