CNA Classes in Utah

After CNA training, individuals must pass a competency examination before receiving a CNA license in Utah. The test must be taken and passed within one year after completing training. The test includes two parts. The first part examines CNA knowledge and is administered via a computer. Those who prefer an oral examination can request headphones while testing. This test has 100 multiple-choice questions; students must answer at least 75 of them correctly to pass. Another option for this test for those who have a documented disability is to take it with pencil and paper. The second part tests clinical skills and is evaluated by a registered nurse. Applicants will be required to demonstrate hand washing and taking vital signs as well as five additional skills that are randomly chosen. Applicants will have between 20 to 40 minutes to demonstrate all skills; the allotted time depends on the skills that are chosen. Skills are performed on a volunteer or a mannequin.

The CNA examination is administered by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. The cost to take both sections is $75. When taken separately, the written part costs $35, and the skills section costs $40. Individuals will receive their test results in the mail approximately 8 to 10 days after taking the test. They will receive their certification by mail approximately a week following this. Those who fail one or both sections will receive retesting instructions in the mail and can take each section up to a total of three times.

Out-of-state CNAs can be endorsed by Utah to work as CNAs in the state by filling out the Application for Certification by Reciprocity and sending it to the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. The Registry will then verify the CNA’s certification with the prior state. Applicants must be in good standing with the previous state and must have no allegations of patient abuse, neglect or misappropriation of patients’ property listed against their names. In addition, CNAs applying for reciprocity must have worked in a nursing-related field continuously for the prior 24 months to be eligible for endorsement. Otherwise, they will be required to retrain. The fee for reciprocity is $10 and should be included with the application. Payment must be via certified check or money order.

CNAs must renew their certifications every 24 months. To renew, they will have to prove that they worked at least 200 hours as a paid CNA under the supervision of a licensed nurse within that period. Private duty CNA work does not count toward these hours. CNAs will receive renewal notices approximately 45 days before the expiration date. Therefore, it is vital that CNAs keep their addresses up-to-date with the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. CNAs who do not renew before the expiration date will need to retest. Those who do not retest within one year from the expiration date will need to attend another CNA training program as well as a retest. Renewal is free for those who renew before the expiration date.

Utah Nurses Assistant Application
Reciprocity Application for Utah
Utah CNA Renewal App

Links
Utah Department of Health
Utah State Board of Nursing
Utah Nurse Aide Registry
Check your license status here

Contacts
UTAH NURSING ASSISTANT REGISTRY
550 East 300 South
Kaysville, Utah 84037
Phone: (801) 547-9947