A comprehensive guide to the Maine CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Maine! The Maine CNA Registry serves as the authoritative hub, ensuring the qualification, competence, and adherence to standards for all CNAs in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the Maine CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the Maine CNA Registry
Fees
The application process is free of charge.
Minimum Age
You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for registration. However, some training schools may require you to be at least 18 years old.
Minimum Education
A minimum education level of 9th grade is required for registry consideration. However, some training schools may require you to have a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
To qualify, you must complete either:
- Maine-approved CNA training program comprising 130 hours, including:
- 70 hours of classroom training,
- 20 hours of clinical laboratory work, and
- 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.
- Out-of-state training programs must meet federal CNA law requirements for approval.
Competency Test
The Maine CNA competency test consists of a two-part examination, including a written or oral test and a skills demonstration. Many Maine-approved training providers will administer the competency exam to students after they complete the program.
Background Check
A background check is mandatory and should be obtained from the Maine State Bureau of Identification or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.
Applying to appear on the Maine CNA Registry
Where to apply
Applications can be submitted online (here) or by downloading the form (here). If you choose to complete the form, you must complete it and send it together with all the required documentation (see below) by email to dlrs.cnaregistry@maine.gov or by fax to 207-287-9325.
Required Documentation
If you have trained in Maine, you must submit:
- Evidence of successful completion of approved training program (see above) within the last two years,
- Evidence of successful completion of the Maine competency test,
- A copy of your Certificate of Training. This is the document issued by the CNA training program to you when you completed your approved training program and competency test. The certificate includes the dates of training, the number of classroom and clinical hours, and the date the certificate was issued, and
- A copy of the criminal background check that was secured by your instructor as part of your course application.
If you have trained out of State, you must submit:
- Documentation verifying the current active status of an approved out-of-state CNA training program, and
- A copy of a current photo ID.
Restrictions
You will not be listed on the Registry if you have employment restrictions based on criminal convictions or substantiated complaints that bar you from working as a CNA in Maine.
Processing Time
The processing time for applications is approximately 30 days from the receipt of all necessary documents.
How to keep your license on the Maine CNA Registry
Stay Active
There are three requirements to stay active.
- You must complete a minimum of at least 8 hours of qualified employment every 24 months. ‘Qualified employment’ means employment under the supervision of a registered professional nurse,
- You must have no disqualifying annotations, meaning you cannot have information about you on the CNA Registry concerning certain criminal convictions or any substantiated complaint, and
- You must renew your CNA Registry listing every 24 months.
Failure to meet any one of these requirements bars you from working as a CNA in Maine.
Renew
Renewal is required every 24 months. You’ll be sent a reminder 45-60 days before your license’s expiration.
Reactivate your expired license
If your Maine CNA license has lapsed, you must renew your license through the Maine Registry online portal (here).
Maine CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Maine CNA reciprocity page.
Maine Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlc/cna-registry
Link to license lookup: https://www.pfr.maine.gov/almsonline/almsquery/SearchIndividual.aspx
Contact information:
Mail: DLRS.CNARegistry@maine.gov
Fax: 207-287-9325
Address: CNA Registry, 41 Anthony Ave., Augusta, ME 04333