Massachusetts CNA Registry Guide

A comprehensive guide to the Massachusetts CNA Registry: From application to renewal

Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Massachusetts! The Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.

Requirements to get on the Massachusetts CNA Registry

Fees

The application process is free of charge.

Minimum Age

Some training schools will require you to be at least 17 years old to apply.

Minimum Education

Training school may require to have a high school diploma or a GED.

Training Requirements

To qualify you must have taken a certified training course of a minimum of 75 hours, provided in accordance with Massachusetts requirements.

Competency Test

To be certified on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, you must pass both the knowledge or audio examination and the skills examination. You can book the date for your examinations and find more information here. You will have to create an account with the Massachusetts TMU Portal.

Fees:
– Knowledge: $40.00
– Audio: $50.00
– Skill: $70.00

You can find more information on the examinations and the TMU Portal in the Candidate Handbook.

Background Check

A background check is likely to be required by your employer.

Applying to appear on the Massachusetts CNA Registry

Where to apply

You will be added automatically once you’ve passed your examinations.

Required Documentation

Not applicable, the testing center will provide results to the Registry.

Restrictions

If you have been subject to probation as an alternative sanction, you may work during this time in accordance with the terms of your probation. In the case of suspension, you may not work as a CNA during the period of your suspension.  If there has been a final finding against you, you may not work as a CNA. Findings of abuse or misappropriation may also be removed but only if you are found Not Guilty in a court of law 

Processing Time

Three weeks from having taken and passed your examinations.

How to keep your license on the Massachusetts CNA Registry

Stay Active

The certification period is for 24 months, and you must renew every 2 years by providing verification that you have worked a minimum of eight hours during the 24-month time frame.

Renew

To renew your application, you must complete the Renewal Application process by going to healthprofessionlicensing.mass.gov.  You can find a user guide on how to use the Registry’s website here, and a video showing how to renew your certificate here.

Processing time: unknown.

Reactivate your expired license

If the certification expires, you may be able to renew your certification through your work experience, but you must be currently employed as a nurse aide and have worked from before your certification expired to the present with no break in employment. If you are not currently employed or had a break in employment, you may need to retake the nurse aide certification test. Contact the Registry for more information (details below).

Massachusetts CNA reciprocity

For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Massachusetts CNA Reciprocity page.

Massachusetts Registry and contact details

Link to Registry: https://www.mass.gov/nurse-aide-registry-program

Link to license lookup: https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/

Contact information:
Email: atnars@mass.gov
Phone: (617) 753-8144
Address: 67 Forest St., Marlborough, MA 01752