A comprehensive guide to the New Jersey CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in New Jersey! The New Jersey 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 New Jersey CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the New Jersey 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 schools may require to have a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
To qualify you must attend a state-approved training program offering a training course of minimum 90 hours, consisting of 50 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours. You must then, within two years of completing the training program, take the competency test.
Competency Test
To be certified on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry, you must take both the skills examination and the written (or oral) examination. You must take the skills examination first, and within one year from passing the skills examination, take the written (or oral) examination. You can find more information and book the competency test with PSI, the traning provider, on the PSI website.
The fees to take both the skills examination and the written examination is $76.00.
You may find more information in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
Background Check
You must complete a CBI application and a fingerprint appointment. You will be disqualified from certification if you fail to do so. If you are enrolled in a New Jersey Nurse Aide Training Program, your instructor will provide you with the required CBI application and fingerprint appointment forms. You can find more information on the Registry’s website.
Applying to appear on the New Jersey CNA Registry
Where to apply
You will be added to the Registry upon completion of the competency test and provided your background check comes back clear.
Required Documentation
Not applicable.
Restrictions
Your certificate will be revoked or you will not be added to the Registry if you are convicted of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or misappropriation, or any fraudulent activity.
Processing Time
Unknown.
How to keep your license on the New Jersey 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 seven hours during the 24-month time frame.
Renew
You will receive a renewal reminder 45-60 days before your certification lapses. You should renew your application immediately by completing the Renewal Form you will be provided with, getting it signed by your employer, and paying the $30 fee. Note that the Department of Health (DOH) will update your criminal history background check (CBI). There is no need to complete a new CBI application. You will receive a notice about updating your criminal history background check from the DOH 4 months before your certification expiration date.
The renewal must happen in person. You must go to the recertification location set out in the Renewal Form and bring with you:
- the $30 fee,
- two forms of identification including one valid government-issued identification (e.g. driver’s license, US passport, etc.), and the other must have your signature and printed legal name, and
- the completed renewal form, signed by your current or previous employer.
Your photo will then be taken. If your recertification documents are complete, your certification will be updated on the Registry and you will receive a new certificate.
Do not leave it to the last minute as your certification will immediately expire and no longer be valid for employment purposes on the expiration date set out on your certificate.
Processing time: unknown.
Reactivate your expired license
If your certification has already expired and your initial certification date is less than 5 years ago, you must:
- request a waiver from the Department of Health (DOH), and
- pass both the competency test (both written and skills examinations)
If your certification has already expired and your initial certification date is more than 5 years ago, you must:
- request a waiver from the DOH,
- complete the state-approved training, and
- take the competency test (both written and skills examinations)
New Jersey CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our New Jersey CNA Reciprocity page.
New Jersey Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.nj.gov/health/healthfacilities/certification-licensing/nurse-aide-pc-assistant/
Link to license lookup: https://njna.psiexams.com/
Contact information:
Email: CNA@doh.nj.gov
Phone: 866-561-5914
Address: New Jersey Department of Health, P.O. Box 358, 120 S. Stockton Street, 3rd Floor, Trenton, NJ 08611