A comprehensive guide to the New Mexico CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in New Mexico! The New Mexico 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 Mexico CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the New Mexico 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 undertake no less than 75 hours of training at an approved training center, which includes at least 16 hours of supervised practical training in a laboratory or other setting under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
You will have to take the competency examination within 24 months of having completed the training. Your training program director will have to complete the “Work Verification” Section of the Examination Application form, as proof of your training.
Competency Test
To be certified on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, you must pass the New Mexico Nurse Aide Competency Examination.
Prometric has been contracted by the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) and the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) have to develop and administer the New Mexico Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The examination consists of a clinical skills test and a written (knowledge) test. You must pass both tests to register as a CNA. To sign up for the tests, fill in and submit the Examination Application form, and pay the fee ($107.10).
Once Prometric receives your completed application and the associated fees, Prometric will review your application and if you are eligible will email
you an “Authorization to Test” letter. This letter will include the date, location and time of your test. You must bring this letter and proper identification with you to take the examinations.
For more information on the competency examination, please see the Prometric Candidate Information Bulletin.
Background Check
This will be required by your employer.
Applying to appear on the New Mexico CNA Registry
Where to apply
Prometric manages the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Registry. Once you have passed both parts of the competency examination, you will be mailed your certificate within one week from the date you tested. Your name will be added to the New Mexico CNA Registry by Prometric.
Required Documentation
Not applicable.
Restrictions
You will not be hired if you have been found of neglect, abuse or exploitation. The Department of Health operates a policy of “Zero tolerance of abuse, neglect, and exploitation”.
Processing Time
7 days from passing the examinations.
How to keep your license on the New Mexico 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 fill in and submit the Renewal Form, and pay the $26.25 fee. Renewals are processed by Prometric and upon approval, renewed for two years from the date of last employment.
Processing time: unknown.
Reactivate your expired license
If the certification expired:
- less than 24 months ago, you may be reinstated via retesting. You must fill in and submit to Prometric the Examination Application form (Option 7).
- more than 24 months, you may be reinstated via retesting. You must fill in and submit to Prometric the Examination Application form (Option 9).
- more than 24 months, but you have been employed in a nursing-related field, you may be eligible for an Approval Letter waiving the requirement to retrain. To obtain the Approval Letter, you must contact the Department of Health (DOH) at (505) 861 9680 or CNA.Registry@doh.nm.gov. If approved by the DOH, you will be sent an Approval Letter. You will need to submit a letter from your employer with the following information: your name, title, hire dates, detailed list of job duties,
New Mexico CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our New Mexico CNA Reciprocity page.
New Mexico Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/dhi/hflc/prop/nar/
Link to license lookup: https://registry.prometric.com/publicNM
Contact information:
Email: CNA.Registry@doh.nm.gov
Phone: 505-861-9680
Address: Nurse Aide Registry, 5300 Homestead Road NE, Suite 300-3116, Albuquerque, NM 87110