New Mexico CNA Registry Guide

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 application, 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.

D&SDT–Headmaster has been contracted by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA) 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, submit the examination application online and pay the applicable fees (Knowledge test: $40; Skills test: $100; all fees subject to 4.875% NM Gross Revenue Tax).

Once your completed application and the associated fees are received, your application will be reviewed and if you are eligible, you will be emailed 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 New Mexico Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook.

Background Check

This will be required by your employer.

Applying to appear on the New Mexico CNA Registry

Where to apply

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.

Required Documentation

Not applicable.

Restrictions

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA) 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 sign in to https://nm.tmutest.com/ and list your work hours and where you were employed (nursing home, hospital, hospice, home health agency, or ICF/MR facility). You are allowed 30 days after your certification expires to renew.

Reactivate your expired license

If the certification expired:

  • less than 24 months ago, you may be reinstated via retesting. Training will not be required if your expiration date is within the past 24 months at the time you apply. To apply for reinstatement under these circumstances, contact D&SDT-HEADMASTER at (888) 401-0462 to request reactivation by exam.
  • more than 24 months, you may be reinstated via retesting. You must fill in and submit the Reactivation By Exam Application. A letter from your employer is required, listing the following information:
    • Employee’s Name
    • Employee’s Title
    • Employee’s Hire Date(s)
    • A detailed list of employee’s 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://nm.tmutest.com/ & https://www.hca.nm.gov/certified-nurse-aide-registry/

Link to license lookup: https://nm.tmutest.com/search

Contact information:
Email: CNA.Registry@hca.nm.gov
Phone: 505-861-9680
Address:
ATTN: Nurse Aide Registry
3900 Masthead St NE, Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM, 87109
United States