CNA Classes & Programs in Kansas

Before starting your training, it's important to know exactly what Kansas requires to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA). Meeting these standards ensures you're eligible to test, be placed on the state registry, and work in approved healthcare settings.

Eligibility

• Age requirement: Candidates must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a Kansas-approved CNA training program. Individuals aged 16 or 17 require signed parental or guardian consent.
• Program enrollment (NATCEP): You must complete a Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Programs are offered through community colleges, technical schools, adult education providers, and licensed nursing facilities.
• Background check: CNA candidates must meet Kansas background screening requirements prior to clinical placement or employment. Individuals with substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property are not eligible for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry.
• Good standing: Employers are required to verify Nurse Aide Registry status prior to employment in licensed facilities.

Training Hours & Clinicals

Kansas requires a minimum of 90 total hours of nurse aide training divided into two parts. Part I includes 20 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of laboratory or clinical training. Part II includes 25 hours of advanced classroom instruction and 25 hours of supervised clinical training in a licensed adult care home. At least half of each part must consist of supervised clinical training. The curriculum covers all federally required OBRA topics, including communication, infection control, residents' rights, safety and emergency procedures, basic nursing skills, and personal care.

Before providing any direct resident care, trainees must complete at least 16 hours of instruction in core safety and care topics. In accordance with federal rules, Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities may employ nurse aide trainees for up to 120 days while training and testing requirements are completed; beyond this period, individuals must be fully certified and listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry.

Competency Exam (Knowledge & Skills)

After completing training, candidates must pass the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Examination, administered through KDADS-approved test sites including community colleges and technical schools across Kansas. The exam includes:

• Knowledge test: A 100 multiple-choice question written exam covering nurse aide fundamentals such as infection control, safety, residents' rights, communication, and personal care. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam and must score at least 75% to pass. An oral version may be available for eligible candidates.
• Skills evaluation: Demonstration of five randomly selected nurse aide skills performed in approximately 30 minutes, including mandatory hand hygiene and required critical steps. All critical elements must be performed correctly to pass.

Candidates must pass both the knowledge and skills components to become certified. Kansas allows up to three attempts to pass the competency examination within 12 months of starting training. Candidates who do not pass within the allowed attempts must complete a new KDADS-approved training program before retesting.

Placement on the Registry & Working as a CNA

Once both exam components are successfully passed, your name is added to the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services – Health Occupations Credentialing (KDADS-HOC). Testing results are transmitted electronically to KDADS. You may then work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Kansas.

Renewal

Kansas CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, CNAs must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse during the preceding 24-month period. Individuals who do not meet the work requirement may complete a 10-hour refresher course or an RN-administered skills checklist to return to active status.

Reciprocity

Kansas allows registry-based reciprocity for CNAs certified in other U.S. states. Applicants must hold an active certification in good standing and provide verification that their training and competency evaluation met federal OBRA requirements. Out-of-state CNAs must pass the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Examination to be added to the Kansas registry. Interstate applicants have one attempt to pass the exam; if unsuccessful, they must complete a Kansas-approved training program.

Costs

Kansas CNA exam fees vary by test site. KDADS charges a $20 application fee, with additional testing site fees ranging from approximately $38-$45. Under federal law, Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must pay for or reimburse nurse aide training and testing costs for individuals they employ or have offered employment to, provided the individual is hired within 12 months of completing training.

Sources: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services — Health Occupations Credentialing, KDADS — Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, 42 CFR 483.152 — Federal Nurse Aide Training Requirements