CNA and LNA Classes & Programs in Vermont

Before starting your training, it's important to know exactly what Vermont requires to become a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Vermont's equivalent to the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential used in most other states. 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 18 years old to enroll in an approved LNA training program in Vermont. Some programs may accept students who are 17 years old if they will be 18 by the first clinical session.
• Program enrollment (NATCEP): You must complete a Vermont-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Programs are offered through technical centers, community colleges, adult education providers, and licensed nursing facilities. Programs must be approved by the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL).
• Background check: Candidates must meet Vermont 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 must verify Nurse Aide Registry status prior to employment in licensed long-term care facilities.

Training Hours & Clinicals

Vermont requires a minimum of 75 total hours of nurse aide training. This includes at least 59 hours of curriculum instruction and 16 hours of supervised practical training with a live person in a laboratory or healthcare setting. 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 licensed and listed on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry.

Competency Exam (Knowledge & Skills)

After completing training, candidates must pass the Vermont Nurse Aide Competency Examination, administered by Excel Testing under contract with the State of Vermont. The exam includes:

• Knowledge test: A 60 multiple-choice question exam covering nurse aide fundamentals such as infection control, safety, residents' rights, communication, and personal care. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam and must score at least 70% to pass. An oral version on audio CD is available for candidates who require it.
• Skills evaluation: Demonstration of four randomly selected nurse aide skills within 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 licensed. You are allowed up to three attempts to pass the competency examination. Both exam components must be passed within 24 months of completing training. Candidates who do not pass within the allowed attempts must complete a new Vermont-approved training program before retesting.

Placement on the Registry & Working as an LNA

Once both exam components are successfully passed, your name is added to the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) through the Board of Nursing. Testing results are transmitted electronically by Excel Testing. You may then work as an LNA in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Vermont.

Renewal

Vermont LNA licensure must be renewed every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, LNAs must have performed at least 400 hours (50 days) of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse during the previous 24-month period. Individuals who do not meet the work requirement must complete retraining and retake both competency exams before returning to active status.

Reciprocity

Vermont allows registry-based reciprocity for LNAs/CNAs certified in other U.S. states. Applicants must hold an active certification in good standing, provide verification that their training and competency evaluation met federal OBRA requirements, and document at least 400 hours (50 days) of paid work within the past two years. Out-of-state CNAs meeting these requirements are not required to retake the Vermont competency exam.

Costs

Vermont LNA exam fees are set by Excel Testing and are paid at the time of scheduling. 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: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Nursing, Vermont DAIL — Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), Excel Testing — Vermont LNA Competency Examination, Vermont Nurse Aide Competency Test Guide, 42 CFR 483.152 — Federal Nurse Aide Training Requirements