Questions and Answers about CNA Certification in Texas
What is the Nurse Aide Registry?
The State of Texas maintains an official record of all certified nurse assistants qualified to provide patient care services in nursing facilities and licensed by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. This record is called the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
How can I qualify for reciprocity?
You can qualify for reciprocity if you are currently on the nurse aide registry in another state that is in compliance with applicable federal laws and you complete the necessary DADS-required documentation.
What do I need to do in order to become a certified nurse aide (CNA)?
You will hold the title certified nurse aide and be allowed to work in the state of Texas when:
- You graduate from a state-approved nurse aide training program, and pass the state evaluation test OR
- You hold a nurse aide certification from another state and obtain certification in the state of Texas by waiver or reciprocity.
What does the state exam for nurse aide certification consist of?
The examination has two parts:
- Testing of your hands-on, client care skills. This part includes demonstrating five randomly selected nurse aide skills.
- Testing of nurse aide concepts and knowledge. This part of the exam includes answering 60 multiple choice questions.
How many hours of instruction are required by law to complete a CNA course?
Every school offering a nurse aide program must provide a minimum of 75 hours of training. Fifty one hours are dedicated to classroom instruction while 24 hours are for clinical training providing direct patient care.
How long can I wait to take the certification exam after I complete a nurse aide training course?
You must take the state exam within 24 months of completion of the nurse aide training course.
Where can I take the nurse aide certification exam?
You may take the examination at any facility approved to administer testing by the Department of Health or at any state approved nurse aide training provider school that has volunteered to accept you for testing.
Do I need to show proof of a High School diploma or GED to become a certified nurse aide?
You do not need a high school diploma nor a GED to become a nurse aide in Texas.
Can I become a nurse aide if I do not attend a training program but I do take the state test?
Yes, you can take only the state exam if:
- After July 1, 1989, you successfully completed the training portion of an approved NATCEP in any state and have not completed the CEP test or been placed on the registry in another state.
- After July 1, 1989, you successfully completed military training of 100 hours or more which is equivalent to civilian nurse aide training.
- After July 1, 1989, you successfully completed a state-accredited registered nurse (RN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) school but were not licensed as an RN or LVN in Texas or have not held a nurse license that has been revoked.
- You are currently a nursing student in any state and are able to provide basic nursing skills.
Once I pass the state examination, how fast can I get my certificate?
The nurse aide certificate will be sent to you within four to six weeks.
Is it possible to check on the status of my certification?
Yes, you can call the toll free number: 1-800-452-3934. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number.
Do I have to renew my certification?
No, there is no expiration date on your nurse aide certificate. In order to maintain active status you have to contact the Texas Nurse Aide Registry and confirm your employment status at least every two years.
If I fail the nurse aide state exam on the first try, can I re-test?
Yes, you can re-test twice.
What happens if I fail the nurse aide state exam three times?
You need to complete another nurse aide training program before you are allowed to retake the state exam.
Am I allowed to work in a nursing facility while I am training to become a CNA?
Yes, if you are a student enrolled in a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program you can work as a nurse aide for up to four months in a nursing facility without being certified.
Where can I find a list of nurse aide training programs in Texas?
Please follow this link for a list of CNA training programs in Texas.
Do I need to have a copy of my certificate in order to be allowed to work as a CNA?
You need to show proof of your CNA certificate in order to be employed and your status as a nurse aide needs to be active on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
What happens when a nurse aide is referred to the Nurse Aide Registry for abuse, or neglect charges?
The Department of Aging and Disability Services conducts a review and will investigate any allegations. The nurse aide will have the opportunity to show compliance with the law through both informal and formal hearings. Those found guilty will no longer be employable by health care facilities regulated by DADS.
If certification to practice as a nurse aide has been revoked, can it ever be reinstated?
No because the Federal law prohibits reinstatement of certification for those who have abused or neglected clients or misappropriated patient property.
Are there certain criminal convictions that will prevent a person to find employment as a nurse aide?
Yes, there are criminal convictions which prohibit employment in health care settings regulated by the Department of Aging and Disability Services. You can find a complete listing of these violations here: Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 250.006.
How long can I keep my certification active if I stop working as a nurse aide?
If you were not employed as a nurse aide for 24 consecutive months you will lose your certification and will be removed from active status on the Nurse Aide Registry.
How can I become recertified after losing my CNA certification due to inactive status?
If you were not employed as a nurse aide for 24 consecutive months, you need to re-take the state certification exam or to enroll in a new facility-based nurse aide program to be restored to active status.
Who regulates nurse aide training programs and providers in Texas?
It is the role of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to review and approve any nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs (NATCEP) as well as any nurse aide competency evaluation programs (CEP).
Do I qualify to receive reimbursed for the cost of my nurse aide program?
According to Federal laws and regulations, any long term care facility that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding is required to reimburse tuition, training, and testing costs for certified nurse aides within 12 months of them completing the nurse aide program.
In order to keep my certification, am I required to complete continuing education credits?
As a certified nurse aide you are required to complete 12 hours of in-service or continuing education credits every year.
What is the minimum age required to enroll in a nurse aide program in Texas?
To be accepted into a nurse aide course in Texas you must be at least 16 years of age.
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