A Certified Nurse Assistant in Connecticut is approved by the Connecticut Department of Health and is listed on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry. Before performing the duties of a CNA at a nursing home or other licensed facility, you must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and take the CNA Exam. The American Red Cross along with several colleges, vocational schools, nursing homes, and high schools provide at least 100 hours of approved instruction in the theoretical and practical aspects of nurse assisting. Since the course requires hands-on instruction – at least 24 hours’ worth – online courses are not recommended. As a graduate of the approved training, you can apply to Prometric for the certification exam for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurses students who completed at 100 hours of an approved curriculum can also apply for the CNA exam.
CNA Classes in CT:
- CNA Classes Bridgeport, CT
- CNA Classes Danbury, CT
- CNA Classes Enfield, CT
- CNA Classes Hartford, CT
- CNA Classes New Haven, CT
- CNA Classes Stamford, CT
- CNA Classes Waterbury, CT
- CNA Classes West Haven, CT
How to Apply for the Connecticut CNA Exam
When submitting your Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry Application, be sure to select the appropriate eligibility route to take the exam:
Route 1: New Nurse Aide Candidate
Route 2: Nurse or Student Nurse
Route 3: Out-of-State Nurse Aide
Route 4: Lapsed Nurse Aide
If you successfully completed a nurse aide training program approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, within the past 24 months, you’ll need to submit a copy of your training certificate with the completed application. Nurses or student nurses must have completed at least 100 hours of theory and clinical instruction in an approved licensed practical or registered nurse program, within 24 months prior to the application, to take the CNA exam.
Use the following guidelines to apply for the exam.
- Determine your eligibility route and indicate on the Registry Application Form. Complete the entire application, clearly inserting your name as it appears on your government-issued
- Include a copy of the certification from the nurse aide training program or a copy of your current RN or LPN license or nursing school transcript based on your eligibility route.
- The training instructor should complete Part D of the application if you’re applying for the exam as a new nurse aide or an existing nurse aide in lapsed status.
- List the name of the facility if you plan to take the test at a regional test site.
- For in-facility testing, indicate the facility name and test site code, and submit the application to the school.
- Sign and date the Applicant’s Affidavit.
- Special accommodation is available if you qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act and request it when you submit the application. Indicate the type of disability and accommodation needed for the exam.
If you’re taking the exam for the first time, you must register for both the written (or oral) and the clinical skills evaluation. Mail the application to Prometric if you’re taking the exam at a regional test site. After Prometric reviews the application and grants approval for you to take the exam, they will send an Admission Letter with the time, date, and location of your exam. For faster communication with Prometric, include your email address on the registration form. Contact the agency immediately if you’re not available for the assigned test date.
You must pass both the clinical and written (oral) components of the exam within 24 months. If you do not pass your exam within the stipulated period, you must retrain before submitting another application to take the test.
Exam Costs
Nursing homes must cover the cost of your training, exam fees, and certification if you’re employed as a nurse aide. If you receive an offer of employment within 12 months of certification, you will qualify for reimbursement of your expenses upon submission of the receipts indicating your expenses.
Submit the fee with your Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry Application. Prometric accepts Visa or MasterCard payment, money, or certified check made payable to Prometric. Include a social security number on the money order/certified check. Testing fees are non-refundable.
- $118 – Clinical Skills and Written Examination (first time)
- $128 – Clinical Skills and Oral Examination (first time)
- $73 – Clinical Skills Retest
- $45 – Written Retest
- $55 – Oral Retest
- $15 – Duplicate certificate
- 25 – Rescheduling fee*
You must pay the rescheduling fee before you can reschedule a testing appointment. The rescheduling fee applies to requests made five working days before the test. If you attempt to reschedule less than five full working days before the test, you must pay the full exam fee.
CNA Exam Overview Connecticut
The Certified Nursing Assistant Examination is divided into two components; the written test and the clinical skills evaluations. You must successfully pass both components to obtain your CNA certificate. The results of the written test are given as a pass/fail. For the clinical skills test, you don’t have to perform the skills perfectly. However, you must complete all checkpoints to pass each of the five skills. You can correct yourself during a particular skill, so let the Nurse Aide Evaluator know if you missed a step and plan to correct it. You cannot make corrections once you’ve progressed to the next skill. The written test is administered electronically over the computer and will be in a multiple-choice format.
The Written Exam
At the testing center, you’ll use the computer mouse to indicate your selections to the 60 multiple-choice questions. The maximum time for the written test is 90 minutes. You can use the demo test, on Prometric’s website, to become familiar with the computer functions.
The five major categories in the exam are:
- Role of the Nurse Aide – 18%
- Promotion of safety – 18%
- Promotion of Function and Health of Residents – 24%
- Basic Nursing Care Provided by the Nurse Aide – 26%
- Providing Specialized Care for Residents with Changes in Health – 14%
Practice exams will help you prepare for the test. Prometric’s paid practice exams follow the same format and use the same type of questions from the actual exam. You’ll not only gain some insight into the type of questions to expect, but also get familiar with the computer-based testing process. Immediate feedback for both correct and incorrect responses and general feedback at the end of the session will help you to brush up on your weak areas. Free practice tests are also available on the web.
The Oral Exam (Alternative)
Request the written test in oral form if you have a reading disability or if you consider English your second language. With this option, you’ll have the questions read to you and provide your responses on the computer. You can replay the questions if you need to. Make sure to make the request for the oral test on the application as you cannot request it on the day of testing.
The Skills Exam
The computer will assign three skills at random when you’re scheduled for the skills evaluation. The timed skills test evaluates your performance of those three assigned skills as well as your attention to Handwashing and Indirect Care while you perform the tasks. Therefore, the skills test totals 5 skills, and you’ll have 31 to 40 minutes to perform the tasks – the actual duration will vary based on your assigned skills. The Nurse Assistant Evaluator will assess your performance based on your attention to key checkpoints for each skill. For detailed checkpoints and a list of possible skills, see the Candidate Handbook. For skills requiring a volunteer, e.g. measuring a pulse, another candidate will perform the resident role. Be prepared to play the role of a resident for another candidate.
What To Bring To The Exam
Check in at the test site 30 minutes before the scheduled time to sign in and have the staff verify your identification. For admission to the exam room, you’ll need:
- Two valid forms of identification. One ID must be a valid government-issued photo ID you’re your signature. The name on the ID must match the name on the Admission Letter. The second ID must have your name and signature (a credit card or social security card is an example).
- Your admission letter. You’re not required to present the letter. However, it is recommended that you bring it in case there are any questions.
- Flat, nonskid, closed-toed shoes, scrubs, and a watch with a second hand.
You cannot take electronic items, reference materials, books and other personal items into the exam room.
Receiving Your Scores
Prometric’s electronic testing allows for same-day results. At the conclusion of the exam, you’ll receive the score report. Results for the clinical skills test shortly after the end of the exam. If you pass both components of the exam, you’ll receive your Connecticut Nurse Assistant Certificate in the mail, and your name will be added to state’s CNA Registry.
If you fail a test, information for retaking the exam will be available on the score report.
Contact the Registry
Prometric
CT Nurse Aide
7941 Corporate Dr.
Nottingham MD 21236
Phone: 800.805.9128
Connecticut State Department of Public Health
410 Capitol Avenue MS 12MQA
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Phone: (860) 509-7596
Crystal G
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.