CNA Exam and Certification Utah

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The State of Utah defines a nursing assistant as an individual who provides nursing care under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel. The authorized duties for CNAs include measuring vital signs, assisting candidates with the activities of daily living, and positioning and range of motion. A prospective CNA must complete an approved training program and pass the Utah Nurse Assistant Registry state exam to become certified. All CNAs must secure state certification before assuming the duties of a nurse assistant. A nurse assistant student may work as an uncertified nursing assistant at a licensed facility for a period of four months while seeking certification. Candidates have one year from the training completion date to complete the testing requirements. Once issued, the CNA certificate will be valid for two years. CNAs must complete at least 200 hours of practice for compensation within the two-year period to qualify for renewal.

CNA Classes in UT:

How to Apply for the Utah CNA Exam

You’re eligible to take the NATCEP examination in Utah after graduating from a state-approved nurse aide training program. There are several eligibility routes by which you can submit your Application for Certification Testing.

E1 – New Nursing Assistant

If you’ve never been certified as a nursing assistant and graduated from a nursing assistant training program, you can apply for the test under this eligibility route. Your instructor must sign your application and the input your completion date.

E2 – Waiver

You may apply for a waiver of training from the UNAR if you:

  • Are a nursing student and completed the first semester of nursing school in the past two years. Submit official transcripts of your nursing fundamentals class with your application.
  • Are a licensed nurse with an expired license. Submit proof of previous licensure in good standing – from any state. You’ll have one attempt to pass the skills and written exam.
  • Hold an expired Utah CNA license and remain in good standing with UNAR. You’ll have one attempt to pass both exams and must take the test within one year of the expiration date of the certificate.
  • An out-of-state CNA with a current certificate in good standing. You may be eligible for reciprocity if you provide proof of certification to UNAR.

Download the application for testing online at www.utahcna.com under UNAR Testing Forms.

  • Fill out the Application for Certification Testing.
  • Have your instructor sign and date the form certifying your completion of the program.
  • Enclose a certified check or money order or fill in your credit card information for the application processing fee.
  • UNAR will mail your vouchers to test 5 to 10 days later.
  • View the list of testing centers on the vouchers and schedule your appointment to test. Vouchers are valid for one year from the training completion date.
  • Make arrangements for additional accommodations if you have a disability that impairs your ability to take the test under normal circumstances.

Hold on to your voucher(s) as it is your ticket to take the exam. The administrator at the test center will not admit you to take the exam if you do not present your voucher and a current ID. Expired vouchers will not be accepted.

Exam Costs

The established testing fees in Utah are as follows:

  • Knowledge test – $40.00
  • Skills test – $35.00
  • Retest – same for each.

Under Federal and Utah state laws, your nursing home employer must pay for your nursing assistant competency exam. The facility will present the check for the training. If you’re not employed or do not have an offer of employment, you must pay your fees using a credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.

CNA Exam Overview Utah

The CNA examination evaluates your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a nursing assistant. There are two components of the exam: the written exam and the skills examination. You must pass both parts of the exam to become state certified and obtain a place on the Utah Nurse Aide Registry.

The Written Exam

The Written Test contains 100 multiple-choice questions. The test is a computer-based test with the option to use headphones for audio to take in collaboration with the written content. A pencil and paper option is available if you have a documented disability, but you must request it in advance.

Before the test begins, the test proctor will outline instructions for the exam. You can practice for the timed, electronic test by utilizing the online practice exam on www.utahcna.com. At the end of the exam, you can request the results, by inputting SUNSET in all caps, to determine the areas where you need improvement. Sample questions are also available in the Candidate Handbook.

You must score at least 75% on the exam as a demonstration of your ability to safely perform the duties of an entry-level nursing assistant.

The Skills Exam

An RN Skills Examiner will rate your skills during the Skills Exam. This part of the exam requires that you perform a set of Vital Signs, and Handwashing and five skills selected randomly from the Skills Task Listing outlined in the Candidate Handbook. You must perform the skills competently to pass the exam – this includes following the stated guidelines, paying special attention to the key steps in each skill. According to protocol, the Examiner can provide up to two helpful hints during the exam. To prepare for success, you should memorize the beginning and ending procedures for each skill and understand the body substance precautions and principles of infection control. You will fail the exam if you miss critical points in each skill. The average completion time for the exam is 20 to 30 minutes but could go up to 40 minutes depending on the assigned skills.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled test time and wear appropriate attire and shoes for the skills test. Scrubs or other loose-fitting uniform, closed toed shoes, and hair tied back are the required dress protocol for the clinical exam. Another nursing assistant candidate will play the role of the resident. You must speak to the candidate as you would an actual resident while you perform the tasks. Be prepared to play the role of a resident for another candidate.

What To Bring To The Exam

At the test center, you’ll need to provide test vouchers for the skills and written test and a valid form of identification to be admitted to the exam. Examples of acceptable ID include a current, valid, driver’s license/ learner permit, or temporary operator card, passport, identification card, student ID, tribal identification card with photo, or employer card.

A translation dictionary in your native language is acceptable. The test center proctor will check the dictionary for notes and ensure that it is a dictionary used for translation only.

Receiving Your Scores

Your test scores will be submitted to UNAR, and you’ll receive an official report in the mail 8 to 10 business days later. You must wait at least 7 days before calling UNAR with queries about your certification. Do not call for results over the phone.

If you fail either the Written or the Skills component of the exam, the notification will include another application form and directions for reapplying for the exam you failed. You must pass the exams within one year of completing the training program or you will have to complete another program comprising of at least 100 hours of instruction to retest.

Contact the Registry

Utah Nurse Aide Registry
550 E 300 S
Kaysville UT 84037
Phone: 801- 547-9947
Fax: 801-593-2584
www.utahcna.com