CNA License in Connecticut

How to Get a CNA License in Connecticut

The CNA certification process in Connecticut is regulated by DPH and administered by Prometric. To be placed on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass both parts of the competency exam.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Nurse Aide Training Program

Enroll in a DPH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program consisting of at least 100 hours of instruction:

• 75 hours of core training in nursing care, personal care, restorative services, mental health, and residents’ rights
• 25 hours of specialized instruction in managing challenging behaviors

Before any direct resident contact, you must complete at least 16 hours of training in communication, infection control, residents’ rights, and emergency procedures. Connecticut also requires 2 hours of training on PTSD screening, suicide risk, depression, grief, and suicide prevention.

Step 2: Apply for the Connecticut CNA Competency Exam

Submit your application through the Prometric online portal. Most new candidates apply under Route 1 – New Nurse Aide. You will need to:

• Select your eligibility route
• Upload required documentation
• Pay the exam fee

Step 3: Schedule and Take the CNA Competency Examination

First-time testers must take both parts of the exam:

Knowledge Test

• Written Test: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Oral Test: 60 multiple-choice questions read aloud, plus 10 reading comprehension questions
• Time Limit: 90 minutes

The oral format must be requested when applying; it cannot be added on exam day.

Clinical Skills Test

Demonstrate five assigned skills, including mandatory hand hygiene. Skills are scored using standardized checklists.

All fees are non-refundable. Testing must be completed within 24 months of completing training. There is no limit to the number of attempts during this period.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry

Prometric will submit your passing scores to DPH. Once approved, your name will be added to the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry. Your certificate will be mailed within 15 business days, but your online listing serves as your official proof of certification.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Connecticut

The following nurse aide training programs are approved by DPH. When comparing programs, consider tuition, schedule, clinical site access, and job placement support to find the best fit.

1. Manchester Community College

   60 Bidwell St, Manchester, CT 06040
   (860) 512-3000

2. Middlesex Community College

   100 Training Hill Rd, Middletown, CT 06457
   (860) 343-5800

3. Naugatuck Valley Community College

   750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, CT 06708
   (203) 575-8000

4. New Haven Job Corps Center

   455 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06515
   (203) 397-3775

5. Quinebaug Valley Community College

   742 Upper Maple St, Danielson, CT 06239
   (860) 932-4000

6. Three Rivers Community College

   574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360
   (860) 215-9016

7. Tunxis Community College

   271 Scott Swamp Rd, Farmington, CT 06032
   (860) 773-1300

How to Verify a CNA License in Connecticut

Use the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry to confirm your certification status, expiration date, and eligibility to work.

Step 1: Access the Registry Search Page

Visit the official verification page.

Step 2: Complete the Security Check

Enter the CAPTCHA to proceed.

Step 3: Choose a Search Method

• Certificate # — Enter your CNA certificate number
• Name Search — Enter first and last name

Step 4: Submit and Review Results

Click Search to display your status. The results show:

• Full name
• Certificate number
• Status — must be Active for work eligibility
• Original certification date
• Expiration date
• Negative findings (Yes/No)
• City and county

Step 5: View Detailed Record

Click on your record to view details such as certification route, training program name, and exam pass date.

How to Renew a CNA License in Connecticut

Connecticut CNA certification must be renewed every two years. There is no renewal fee.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• You completed at least one paid 8-hour shift providing direct nursing or personal care in the past 24 months
• No substantiated findings on your record

If you did not meet the work requirement, you must retrain and retest.

Step 2: Complete the Employment Verification Form

Download the Employment Verification Form. Use the Private Duty or Out-of-State version if applicable. Complete your section and have your employer complete theirs.

Step 3: Submit the Form

Your employer must send the completed form directly to the registry:

• Fax: (860) 707-1983
• Email:dph.nurseaide@ct.gov
• Mail: CT Nurse Aide Registry Program, DPH, 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#12MQA, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Once processed, your certification will be renewed for two years from the last verified employment date. No new certificate will be issued.

Step 5: Verify Your Status

Confirm renewal on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Connecticut

If your certification has expired and you’re not eligible for renewal, apply for reinstatement under Route 4 – Lapsed Nurse Aide.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Your certification is expired
• You have not worked at least 8 paid hours in the 24 months before expiration

If your prior training can be verified, retraining is not required. If not, complete a DPH-approved training program.

Step 2: Submit the Reinstatement Application

Apply online via the Prometric portal. Select Route 4 – Lapsed Nurse Aide. Include:

• Previous certificate number (if available)
• Legal name change documents (if applicable)
• ADA accommodation requests, if needed

Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee

• Skills + Written Test: $118
• Skills + Oral Test: $128

All fees are non-refundable.

Step 4: Take the Exam

Prometric will issue an admission letter with your test date. Pass both test components to reinstate your certification.

Step 5: Verify Reinstatement

Your status will be updated to Active. A new certificate will be mailed within 15 business days.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Connecticut

If you hold active CNA certification in another U.S. state or territory, apply for reciprocity through Prometric.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Active CNA certification in good standing
• No abuse, neglect, or misappropriation findings

Step 2: Submit the Reciprocity Application

Apply online via the Prometric portal. Choose Route 7 – Reciprocity. Alternatively, submit the printable application by mail.

Step 3: Provide Required Documentation

Submit a copy of your active certificate or a verification letter from your state registry.

Step 4: Pay the Reciprocity Fee

$55 non-refundable application fee

Step 5: Confirm Listing

Once approved, your name will appear on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry. No testing is required.

Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry

The Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry, managed by Prometric in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), serves as the official record of certified nurse aides eligible to work in Connecticut. It maintains certification status, handles renewals and reciprocity, and provides verification services.

Contact Information

• Mailing Address: Prometric, ATTN: CT Nurse Aide Program, 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236
• Phone: (866) 499-7485
• Email: CTCNA@prometric.com
• Registry Search: Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update my name or address on the CNA Registry?

Submit a completed Name/Address Change form to Prometric. For name changes, include legal documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order. There is no fee to update your record, but a $15 fee applies if you request a new certificate with your updated name.

Can private duty work be used for CNA renewal?

Yes. If you worked as a private duty CNA in Connecticut, your employer must complete the Private Duty Employment Verification Form and submit it directly to the Department of Public Health by mail or fax.

What if I worked out of state but need to renew my Connecticut CNA?

You may use the Out-of-State Employment Verification Form to verify qualifying CNA work outside Connecticut. Your out-of-state employer must return the completed form directly to the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry.

How long do I have to pass the CNA exam after training?

You must pass both the written and clinical skills exams within 24 months of completing a state-approved training program. There is no limit to the number of attempts within that period.

Can I request ADA accommodations for the CNA exam?

Yes. Submit a completed Testing Accommodations Request Packet with your application. Requests must be received at least 30 days before your scheduled exam date.

What ID is required on CNA exam day?

You must bring two valid forms of ID. One must be a current government-issued photo ID with your signature. The name must match your application exactly, or you may be denied entry and forfeit your exam fee.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: You must complete a state-approved 100-hour CNA program and pass both the written (or oral) and skills exams administered by Prometric.
• Apply through Prometric: Submit your application online using the Prometric portal. Most candidates apply under Route 1 – New Nurse Aide.
• Stay active with paid work: You must complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA or direct care work every 24 months to remain eligible for renewal.
• Renew without a fee: Certification renewal is free but requires submission of a completed Employment Verification Form by your employer.
• Transfer certification by reciprocity: Out-of-state CNAs may apply under Route 7 by submitting verification of active status and paying the $55 fee—no exam required.