CNA License in Hawaii

How to Get a CNA License in Hawaii

CNA certification in Hawaii is regulated by DCCA and administered by Prometric. Follow these steps to become certified and listed on the state registry.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

You must complete a program approved by DCCA. The program includes:

• 30 hours of classroom instruction
• 70 hours of supervised clinical training

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Step 2: Submit the CNA Exam Application

Download the Hawaii Nurse Aide Application Form. Submit it to your training provider if testing in-facility, or mail it directly to Prometric if testing at a regional site.

Required Documents

• Signed application form
• Training completion certificate
• Payment by certified check, money order, or credit card

Mailing Address

Prometric
Hawaii Nurse Aide Program
354 Uluniu Street, Suite 308
Kailua, HI 96734

Step 3: Receive Authorization to Test

Prometric will issue an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter once your application is approved. Bring this letter and two valid IDs to your exam.

Identification Requirements

• One government-issued photo ID with signature
• One secondary ID with name and signature

Photocopies are not accepted. Both IDs must match the application exactly.

Step 4: Take and Pass the CNA Exam

The exam has two parts:

• Knowledge Test: 60 multiple-choice questions (90 minutes)
• Clinical Skills Test: Five assigned skills, including hand hygiene

You must pass both sections within two years and no more than three attempts. Otherwise, retraining is required.

Personal checks and cash are not accepted. All fees are nonrefundable.

What to Wear on Exam Day

• Flat, closed-toe nonskid shoes
• Watch with a second hand
• Scrubs or clean clinical attire

Late Arrival or Missed Exam

If you miss or arrive late, you must pay the full fee to reschedule. Notify Prometric at least five business days in advance to avoid penalty.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exam parts, Prometric will add your name to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry and mail your CNA certificate and wallet card within five business days.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Hawaii

The following nurse aide training programs are approved by DCCA. When comparing programs, consider tuition, location, schedule, clinical site availability, and job placement support.

1. Health Care School of Hawaii

   98-025 Hekaha St. Suite 4, Aiea, HI 96701
   (808) 488-9449

2. Kapi'olani Community College

   4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816
   (808) 734-9305

3. Windward Community College

   45-720 Kea'ahala Rd, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744
   (808) 235-7433

4. University of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai

   310 W. Ka'ahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
   (808) 553-4490

5. Kaua'i Community College

   3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
   (808) 245-8311

6. Hawaii Job Corps Center

   41-467 Hihimanu St, Waimanalo, HI 96795
   (808) 259-6001

7. Hawaii Medical College

   1221 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 644, Honolulu, HI 96814
   (808) 378-7660

How to Verify a CNA License in Hawaii

You can confirm your certification status through the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by Prometric under contract with DCCA.

Step 1: Visit the Registry

Go to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry Search.

Step 2: Complete the CAPTCHA

Confirm you are a human by completing the CAPTCHA.

Step 3: Choose a Search Option

• Certificate number
• First and last name

Step 4: Enter Your Details

Provide your information exactly as it appears on your certificate. If your certificate number ends in “E” or “R,” omit the final letter when searching.

Step 5: Run the Search

Click Search to display your CNA record.

Step 6: Review Your Record

• Full name
• Certificate number
• Status: Must show ACTIVE
• Expiration date
• Findings: Must show No for abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

How to Renew a CNA License in Hawaii

CNA certification is valid for 24 months. Prometric will send a renewal notice 90 days before expiration. To renew, follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Worked at least 8 hours in the past 24 months
• Performed nursing-related duties under licensed nurse supervision
• Worked in a Medicare/Medicaid-certified or state-licensed healthcare setting

Step 2: Complete the Recertification Form

Download the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry Recertification Form and complete Section 1. Your employer must complete Section 2.

Step 3: Submit Additional Documentation (if required)

If you worked in a non-Medicare/Medicaid setting, submit one of the following:

• Certificate for a 24-hour competency evaluation course
• Proof of 24 hours of continuing education with a skills competency review

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

Group 2 applicants must pay a $27 nonrefundable fee. Accepted payment methods include:

• Cashier’s check, company check, or money order (payable to Prometric)
• Visa or MasterCard (payment section on the form)

Step 5: Submit the Renewal Packet

Mail the completed form, documentation, and payment (if required) to:

Prometric
Attn: HI Nurse Aide Program
354 Uluniu Street, Suite 308
Kailua, HI 96734

Step 6: Verify Your Status

Allow up to 10 business days for processing. Use the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry to confirm your certification.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Hawaii

If your certification has expired and you did not complete at least 8 hours of qualifying work in the last 24 months, follow these steps to reinstate your license:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

You must have completed a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP):

• Path 1 – Current Program: Your original program is still approved in the Hawaii NATCEP list.
• Path 2 – Closed/Unapproved Program: If your program is no longer approved, you must complete a new state-approved training program.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Download and complete the Hawaii CNA Application. Select Route 3 – Lapsed/Expired and include:

• Signed application form
• Copy of your training certificate
• Expired certificate number (if available)
• Payment for applicable testing fees

Mail the packet to:

Prometric
HI Nurse Aide Program
354 Uluniu Street, Suite 308
Kailua, HI 96734

Step 3: Receive Authorization to Test

Prometric will review your application and issue an Authorization to Test. Bring two valid IDs, including one photo ID with signature. Names must match exactly.

Step 4: Pass the Competency Exam

You must pass both components within two years and no more than three attempts:

• Knowledge Exam: 60 multiple-choice questions (90 minutes)
• Clinical Skills Exam: Five skills, including hand hygiene (31–40 minutes)

If you do not pass both components, you must complete a new training program.

Step 5: Receive Your Certification

After passing, Prometric will mail your updated certificate and update your status to Active in the registry.

Step 6: Verify Your Status

Check the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry to confirm activation.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Hawaii

If you hold an active CNA certification from another state, you may apply for reciprocity in Hawaii. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Hold a current CNA certification in another state
• Have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

Step 2: Complete the Application

Download the Reciprocity Application and select Route 2 – Reciprocity/Out of State.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

• Copy of your active CNA certificate with certification and expiration dates
• Legal documentation of any name changes

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Include the $25 nonrefundable reciprocity fee. Payment options:

• Certified check or money order payable to Prometric
• Visa or MasterCard (credit card section on the form)

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Mail all materials to:

Prometric
Attn: HI Nurse Aide Program
354 Uluniu Street, Suite 308
Kailua, HI 96734

Step 6: Await Verification

Prometric will verify your status with the originating state and forward your file to DCCA, which determines eligibility for direct placement or retesting.

Step 7: Verify Your Certification

If approved, your record will appear as Active in the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry.

Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry

The Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry is managed by Prometric under contract with DCCA. The registry maintains certification records, renewal cycles, exam results, and disciplinary findings. Employers use it to verify CNA eligibility, and CNAs use it to renew certification and update information.

Contact Information

• Mailing Address: Prometric, 354 Uluniu Street, Suite 308, Kailua, HI 96734
• Phone: (800) 967-1200
• Email: HICNA@prometric.com
• Registry Search: Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to become a CNA in Hawaii?

Complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program and pass both components of the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Prometric. Once passed, your name will be added to the registry.

How long is CNA certification valid in Hawaii?

CNA certification in Hawaii is valid for 24 months from issuance.

How do I renew my CNA certification in Hawaii?

Submit the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry Recertification Form to Prometric. You must verify at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work in the past 24 months under nurse supervision. If you worked in a non-Medicare/Medicaid facility, also submit proof of 24 hours of continuing education or a 24-hour competency course and include a $27 fee.

What if my CNA certification has expired?

If your certification expired and you did not meet renewal requirements, you must retake the competency exam. If your original training program is no longer approved, you must complete a new state-approved program before retesting.

How do I transfer my CNA certification to Hawaii?

Submit the Reciprocity Application with a copy of your active CNA certificate and a $25 fee to Prometric. DCCA will determine if testing is required before transfer to the registry.

How do I check my CNA certification status in Hawaii?

Go to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry and search by name or certificate number. When entering your certificate number, omit any trailing “E” or “R.”

Who should I contact with questions about testing or certification?

For exam scheduling and applications, contact Prometric at HICNA@prometric.com or (800) 967-1200. For regulatory inquiries, contact the DCCA at (808) 261-8182.

Key Takeaways

• Complete training: Finish a 100-hour program (30 hours classroom, 70 hours clinical) approved by DCCA.
• Pass exams: Complete both the knowledge and clinical skills tests administered by Prometric.
• Apply for certification: Submit your application to Prometric for registry placement.
• Maintain active status: Work at least 8 paid hours every 24 months. Group 2 CNAs must also submit 24 hours of continuing education or a competency course with a $27 renewal fee.
• Renew on time: Certification expires every two years. Submit the Recertification Form with employer verification.
• Transfer credentials: Out-of-state CNAs may apply by reciprocity, submit proof of certification, and pay the $25 fee. Prometric verifies your record and forwards it to DCCA.