CNA License in Massachusetts

How to Get a CNA License in Massachusetts

The certification process is overseen by DPH. Testing is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (D&SDT)–Headmaster through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. To earn your CNA license, you must complete training, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the state registry.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by DPH. Programs require at least 75 hours of instruction, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training before any direct resident contact.

Step 2: Set Up Your TMU Account

Once your training record is entered, TMU sends you login instructions. Before scheduling your exam, you must:

• Sign in to the TMU portal
• Reset your password
• Complete all demographic fields

If your account setup is incomplete, you will be marked as a no-show and forfeit fees.

Step 3: Pay Exam Fees and Schedule Your Test

Pay testing fees in TMU unless prepaid by your program. After payment, select your test site and date.

Step 4: Take the CNA Competency Exam

The exam has two parts:

• Knowledge Exam: 60 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, passing score 76%
• Skills Exam: Three to four assigned nurse aide tasks, including hand hygiene, 40 minutes

You must perform all critical steps and at least 80% of non-critical steps. You have up to four attempts for the knowledge test and three attempts for the skills test before retraining is required.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both parts, results go to DPH. Your name is then added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. No extra application or fee is required. Certification usually posts within three weeks.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Massachusetts

CNA training programs must be approved by DPH to qualify for certification. Each program combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice that meets state and federal standards. When comparing options, consider cost, duration, schedule flexibility, location, and clinical site placement to find the program that best fits your needs. A list of DPH-approved CNA programs in Massachusetts is provided below.

1. MassBay Community College

   50 Oakland St, Wellesley, MA 02481
   (781) 239-3000

2. Middlesex Community College

   591 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA 01730
   (781) 280-3200

3. Quinsigamond Community College

   670 W Boylston St, Worcester, MA 01606
   (508) 853-2300

4. Springfield Technical Community College

   1 Armory St, Springfield, MA 01105
   (413) 781-7822

5. Bristol Community College

   777 Elsbree St, Fall River, MA 02720
   (508) 678-2811

6. North Shore Community College

   1 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, MA 01923
   (978) 762-4000

7. Mount Wachusett Community College

   444 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
   (978) 632-6600

8. Grafton Job Corps Center

   100 Pine St, North Grafton, MA 01536
   (508) 887-7300

9. Shriver Job Corps Center

   270 Jackson Rd, Devens, MA 01434
   (978) 784-2600

10. Westover Job Corps Center

    103 Johnson Rd, Chicopee, MA 01022
    (800) 733-5627

How to Verify a CNA License in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains the registry. Use the Health Professions License Verification system, which provides both summarized search results and detailed profiles.

Step 1: Access the Verification Portal

Go to the Massachusetts Health Professions License Verification page.

Step 2: Select License Board

• Choose Nurse Aide Registry from the Board menu.

Step 3: Select License Type

• Select Nurse Aide Certification.

Step 4: Enter Search Criteria

• Search by name, or
• Enter your license number

Step 5: Review Search Results

The table displays license number, type, status, name, issue date, and expiration date.

Step 6: View Detailed Profile

Click the License Number to open the profile, which shows full name, license details, status, and dates.

How to Renew a CNA License in Massachusetts

You must renew every two years to stay active on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry (MANAR). Renewal is online through eLicensing.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Worked at least 8 consecutive paid hours in the past 24 months
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

Step 2: Log in to the eLicensing System

Go to the DPH eLicensing System. Create an account if new and confirm your email.

Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application

• Log in to your account
• Enter employer details (name, address, phone, hire date)
• Add multiple employers if applicable
• Review the attestation and sign electronically

Step 4: Submit the Application

Check all entries before submitting. You will get an email confirmation. To verify your renewed status, use the Check a Health License tool.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Massachusetts

If your CNA license has expired and you did not complete 8 consecutive paid hours in the past 24 months, you must retest through D&SDT–Headmaster.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

If you worked at least 8 hours in the last 24 months, renew instead. Otherwise, you must reinstate by examination.

Step 2: Apply in TMU

Log in or create an account in TMU. Complete your demographic profile. All reinstatement applications are processed there.

Step 3: Pay the Exam Fees

• Knowledge Exam: $30
• Skills Exam: $70
• Total: $100

Step 4: Schedule and Take the Exams

Use TMU to choose a site and date. You must pass both parts. You have up to four attempts on the knowledge exam and three on the skills test. If unsuccessful, complete a new training program before reapplying.

Step 5: Verify Reinstatement

After passing, your certification updates to Current in the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. You may only work once listed as active.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Massachusetts

If you hold a CNA license in another state, you may apply for Massachusetts certification through reciprocity. Once approved, your name is added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Certified in another state
• Certification is current and in good standing
• Never previously certified in Massachusetts

Step 2: Submit the Reciprocity Application

Complete the CNA Reciprocity Application (Form 9110) in TMU.

Step 3: Provide Documentation

• Verification of your current out-of-state certification
• Any additional documents requested by DPH or Headmaster

Step 4: Wait for Processing

If approved, your name is added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. No fee is required.

Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry

The Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry (MANAR), maintained by DPH, is the official record of nurse aides eligible to work in Massachusetts. It lists certification status, renewal eligibility, reciprocity placement, and substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers must verify status before hire. Nurse aides use it to confirm certification, update demographics, and manage applications.

Contact Information

• Agency: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
• Address: 67 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
• Phone: (617) 753-8144
• Email: nars@mass.gov
• Registry Search: Nurse Aide Registry Search
• Inquiry System Access: Nurse Aide Registry Inquiry System (NARIS)
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about CNA exam day in Massachusetts?

Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID with signature. Wear scrubs and closed-toe shoes. Personal items, electronics, and guests are not allowed. Noncompliance results in a no-show and fee loss.

Does Massachusetts mail CNA certificates?

No. Massachusetts does not issue paper certificates. After passing, your name is added to the Registry. Verify and print status using the License Verification system.

How do I update my name or address?

Submit updates through the eLicensing System. Provide legal documents for name changes. Address updates are entered directly online.

How can I file a complaint against a CNA?

Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation through the DPH complaint portal.

What happens if I have a substantiated finding?

You become ineligible to work. A neglect finding may be petitioned for removal after one year if you remain incident-free. Abuse and misappropriation findings remain unless overturned by a court.

Can I request removal of a neglect finding?

Yes. After one year without further incidents, you may petition DPH in writing to remove a single neglect finding.

Can a former Massachusetts CNA apply for reciprocity?

No. Reciprocity applies only to CNAs never certified in Massachusetts. If your certification expired, you must reinstate by retesting or retraining.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a DPH-approved NATCEP with at least 75 total hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice before resident contact.
• Set up your TMU account: Log in, update demographics, and confirm your record before scheduling exams.
• Pass both exam components: Take the knowledge exam (written or audio) and the skills evaluation through D&SDT–Headmaster within 24 months of training.
• Appear on the state registry: After passing, your name is automatically added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, which serves as official proof of certification.
• Renew every two years: Complete at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months and renew online through the eLicensing system.
• Reinstate if expired: If you did not meet the renewal requirement, apply in TMU and retake both the knowledge and skills exams.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the TMU reciprocity application (Form 9110) with verification of active out-of-state certification.