CNA License in New Jersey

How to Get a CNA License in New Jersey

Follow these steps to earn your CNA certification in New Jersey.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Graduate from a Nurse Aide in Long-Term Care Facilities Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by NJDOH. Each program includes at least 90 hours of instruction:

• 50 hours of classroom training
• 40 hours of supervised clinical experience

Programs are offered at long-term care facilities, vocational schools, and community colleges.

Step 2: Submit Your Application to PSI

Send your completed application to PSI with:

• Application form
• Certificate of training completion
• Copy of government-issued photo ID
• Payment (check or money order payable to PSI)

Mail to:

PSI – NJ Nurse Aide Program
3210 E Tropicana Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89121

Step 3: Take the Skills Evaluation

Once approved, your instructor will schedule your Skills Evaluation. The test includes five randomly assigned skills, always including hand hygiene. You must:

• Score at least 80% on each skill
• Perform all required steps correctly

You may attempt the skills test up to three times within one year. Retraining is required if unsuccessful.

Step 4: Take the Written or Oral Exam

After passing the skills test, schedule your Written or Oral Exam with PSI. Oral versions are offered in English and Spanish.

• Format: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Time Limit: 90 minutes
• Passing Score: 75%

You have three attempts within one year to pass. After three failures, retraining is required.

Step 5: Pay the Exam Fees

Include payment with your application. Fees are non-refundable.

Step 6: Complete the Criminal Background Check

All candidates must complete a fingerprint-based Criminal Background Investigation (CBI). Your training program provides the official fingerprint form. Schedule an appointment through IdentoGO and bring:

• Fingerprint form with ORI number
• Valid government-issued photo ID

Allow up to 12 weeks for processing. Certification is issued only after clearance.

Step 7: Get Listed on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams and completing your background check, your name will be added to the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry.

State-Approved CNA Programs in New Jersey

The following CNA training programs are approved by NJDOH. When choosing a program, consider cost, schedule flexibility, clinical site access, and job placement support.

1. Brookdale Community College

   765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
   (732) 224-2345

2. County College of Morris

   214 Center Grove Rd, Randolph, NJ 07869
   (973) 328-5000

3. Hudson County Community College

   70 Sip Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
   (201) 714-7100

4. Mercer County Community College

   1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550
   (609) 586-4800

5. Healthcare Training Institute

   1969 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083
   (888) 226-6354

How to Verify a CNA License in New Jersey

Use the official New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry to confirm certification status, expiration date, and work eligibility.

Step 1: Visit the Nurse Aide Registry

Go to the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry search page.

Step 2: Enter Search Criteria

• First and last name
• Certification number
• Date of birth

Step 3: Review Results

• Full name
• Certification number
• Status: must show Active
• Issue and expiration dates

How to Renew a CNA License in New Jersey

You must renew your CNA certification every 24 months.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You qualify if you:

• Hold a valid CNA certificate
• Completed at least 7 hours of paid CNA work in the last 24 months
• Have no suspensions or revocations
• Pass a fingerprint-based background check

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Renewal form signed by your current or former employer
• Two valid IDs, including one government-issued photo ID
• $30 renewal fee

Step 3: Submit In Person at PSI

Bring documents to a PSI site. Walk-in hours:

• Monday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (all sites)
• Wednesday: until 7 p.m. (Rochelle Park only)
• Thursday: 4 p.m.–7 p.m. (Parsippany only)

Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is required for renewal. Contact the Criminal Investigations Unit at CIU@doh.nj.gov or 609-292-4303.

Step 5: Verify Your Status

Check renewal status at the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in New Jersey

Follow these steps to reinstate an expired CNA certification.

Step 1: Complete a New Training Program

If your license has expired and you do not qualify for renewal, complete a new 90-hour training program.

Step 2: Submit Application and Schedule Fingerprinting

Send your application and fees to PSI. Schedule fingerprinting with IdentoGO.

Step 3: Pass the Exams

Pass both the Skills Evaluation and the Written or Oral Exam. Retraining is required if you fail.

Step 4: Verify Certification

After passing both exams and clearing the background check, confirm your status in the Nurse Aide Registry.

How to Transfer a CNA License to New Jersey

If you are certified in another U.S. state or territory, you may apply for certification through reciprocity.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a current, active out-of-state CNA certificate
• Have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• Meet one of the following:
  • Route 1: 24 hours of approved CEUs (12 in Alzheimer’s care; 12 in other required topics)
  • Route 2: At least 35 hours/week of CNA work in a nursing home within the last 24 months

Step 2: Request an Application Packet

Call NJDOH at 877-774-4243. The packet includes:

• Reciprocity application
• CBI form
• Fingerprint instructions

Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting

Schedule with IdentoGO. Bring the fingerprint form and valid ID.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

• Completed application
• Out-of-state certificate
• Verification of good standing
• Proof of CEUs or qualifying employment

Step 5: Await Eligibility Approval

If approved, PSI will mail an Eligibility Postcard with testing instructions.

Step 6: Pass the Exams (Route 2 Only)

Route 2 applicants must pass the New Jersey skills and written/oral exams.

Step 7: Verify Your Status

Once certified, check your listing in the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry.

New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry

The New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry, managed by PSI Services LLC under contract with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), is the official system for tracking CNA certification. The registry records training completion, exam results, certification status, renewal eligibility, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers use it to verify work eligibility, while nurse aides use it to confirm status, manage renewals, and update personal information.

Contact Information

New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)

• Agency: New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)
• Division: Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing
• Mailing Address: PO Box 358, Trenton, NJ 08625-0358
• Phone: (866) 561-5914
• Email: CNA@doh.nj.gov
• Website: NJDOH Nurse Aide/Personal Care Assistant

PSI Services LLC (Registry Provider)

• Mailing Address: 3525 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 1000, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
• Phone: (877) 774-4243
• Email: njna@psionline.com
• Test Portal: PSI Test Portal
• Registry Search: New Jersey CNA Registry Search

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a CNA in New Jersey if I was trained in the military?

Yes. Military training may qualify if it included a fundamentals of nursing course. NJDOH must approve eligibility. The skills evaluation is required.

Can foreign-trained nurses qualify for CNA testing in New Jersey?

Yes. Foreign-trained nurses may qualify if they completed a fundamentals of nursing course within the past 12 months. NJDOH must verify eligibility. The skills evaluation is required.

Can nursing students qualify for the CNA exam in New Jersey?

Yes. Students may qualify if they completed a fundamentals of nursing course within the past 12 months. NJDOH must approve eligibility.

Is CNA certification required to work in New Jersey hospitals?

No. Certification is not required in acute care hospitals. It is required in licensed long-term care and sub-acute units.

What if my criminal background check shows a disqualifying offense?

NJDOH will issue a notice. You have 30 days to dispute the record and request a hearing. Certification is withheld until resolved.

Can I transfer my CNA license to New Jersey if I have an abuse or neglect finding?

No. Reciprocity is not allowed if you have a substantiated finding of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on another state’s registry.

Can I appeal a failed CNA exam in New Jersey?

No. There is no appeal process. You may retake each section twice. After three failures, retraining is required.

Can I take the skills exam with Headmaster?

Yes. You may take the skills exam with Headmaster if your training provider is registered with them. The written or oral exam must be taken through PSI.

How do I request a copy of my fingerprint background report?

Request it from the New Jersey State Police or the FBI. NJDOH does not release fingerprint results.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish an NJDOH-approved NATCEP with 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical practice.
• Submit fingerprint clearance: Complete a CBI and fingerprinting through the New Jersey State Police and FBI.
• Pass both exam components: Take the skills evaluation and the written or oral exam through PSI within two years of completing training.
• Appear on the state registry: Once certified, your active status is posted on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry as proof of employment eligibility.
• Renew every two years: Provide at least seven hours of paid CNA work during the renewal cycle and complete recertification in person at a PSI test center.
• Reinstate if expired: If lapsed less than five years, request a waiver and retake the exams; if more than five years, retrain and retest through an approved NATCEP.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit a reciprocity application with proof of active certification and qualifying employment or education history in another state.