CNA License in New Mexico

How to Get a CNA License in New Mexico

To qualify for CNA certification in New Mexico, you must meet the training and testing standards established by NMHCA. Follow the steps below to complete the process.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

Enroll in an NMHCA-approved program that includes at least 75 hours of classroom, lab, and supervised clinical instruction. After completing training, your provider will enter your information into the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system, managed by D&SDT-Headmaster.

Step 2: Activate and Complete Your TMU Account

Once your training record is entered, you will receive login credentials by email. Sign in to TMU, reset your password, and complete your demographic profile. This step is required before paying or scheduling your exam.

Step 3: Pay for the CNA Exam

Log in to TMU to submit payment unless your employer covers the fee. You must pay before scheduling. Exam fees are:

If you are employed by or have a job offer from a Medicaid-certified facility, your employer may verify your status in TMU to qualify for state-funded testing.

Step 4: Schedule and Take the CNA Exam

After payment is processed, return to TMU to choose your exam site and date. The exam includes:

• Knowledge Exam: 60 multiple-choice questions; passing score: 74%.
• Skills Exam: Perform 3–4 tasks, including one with hand hygiene; passing score: 80%.

You must pass both parts within 24 months of completing training. A maximum of three attempts per part is allowed. If limits are exceeded, retraining is required.

Step 5: Get Listed on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams, your certification will be issued and your name added to the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry. Physical certificates are not issued.

State-Approved CNA Programs in New Mexico

The following CNA programs are approved by NMHCA. When choosing, consider tuition, schedule, clinical site availability, training format, and job placement support.

1. Central New Mexico Community College

   900 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
   (505) 224-3000

2. Clovis Community College

   417 Schepps Blvd, Clovis, NM 88101
   (575) 769-2811

3. Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell

   52 University Blvd, Roswell, NM 88203
   (575) 624-7000

4. Mesalands Community College

   911 S 10th St, Tucumcari, NM 88401
   (575) 461-4413

5. Navajo Technical University

   Lowerpoint Rd State Hwy 371, Crownpoint, NM 87313
   (928) 674-5764

6. Northern New Mexico College

   921 N Paseo De Onate, Espanola, NM 87532
   (505) 747-2100

7. San Juan College

   4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM 87401
   (505) 326-3311

8. Santa Fe Community College

   6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508
   (505) 428-1000

9. University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus

   280 La Entrada Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031
   (505) 925-8500

10. Western New Mexico University

    1000 W College Ave, Silver City, NM 88061
    (800) 872-9668

How to Verify a CNA License in New Mexico

Use the official TMU system to verify your license, managed by D&SDT-Headmaster in partnership with NMHCA.

Step 1: Access the Registry

Go to the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry Search page.

Step 2: Select a Search Method

• Full name
• Social Security number
• Registration number

Step 3: Enter Search Information

Enter your information in the Look For field and click Search.

Step 4: Review Your Certification Record

• Full legal name
• Certification number
• Status (must be Active to work)
• Issue and expiration dates
• Misconduct findings (if any)

How to Renew a CNA License in New Mexico

CNA certification is valid for two years and must be renewed through TMU.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You must have worked at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related services within the last 24 months in an approved facility.

Step 2: Sign In to TMU

• Visit the TMU portal and click Sign In
• Select Forgot Your Password? if needed
• For login issues, call (800) 393-8664

Step 3: Locate the Renewal Option

If eligible, you will see: “You have certifications that can be renewed.” Click to continue. If not visible, click the Employment tab to locate your renewal form.

Step 4: Add Employment Renewal

• Certification: Select Nurse Aide
• Employer: Choose from the dropdown list
• Start Date: Enter your hire date
• End Date: Leave blank if still employed

Step 5: Submit Payment

The renewal fee is $25. Payment options include:

• Credit Card: Enter information and click Pay Now
• Sponsor Payment: If employer-funded, select Sponsor Payment and click Create

Step 6: Wait for Employer Approval

Your status will show as Pending Employer Approval until verified by your employer.

Step 7: Verify Certification Status

Once approved, your license is renewed for two years. Confirm status on the registry search.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in New Mexico

If your license has expired beyond the 30-day grace period, you must apply for reinstatement through TMU. Eligibility depends on how long it has been expired and your work history.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Expired less than 24 months: Retest without retraining. Both exams must be passed within six months of applying.
• Expired more than 24 months with qualifying experience: Retest if you have at least 24 months of nursing-related work. Submit an employer letter on official letterhead with hire date(s), job title, and duties.
• No qualifying experience: Complete a state-approved training program before reapplying.

Step 2: Apply Online in TMU

Go to the Reactivation by Exam page. Once approved, TMU will email login credentials.

Step 3: Complete Your TMU Profile

Reset your password and complete demographic information. Your name must match your ID and Social Security card.

Step 4: Pay the Exam Fees

• Skills Exam: $100
• Knowledge Exam (written): $40
• Knowledge Exam (oral): $45

Step 5: Schedule and Complete the Exams

• Knowledge Exam: 60 questions; pass with 74%
• Skills Exam: Perform 3–4 tasks; pass with 80% overall

Step 6: Verify Reinstatement

After passing both exams, your license will be reinstated. Confirm in TMU or on the registry.

How to Transfer a CNA License to New Mexico

If certified in another state, you may apply for reciprocity through TMU.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• You hold an active CNA certification from another U.S. state or territory
• You have no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application

Go to the Reciprocity Application in TMU. Sign in or create an account, then complete the form.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card
• Copy of your current out-of-state CNA certification

Step 4: Wait for Review

NMHCA will review your application. If approved, your certification will be added to the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry.

New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry

The New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the NMHCA in partnership with D&SDT-Headmaster, is the official record of CNAs eligible to work in the state. The registry lists certification status, employment eligibility, renewal cycles, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers must verify a CNA’s active status before hire, while nurse aides use the registry to confirm certification, submit renewals, reinstatements, and reciprocity applications through TMU.

Contact Information

New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA)

• Address: 5300 Homestead Road NE, Suite 300-3114, Albuquerque, NM 87110
• Phone: (505) 861-9680
• Fax: (505) 841-6551
• Email: CNA.Registry@hca.nm.gov
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. MT

D&SDT-Headmaster (Registry Provider)

• Mailing Address: PO Box 6609, Helena, MT 59604
• Phone: (888) 401-0462
• Email: newmexico@hdmaster.com
• Website: Headmaster – New Mexico CNA
• Registry Search: New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect on exam day?

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or military ID. For the skills exam, wear scrubs and closed-toe, non-skid shoes.

If I fail one part of the exam, do I need to retake both sections?

No. If you fail one component—either the knowledge or skills exam—you may retake only the failed part.

How long does it take for exam results to post?

Results are usually available in your TMU account within 24–72 business hours. You will receive an email once scores are posted.

Can I take the exam at the same facility where I trained?

Yes, if your program is also approved as a testing site. All exams must still be scheduled through TMU.

Does New Mexico issue temporary CNA licenses?

No. Temporary or provisional CNA licenses are not issued. You must meet all requirements before employment.

How do I update my name or address on the registry?

Submit a request with supporting documentation to NMHCA at CNA.Registry@hca.nm.gov. For name changes, include a court order or marriage certificate. For address changes, provide a utility bill or similar proof.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) with at least 75 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.
• Test through Headmaster: After your program uploads records to TMU, complete your profile, pay exam fees, and pass both the knowledge and skills exams.
• Appear on the registry: Once certified, your name is added to the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry as proof of active status.
• Renew every two years: Submit renewal in TMU with verification of at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months. A $25 renewal fee applies unless state-funded.
• Reinstate if expired: If lapsed under 24 months, retest. If expired more than 24 months without qualifying experience, retraining is required.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Apply in TMU with a current out-of-state CNA certificate, valid ID, and Social Security card. No fee is required for reciprocity.
• Verify certification online: Employers and CNAs can confirm status through the TMU registry search.