CNA Certification in Hawaii

How to Become a CNA in Hawaii

Skilled CNAs are in high demand in Hawaii as nurse aides in private homes and residential care facilities are an integral part of the patient care workforce. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs approves CNA training programs and maintains the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry. This registry lists all certified nurse assistants who are legally certified to work in Hawaii.

To be considered a qualified nurse aide in Hawaii you must find a program that is accredited and approved by the State Department of Human Services. After you complete these training courses, you will have a chance to pass the Hawaii nurse aide certification test.

The career of a nurse aide is quite stable in Hawaii. Hawaiians have a culture of taking care of their elderly, so there is a large market working for private employers within the state. Students sometimes realize that it is exciting to have the skills needed to improve the life of others as a CNA in Hawaii.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find a CNA Training Program

Course content will provide you with the knowledge you need to control contagious infections, to help establish a resident’s independence, feeding, and bathing and to clothe incapacitated patients and receive certification in administering CPR.

Step 2

To qualify for the licensing examination, you must choose a program with CNA classes with a minimum of 100 hours of studies. A specific number of these hours will be devoted to in-class teachings, and the remaining hours will be spent performing hands-on clinical procedures to prepare you for real world applications.

Step 3

Before your admission into a program, you will need to be live-scan finger printed, have a physical exam, have a full background check, and make sure that you are current on your immunizations.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

After you finish your training, the next step will be to get your certification.

Step 2

Once you complete your course hours, you are eligible to take the CNA certification test. You will need to submit an application and show proof that you have finished the state program. Your test will contain portions on theory as well as portions on practical skills. Each test will be taken separately and will be scored on a ratio of the percentage you get correct. When you pass the test, you are mailed a card that shows that you are a valid certified member of the Hawaii Nurse Assistant Registry.

In Hawaii, either your CNA training facility or the American Red Cross will administer the Nurse Aide Certification exam. The Department of Health Services manages most CNA developments while the Med-Quest Division provides direct monitoring. The certification exam consists of two parts – the written exam and the skill exam. Together, it takes 5½ hours to complete the full exam which must be completed the same day. The practical skills exam is given first, and candidates must pass it before going on to the written exam. In the skills exam, you must successfully perform five or six skills before a testing administrator.

The written exam is typically a multiple-choice exam that is graded by a computer. This means that test results are often available the same day. You should receive an official statement of your CNA certification via mail, and your name will be added to the Hawaii nurse aide registry.

Step 3

Soon after you pass the exam, you will get your certification and will be listed on the State registry. Make sure to put together your resume and to create a profile on our site. This will make your resume and your application more visible to employers in your area.

Step 4

We believe that it is important to keep moving forward with your education.  Many CNAs go on to become Registered Nurses or LPN’s.  If you are interested in creating even more job security and increasing your salary, feel free to look into programs in your area. 

For Additional Information regarding how to enjoy CNA Certification in Hawaii Please visit:Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry
Hawaii Dept. of Commerce & Consumers Affairs
Professional and Vocational Licensing Branch
335 Merchant St.
3rd Floor, Room 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 739-8122
Fax: (808) 734-8318