CNA Certification in Texas

How to Become a CNA in Texas

Becoming a CNA in Texas means that you will be able to work in any nursing home or long-term care establishment. Before you get your certification, you must first finish a CNA training program approved by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Next, you must pass the Nurse Aide Exam. When you pass both the approved program and the exam, you will be listed on the registry as having CNA certification in Texas.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

Those who choose to pursue CNA certification in Texas must meet certain prerequisites before enrolling. Most schools require nurse aide candidates to have a high school diploma or GED and to be at least 18 years of age. You will also be required to get a criminal background check and a full health screening before taking classes. This is typical of all medical careers in efforts to preserve the safety and well-being of patients in care.

Step 2

Complete your CNA training.

Texas CNA classes typically require students to have at least 75 hours of training. About 51 of these training hours will take place in the classroom, and an additional 24 hours will be spent in a medical facility receiving hands-on training. You will need to know what you learn in CNA training for your certification exam.

You will get your CPR training certificate as part of your curriculum in addition to learning:

  • Resident foul play or abuse recognition
  • Sanitation procedures and infection control
  • Mentally ill patient communication
  • How to handle emergency situations
  • Helping residents cope with impending death
  • Proper grooming procedures of incapacitated patients

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

Find a testing site and register to take your CNA certification exam.

The institution in which you received your CNA training will sometimes double as a testing site. You can also find test locations by contacting Pearson Vue, the designated test-conducting organization of this state. You must pre-register for the exam and pay an $83 fee before your exam date is scheduled.

Step 2

Study for your CNA exam and take practice tests before you take the official test.

Step 3

Pass the Pearson Vue CNA certification exam.

This exam consists of a written section and a skills assessment section. In the written section, you will need to complete 70 multiple-choice questions. During the skills assessment section, you will need to successfully complete four out of five nurse aide tasks.

If you pass the exam, you will be added to the Texas State Nurse Aide Registry. Your certificate  will be mailed to your home or you can print it out from the Internet.

Step 4

Create your resume and look for CNA jobs.CNA job openings in Texas are expected to grow by 28% over the next decade. On average, the yearly CNA salary in Texas is $22,000. However, salary can vary depending on where you live in Texas.