CNA Certification New Hampshire

How to Become a CNA in New Hampshire

As with the other US states, New Hampshire has specific requirements for people who want to become certified as a nurse aide. These requirements include completing a New Hampshire Board of Nursing approved training program, passing a licensing exam, and being listed on the New Hampshire Nurse Aide Registry.

Additional requirements include passing a criminal background check and undergoing a full physical. By continuing their education, CNAs have great opportunities to rise within the health care community. Many nurse aides go on to become registered nurses or LPNs.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find a CNA Training Program

 Your CNA classes must include at least 75 hours of in-class time and at least 25 hours of training that focused on nursing assistant lesson plans in a clinical setting.

Step 2

Make sure you’re eligible to become a CNA in New Hampshire

Before enrolling in nurse aide courses, you must be at least 18 years of age and must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Also, you must be in good physical and mental health and will need to do a full health checkup which includes a two-part TB test. Candidates must also submit to a mandatory criminal background check.

Step 3

Complete a CNA training program

Your lesson plans will follow guidelines set by the health department of New Hampshire. In these courses, you will learn medical terminology, learn how to handle emergency situations, and learn how to help patients with their daily needs.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

Be sure to pre-register for the certification exam through your training institution or another approved testing site. The New Hampshire Nurse Aide Registry should be able to provide you a list of approved facilities.

Step 2

When you receive a testing date and location, you should study hard for the exam. You should also practice with available CNA practice tests as well.

Step 3

Take the CNA certification exam in New Hampshire

Try to arrive early to your certification exam so you can check in with the testing administrators, provide them with your ID and other necessary documentation, and have time to settle in before the exam. The exam has two parts, and you will be taking the clinical portion first.

In the clinical portion, you will have to perform five randomly-chosen nurse aide tasks that you learned in the hands-on portion of your coursework. These tasks might include changing bedding, monitoring and recording vital signs, or/and performing a CPR maneuver. You must pass this portion to move on to the written exam.

You will have 2 hours to complete the written exam which is typically multiple-choice. If you pass both sections, you will receive your CNA certification and will be ready to start applying for CNA jobs in New Hampshire. You can get paper copies of your license online from the New Hampshire Nurse Aide Registry. Registration must be renewed once every 2 years. With each renewal, you must show proof that have at least 100 hours of work for each of those two years and a renewal education course of 12 hours in the same 2-year span.

Step 4

After you pass the certification exam, you can start applying to find a job. Before job seeking, make sure you first create a strong resume that highlights your education, skills, and experience.

The New Hampshire Economic and Labor Department reports a 26% growth rate for CNAs in New Hampshire. These numbers are competitive when compared to the rest of the country. The New Hampshire average yearly CNA salary is $27,200. 

For additional information regarding CNA certification in New Hampshire Visit:

New Hampshire Board of Nursing
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 16, Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-6282 or (603) 271-2323
License Verification: (603) 271-6599
Fax: (603) 271-6605