How to Get a CNA License in Connecticut

Workers with health care skills are expected to be in increasingly high demand in the next decade, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. One of the most accessible health care careers is that of a certified nurse aide. CNAs work under the supervision of a registered nurse to provide basic care for patients, such as feeding, bathing, exercising and taking vital signs. CNAs must be licensed in the state in which they want to practice, so if you want to work in Connecticut, it’s important to ensure that you meet that state’s licensing requirements.

1

Complete a nursing aide training program at an institution that’s approved by the state of Connecticut. Training-hour requirements vary from state to state, and Connecticut requires candidates to complete at least 100 hours of training, more than the federal minimum of 75 hours.
2

Download the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry Application. The Connecticut Department of Public Health contracts with testing agency Prometric to manage its registry and certification procedure. There’s a link to the application form in the “Resources” section below.
3

Fill in the required fields, giving your name and contact information; the type of test you are applying for; an affidavit certifying that you have completed the state-approved training program; and your choice of test site. You can test either at a health care facility or at one of six regional test sites across Connecticut.
4

Follow the instructions for submitting the form. If you are testing at a health care facility, you should submit the form to your training coordinator. If you are testing at a regional site, you should send your paperwork to Prometric at the address shown at the end of the form. You must include payment, which must be by either cashiers’ check, money order or credit card. You cannot pay by personal check. Fees vary according to whether you are taking the test for the first time, retesting or seeking reciprocity from another state. You must also include a copy of your training program completion certificate.
5

Take the certification test administered by Prometric. This will consist of both a practical clinical skills test and a written exam. The clinical skills test looks at your ability to perform a wide range of functions, including taking a patient’s blood pressure and pulse, recording weight, assisting with passive motion exercises, feeding and dressing. The written exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions testing your knowledge and response to hypothetical situations.
6

Receive your CNA certificate. Once you have passed both parts of the exam, you will be mailed your certificate and notified that you have been added to the Connecticut CNA Registry. You are now licensed to practice as a CNA in Connecticut.