Certified nursing assistant certification in Alabama is actually a simple process, but does require the candidate to follow some essential steps. It all begins with an application for enrollment in a training program that is approved by the state (programs are offered at most community colleges, many nursing homes, and some private schools).
The agency in charge of assessing and approving CNA certification programs is the Alabama Department of Public Health reviews and approves the programs. The testing to NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Program) standards is done through an application to the NACES Plus Foundation.
Before you can apply for the exam, however, you must get that training. The program used must have approval and ask that you meet a set of specific eligibility requirements.
Eligibility RequirementsEligibility for a CNA certification program in Alabama requires that the candidate meet the following criteria:
- 18 years of age;Have a health exam that includes a TB test and drug screening;Show evidence of immunizations;Have proof of high school graduation or a GED; andUndergo a criminal background check that uses their social security number to assess everything from the criminal history to any previously reported incidents of unprofessional conduct.
Applying for CNA Certification in Alabama
All candidates must get approved training too, and though potential CNAs use an independent nurse aide training program (from a school or college) or a state approved portion of an RN or LPN program, most will be people employed in a long term care facility. The source of training is a major issue during the application process, and you will need to include this in your examination application.
For candidates in need of training, a full list of the details about pre-approved programs is available here. Certified nursing assistant certification in Alabama requires the program to feature at least 75 hours of training divided into classroom and practical work. Fortunately, the on the job programs run alongside day to day work and save the future CNA a lot of money on tuition.
CostsThe cost for an Alabama CNA certification program is roughly $1000, and takes a few months to a full year to complete. In addition to the tuition fees, some candidates also have to pay for the testing. Federal law mandates that those with jobs (or job offers) at long term facilities cannot pay for the tuition and that it is the responsibility of the employer.
Testing involves the demonstration of practical skills and written (or spoken) knowledge. They use 60 questions and 10 multiple choice questions, and then the need to perform five randomly selected skills.
The costs for testing vary according to the manner in which the tests are taken.
Both written and practical in English or Spanish: $100
Both written and practical – administered orally in English or Spanish: $120
Retesting is per section, and written testing costs $40, skills testing costs $60, and the oral exam is $60.
FAQPreparing for CNA certification in Alabama is relatively simply. You must acquire the skills through training and study, and then take the exam. The following issues, however, are things that many candidates find helpful to know:
- A sample exam in English or Spanish is available from the Pearson Vue website;Renewing the license for CNA certification in Alabama can be done online and requires the Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Form. The license is valid for two years, but the CNA is removed from the registry if they become inactive;Renewing the license is free;CNA certification requires the candidate to take the exam within 24 months of training or face the call to re-train; A criminal background check is always required for security and safety purposes; andA candidate can work for a nursing facility for 120 days while in their training, but they must test and license in that time or be dismissed.
Alabama Department of Public HealthDivision of Provider Services
PO Box 303017
Montgomery, AL 36130-3017
Phone: (334) 206-5169
Web: www.adph.org
NACES Plus Foundation, Inc.
Alabama NNAAP
7600 Burnet Road, Suite 440
Austin, TX 78757-1292
Phone: (877) 889-0939
Web: www.NACESplus.org
Pearson VUEAlabama NNAAP
PO Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Phone: (888) 204-6185
Web: www.pearsonvue.com
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