CNA Certification in Georgia

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia

Anyone who wants to work as a CNA in the state of Georgia will have to first understand that they need CNA certification according to the state’s specific criteria. In Georgia, it is the Department of Community Health (DCH) that is responsible for the state Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs and the Nurse Aide Registry.

DCH has contracted with Alliant GMCF to administer and oversee the Georgia Nurse Aide Program, but it is Pearson Vue that handles the testing. All exams are based on NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) standards and a student who passes the exam is then considered certified and placed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry.Eligibility Requirements

To enroll in a training program requires that the candidate meet basic eligibility requirements. These are:

The candidate must be over the age of 18;Any candidates are required to have a high school diploma or proof of a GED;It is required that the candidate take a physical exam that includes a TB skin test and a drug screening;A criminal background check is mandatory and all fees are the responsibility of the student or their employer if they are underwriting the training; andAn application for admission to the testing must be completed and accepted as well.

Applying for CNA Certification in Georgia

There are several ways that someone can apply for the examination process apart from the “new nurse aide candidates” just beginning their training. For example, those with RN or LPN licensing can take the exam without any training; those with out of state training as CNAs can often sit for the exam; someone with CNA certification from another state which has lapsed may be able to sit for the exam; and someone with lapsed Georgia certification can sit for the exam. The state also has reciprocity for those with unexpired verification of training.

For those who do require training before sitting for the exam, the Georgia Department of Community Health website is a very valuable resource. It provides the necessary applications and a list of programs approved by the state.

Programs approved in Georgia will use 85 hours of practical and classroom study, and most of the programs require more than six weeks to complete.

Costs

The costs for programs in Georgia average between $400 and $800, with some employers footing the bill.

This does not include the Pearson Vue testing fees that are as follows:Written and Skills: $107
Skills and Oral in English: $117
Skills and Oral in Spanish: $117
Written Only: $25
Oral English: $35
Oral Spanish: $35
Skills Only: $82

FAQ

The most useful facts to know about CNA certification in Georgia include:

Renewal of the CNA certification in Georgia requires that the CNA has worked for at least 8 hours every 24 months;Licensing expires in 24 months after the last renewal or the initial certification, and the CNA receives a renewal notice 60 days before the expiration. There is no fee for renewing, but a signature from an employer is required;All candidates for programs are reviewed for adverse findings as well as having a criminal background check done;The student who has completed their training is going to have to take the exam, and pass, within 24 months or retrain;Those seeking CNA certification are allowed to take the exams three times, but if there is no passing score after the third attempt the student must re-train in a approved program.You have three chances to pass the state exam. If you fail either the skills or the written exam after three tries, you must retrain; andA nurse aide is allowed to work in a licensed facility for four months during their training program, but if they are not licensed during that time they must be removed from service.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Georgia Department of Community Health

Nurse Aide System Portal

NACES Plus Foundation, Inc.Georgia NNAAP
7600 Burnet Road, Suite 440
Austin, TX 78757-1292
(866) 432-2865

Georgia Medical Care FoundationP O Box 105753
Atlanta, GA 30348
Web: www.mmis.georgia.gov
Phone: (800) 414-4358

Pearson VuePO Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
(877) 244-1694
Web: www.pearsonvue.com