CNA Certification in Arizona

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arizona

Whether you currently live in Arizona or are considering relocating to this beautiful and thriving state, if you want to work as a CNA, you need to meet and follow all state requirements. This means you will need to obtain any required CNA certification training through a program approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing, or the AZBN.

Although AZBN is the group that reviews, approves, and oversees CNA certification in Arizona, as well as keeping track of the CNA registry, it is not the group that administers the testing. That is D&S Diversified Technology, LLP.

Eligibility Requirements

Under the certified nursing assistant certification guidelines for the state, any CNA candidate has to:

Complete a CNA certification training program that has been approved by the AZBN (these appear in hundreds of locations, including high schools, colleges, and some nursing homes);Submit to a criminal background check that includes an official fingerprint submission (all forms are available at the AZBN website for CNA certification); andPass the state nursing exam.

Applying for CNA Certification in Arizona

Once a student has passed the exam they will appear on the state registry and can legally work as a CNA. There are special allowances for those who may have already obtained their training and certification elsewhere. For example, proof of completion of a 120 hour program or a 75 hour program approved by another state acceptable, but this also requires that you have done 45 hours of work as a professional CNA. If you have graduated from an RN or LPN program and hold a license, you can take the written test and receive your CNA certification in Arizona too.

The AZBN requires that any CNA certification program use 120 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of hands on or practical training. Generally, programs take around six weeks or more to complete.

Costs

Training programs for CNA certification in Arizona usually cost between $400 and $800, without the additional testing fees added in.

The Arizona CNA certification exams are available from the D&S Diversified Technology, LLP locations. The exams are divided into two sections – written and skills.  There are no options for exams in languages other than English, but there is the option for an orally administered exam for those who may have difficulty with the language, or those who suffer from testing anxiety issues.

Application and payment forms are available online through the D&S website as well.

The fees for the tests are as follows:Written: $28
Oral Written: $38
Skill Test: $80

Retaking any exam costs the same as the original exams.

When a student is obtaining their training and testing through a skilled nursing facility, the fees are reduced, and are as follows:Written: $19.06
Oral Written: $24.59
Skill Test: $50.95

Upon completion of the exam, the student may use the D&S Diversified Technology, LLP website to check on their results. With a passing score the student becomes a fully certified CNA and appears on the state registry.

FAQ

There are some very useful details to know about CNA certification in Arizona, and they include:

According to state statutes any applicant hoping to obtain licensure and certification must submit a full set of fingerprints using the appropriate documentation. The Board of Nursing mails the cards required when the application for certified nursing assistant certification is sent to the state. The packet can be downloaded from this link.Unlike many other states, in Arizona you will not be eligible for certification if you have any felony convictions that are not discharged by the state courts;Arizona CNA certification lasts for one year from the date the license was issued. You must provide proof of employment as a CNA, submit the annual renewal form with proper documentation by your administrator, and pay the $2 renewal fee;You must take both parts of the exam within 24 months of completion of your state approved program; andArizona does not allow anyone to work as a CNA without completing a program and having licensing in place.

Helpful Resources around the Web

If you have specific questions about CNA certification in Arizona, the best place to begin finding answers is:

Arizona State Board of Nursing4747 North 7th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix AZ 85014-3653
Phone: (602) 771-7800 Fax (602) 771-7888
E-Mail: arizona@azbn.org
Home Page: http://www.azbn.org

If you would like to do some practice testing, you can also visit the D&S Diversified website and use the options available