CNA Certification in Nevada

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Nevada

Certified nursing assistant certification in Nevada is overseen by the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN). This is the agency that is in charge of certifying, regulating and managing all facets of the state’s CNA program. The NSBN works alongside Prometric, Inc. to develop and administer the state’s CNA certification exam.

Unlike many states, the CNA certification in Nevada calls for several preliminary steps. The candidate needs to establish eligibility for an approved training program. They will then have to qualify, take, and pass the state exam to appear on the official state registry.

Eligibility Requirements

Nevada certified nursing assistant certification training candidates must meet a set of criteria that include:

They have a high school diploma or a GED;They must be at least 18 years of age;They must submit evidence of a negative TB status, have proof of immunizations, and a negative drug screen;They must have CPR certification; andThey have to submit to a criminal background check that includes fingerprint data and a felony arrest record.

Applying for CNA Certification in Nevada

Some candidates will not need to attend an approved program if they meet the following criteria:

Reciprocity – if you can provide evidence that you are already another state’s registry for CNAs, you can often apply to appear on the Nevada registry without any testing;Waiver – some certified nursing assistant certification candidates can provide evidence of licensures as an RN or LPN in another state or country. This can allow them to appear on the registry after a review by the proper state commissions.; orLapsed – In order to reactivate an inactive license the CNA needs to complete the renewal process with the associated fee, form, and continuing education. If the CNA has not practiced two or more years, they may be required to take a refresher course before renewal.

If the candidate for CNA certification in Nevada does need training, they can use the State Board of Nursing list of pre-approved programs.

Any approved programs have a minimum of 75 hours, with 60 hours spent on classroom instruction and 15 hours spent in practical work. Following this, the candidate applies for exam eligibility, and if this is accepted they are given a list of numbers to contact to book their two-part examination. Testing includes both the written exam and practical skills, which must both be passed before the student can apply for a place on the state registry.

Costs

The average price for CNA a certification-training program in Nevada is over $1000, and takes several months to complete. There are ways of working in exchange for training, and many licensed nursing homes provide the CNA certification candidate with a chance at free education and testing.

The training fees are separate from testing fees. CNA certification testing in Nevada is available at three sites, and each has different costs for taking the exam. You can also do “retakes” at the same sites.

College of Southern Nevada
Both tests – $120
Clinical Retake – $90
Written retake – $30
Great Basin College
Both tests – $90
Clinical Retake – $60
Written retake – $30

Truckee Meadows Community College
Both tests – $120
Clinical Retake – $90
Written retake – $30

FAQ

Below is a list of useful and frequently required facts for CNA certification:

You have three opportunities to take and pass both parts of the competency exam. Each attempt requires the payment of a new test fee. If you fail either part of the exam three times, you must retrain before you can retest;You must take and pass the competency exam within one year of the date your application is received by the NSBN. You must pass both tests;No testing fees are refundable or transferable. Each time a student fails to complete testing during the eligibility period, their fees are not refunded or carried over to a new eligibility period;A sample exam is available at the Prometric Nevada site;Certification is good for two years, but you must a have worked for pay at least one documented day in the past 24 months; andRenewal forms are mailed approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of certification.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Prometric
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: (866) 837-1416
Fax: (800) 813-6670
Web: www.prometric.com/NurseAide/NV

Nevada State Board of Nursing
2500 W. Sahara Avenue, Suite 207
Las Vegas, NV 89102-4392
Phone: (702) 486-5800
E-mail: nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us
Web: www.nursingboard.state.nv.us