Loading...
Loading...
How to become a CNA in Hawaii. Training: 100 hours required. Exam provider: Prometric. Total initial fees: $225–$235. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) – Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
63% of data points are verified against official sources. 13 fields based on preliminary research. 2 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
100 hrs
Training Hours
Prometric
Exam Provider
$225–$235
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
24 hours of continuing education required for Group 2 CNAs (those who worked in non-Medicare/Medicaid settings) hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services during the preceding 24-month period under licensed nurse supervision
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) – Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
(800) 967-1200
Program Approval Body
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) – Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
100
Total Hours
30
Classroom
70
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Prometric
Written Exam Details
60
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
31–40 minutes depending on skills assigned min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Both parts must be passed within 2 years of completing training; up to 3 attempts allowed
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; some employers cover training costs | $625–$1,400 |
Competency Exam Fee Plus $25 application processing fee; retakes: $50 written, $60 oral, $150 skills | $200 (written + skills) or $210 (oral + skills) |
State Registration Fee Application processing fee paid to Prometric | $25 |
Total Initial Fees $25 application + $200–$210 exam fees (excludes training program tuition) | $225–$235 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services during the preceding 24-month period under licensed nurse supervision
Work Requirement
24 hours of continuing education required for Group 2 CNAs (those who worked in non-Medicare/Medicaid settings)
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0 (Group 1) or $27 (Group 2)
Group 1: employed in Medicare/Medicaid-certified facility (no fee); Group 2: employed in non-Medicare/Medicaid settings ($27 fee plus 24 hours CE)
Inactive Reinstatement
If certification has lapsed or work requirement not met, must complete a 24-hour competency and proficiency evaluation program and pass both written and skills evaluations
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Submit $25 reciprocity application fee to Prometric; Prometric verifies registration status with originating state; if active, may be placed directly on Hawaii registry; if inactive, must complete competency evaluation
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
Hawaii has a unique two-tier renewal system: Group 1 CNAs (Medicare/Medicaid facility employees) renew for free, while Group 2 CNAs (non-Medicare/Medicaid settings) pay $27 and must complete 24 hours of continuing education. Testing is available at 6 regional centers across the islands.
Hawaii requires 100 training hours, exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
Prometric administers the competency exam and maintains the Nurse Aide Registry under contract with DCCA
Both written and skills exam components are administered on the same day
Renewal is free for Group 1 CNAs (employed in Medicare/Medicaid facilities); Group 2 CNAs pay $27 and must complete 24 hours of continuing education
Six testing centers across the Hawaiian islands ensure access for all residents
Contact Prometric at (800) 967-1200 or email HICNA@prometric.com for exam and registry questions
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Hawaii.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#14 of 51
Cost
#44 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$39,700
25th percentile
Median
$44,830
+13% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$51,110
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,620 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+192% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$44,830
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$44,830
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$65,560
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$136,320
MSN or DNP + national certification
$130,940
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 7–21 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Hawaii requires 100 hours of training and passage of the Prometric competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) – Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.