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How to become a CNA in Maine. Training: 130 hours required. Exam provider: Maine CNA Competency Test (administered through state-approved evaluators). Total initial fees: $0 for registry placement. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC)
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130 hrs
Training Hours
Maine CNA Competency Test (administered through state-approved evaluators)
Exam Provider
$0 for registry placement
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have completed at least 8 hours of paid qualified employment during the preceding 24-month period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC)
(207) 624-7300
Program Approval Body
Maine DHHS – Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
130
Total Hours
Program Approval Body
Maine DHHS – Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
Mostly verifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Maine CNA Competency Test (administered through state-approved evaluators)
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Up to 3 attempts for each component within 2 years of training completion
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; nursing facilities must provide free training to employees hired before completing a CNA program | $400–$1,500 |
Competency Exam Fee Covers both written/oral and skills evaluation components | $45 |
State Registration Fee Federal CNA law prohibits Maine from charging an applicant or CNA a fee to be listed on the Registry | $0 |
Total Initial Fees No fee to be listed on the registry; exam fees and background check fees vary | $0 for registry placement |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN); cannot work independently
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
Must have completed at least 8 hours of paid qualified employment during the preceding 24-month period
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No fee for renewal; prohibited by federal law
Late Renewal Fee
$0
No late fee; if lapsed, must demonstrate qualifying employment or retake competency test
Inactive Reinstatement
If certification has lapsed due to insufficient work history, must retake and pass the competency test or provide documentation of qualifying employment; background check also required for reinstatement
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
Out-of-state CNAs with current active certification may apply for placement on the Maine CNA Registry; no fee for reciprocity applications; must provide proof of approved training, active out-of-state certification, and employment history; processing takes up to 30 days
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.
Maine requires 130 training hours (among the highest nationally) and charges no fees at all for CNA registry placement, renewal, or reciprocity -- this is mandated by federal CNA law. Training programs must pay for background checks on behalf of enrollees. Private-duty CNA work is prohibited in Maine. A Non-Traditional CNA Competency Testing Evaluation path exists for qualified applicants.
Maine requires 130 training hours, significantly exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
Federal CNA law prohibits Maine from charging any fee to be listed on the CNA Registry
No renewal fee, no registration fee, and no reciprocity fee
Minimum age is 16 with at least a ninth-grade education (high school diploma not required)
Training programs must secure and pay for the criminal background check for each enrollee
Private-duty CNA work is not permitted in Maine
Maine also maintains a Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry alongside the CNA Registry
A Non-Traditional CNA Competency Testing Evaluation option exists for qualified applicants
Contact: CNA Registry at (207) 624-7300 or Maine Department of Education at (207) 624-6711 for program locations
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 Maine.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#46 of 51
Salary
#8 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$40,270
25th percentile
Median
$45,640
+15% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$48,390
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
8,590 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+174% salary growth potential
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CNA
$45,640
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$45,640
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$70,870
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$82,860
MSN or DNP + national certification
$125,040
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
Estimated total: 8–23 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
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Maine requires 130 hours of training and passage of the Maine CNA Competency Test (administered through state-approved evaluators) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.