Loading...
Loading...
Certified Nursing Assistant
Total cost: $125
Governing Authority
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
130 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam Provider
125
Total Initial Fees
Every 24 months
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must complete a minimum of at least 8 hours of qualified employment every 24 months
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
70
Classroom
40
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Maine DHHS – Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC)
Topics Covered
Browse CNA study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Exam Requirements
Mostly verifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
60
Questions
70%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Up to 3 attempts for each component within 2 years of training completion
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Rating based on limited data
Practice with realistic exam questions
CNA Certification Exam
Browse study guides
CNA Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CNA Certification Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CNA Competency Exam
Questions
60 questions
Passing Score
70%
Administered By
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Cost of failing
Retake fee: 125Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CNA Competency Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CNA Certification Exam
Prepare for your CNA Certification Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
Not sure if you need a cna license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 | 125 |
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 | 125 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
CNAs must work under the supervision of a registered professional nurse
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedEvery 24 months
Renewal Period
Must complete a minimum of at least 8 hours of qualified employment every 24 months
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Maine with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
The background check is 'secured by your instructor as part of your course application'
CNA requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine (you) | — | 8–23 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $100 | 7–21 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $310 | 7–21 wks | → |
| Vermont | $116.50 | 6–20 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Maine
See how Maine compares: CNA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maine.
CNA Schools in Maine
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Maine? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your CNA license to Maine →
Transfer your CNA license from Maine to: New Hampshire →
Maine requires 130 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) 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.