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How to become a CNA in Massachusetts. Training: 100 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via TestMaster Universe (TMU). Total initial fees: $100. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Nurse Aide Registry Program
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
63% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. 4 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
100 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via TestMaster Universe (TMU)
Exam Provider
$100
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive paid hours of CNA work in the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Nurse Aide Registry Program
(617) 753-8144
Program Approval Body
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Nurse Aide Registry Program
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
100
Total Hours
75
Classroom
25
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via TestMaster Universe (TMU)
Written Exam Details
60
Questions
60 min
Time Limit
76%%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3-4 tasks
Skills Tasks
40 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
4 for knowledge, 3 for skills
Retest Waiting Period
4 attempts for knowledge exam, 3 attempts for skills exam; after exhausting attempts, must complete another training program
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 Audio knowledge test: $50; retake fees: $40 knowledge, $50 audio knowledge, $70 skills | $100 total ($30 knowledge + $70 skills) |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Exam fees only ($30 knowledge + $70 skills); excludes training program tuition | $100 |
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 consecutive paid hours of CNA work in the past 24 months
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
Renewal through the eLicensing system; no fee specified
Inactive Reinstatement
If work requirement not met or certification lapsed, must retake the competency exam to be reinstated
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 who are current and in good standing and have never previously been certified in Massachusetts may apply; submit Form 9110 through TMU (D&S Diversified Technologies); no fee required for reciprocity
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.
Massachusetts uses D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for testing. The exam is available in 4 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole). Knowledge and skills exams have different attempt limits (4 vs 3). The passing score for the knowledge exam is 76%, and the skills exam requires 80% on each task. Reciprocity is free and processed through TMU.
Massachusetts requires 100 training hours, exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
Massachusetts uses D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for competency evaluation, not Prometric or Pearson VUE
As of December 2, 2024, the exam is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole
Knowledge exam allows 4 attempts while skills exam allows only 3 attempts
Knowledge exam passing score is 76%; skills exam requires 80% on each task plus all critical steps
No fee required for reciprocity applications
A waiver option exists for qualified applicants under 105 CMR 156.100
Contact: NARS at (617) 753-8144 or nars@mass.gov; or D&SDT at (888) 401-0462 or massachusetts@hdmaster.com
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 Massachusetts.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#10 of 51
Cost
#8 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$40,220
25th percentile
Median
$45,410
+15% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$48,370
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
38,280 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+206% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$45,410
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$45,410
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$76,560
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$101,970
MSN or DNP + national certification
$138,890
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.
Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Nurse Aide Registry Program — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Nurse Aide Registry Program — Licensing Requirements
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Massachusetts requires 100 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via TestMaster Universe (TMU) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Nurse Aide Registry Program.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.