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How to become a CNA in Nebraska. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC). Total initial fees: $100. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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67% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
75 hrs
Training Hours
Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC)
Exam Provider
$100
Total Initial Fees
2 years (continuous)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have worked as a nurse aide in a paid position within 24 months of last employment as a nurse aide in an approved healthcare setting
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
(402) 471-4322
Program Approval Body
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC)
Written Exam Details
50
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
6
Skills Tasks
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
After three failed attempts, must retake the full 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 | $500-$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Written exam $50 + Clinical exam $50; paid to Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC) | $100 |
State Registration Fee Nebraska does not charge a fee for listing on the Nurse Aide Registry | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Total exam fees only (excludes training program tuition); no registry fee | $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 (continuous)
Renewal Period
Must have worked as a nurse aide in a paid position within 24 months of last employment as a nurse aide in an approved healthcare setting
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No formal renewal application or fee required; status maintained through employment verification
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
No formal renewal process; registry status lapses if work requirement not met
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if registry status has lapsed due to no qualifying employment within 24 months
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
Must submit Interstate Endorsement Application, provide certification verification from previous state, and complete Nebraska-specific 1-hour abuse/neglect training
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.
Nebraska has no fees for registry listing or renewal, making it one of the most affordable states for CNA certification. The state uses the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC) rather than national testing vendors. A unique 1-hour Nebraska-specific abuse/neglect training is required for all applicants.
Nebraska follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours
The competency exam is administered by the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC), not Pearson VUE or Headmaster
Nebraska charges NO fee for registry listing or renewal - one of the most affordable states
Minimum age is 16, but those under 18 cannot independently use mechanical lifts
All applicants must complete a 1-hour Nebraska-specific abuse/neglect training
Nebraska also offers Medication Aide certification as an advancement pathway for CNAs
Contact: (402) 471-4322 or DHHS.NursingSupport@nebraska.gov
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 Nebraska.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#29 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
$37,080
25th percentile
Median
$38,620
-2% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$44,660
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
16,490 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+231% salary growth potential
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CNA
$38,620
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$38,620
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,740
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$81,020
MSN or DNP + national certification
$127,930
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: 6–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Licensing Requirements
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Nebraska requires 75 hours of training and passage of the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.