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How to become a CNA in New Jersey. Training: 90 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for skills testing; PSI for written/oral testing. Total initial fees: $76. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
90 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for skills testing; PSI for written/oral testing
Exam Provider
$76
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 7 hours of paid nursing-related services during the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
New Jersey Department of Health
(866) 561-5914
Program Approval Body
New Jersey Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the New Jersey Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
90
Total Hours
50
Classroom
40
Clinical
Program Approval Body
New Jersey Department of Health
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for skills testing; PSI for written/oral testing
Written Exam Details
60
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
75%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5 (including hand hygiene)
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Up to 3 attempts within one year 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; some employers cover training costs | $575-$1,320 |
Competency Exam Fee Skills + Written exam $76; Skills + Oral exam $90; Skills retake $23; Written retake $53; Oral retake $67 | $76 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee for initial certification | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Exam fees only (excludes training tuition and background check); $90 for oral exam option | $76 |
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
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 7 hours of paid nursing-related services during the past 24 months
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$30
Biennial renewal fee; in-person submission at PSI location
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed
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
Two routes available: Route 1 requires 24 hours of approved CEUs (12 Alzheimer's care + 12 other); Route 2 requires 35+ hours/week of CNA work in a nursing home in the last 24 months plus passing NJ skills and written/oral exams
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.
New Jersey uniquely uses two separate exam providers - Headmaster for skills testing and PSI for written/oral exams. The oral exam is available in both English and Spanish. Background check processing through IdentoGO can take up to 12 weeks. Reciprocity has two distinct routes with different requirements.
New Jersey requires 90 training hours (50 classroom + 40 clinical), above the 75-hour federal minimum
New Jersey uses TWO exam providers: Headmaster for skills testing and PSI for written/oral testing
Oral exams available in English and Spanish
Fingerprint-based background check through IdentoGO required; processing takes up to 12 weeks
Renewal requires only 7 hours of paid CNA work in 24 months (lower than federal 8-hour minimum)
The program is formally called NATCEP (Nurse Aide in Long Term Care Facilities Training and Competency Evaluation Program)
Contact: (866) 561-5914 or CNA@doh.nj.gov (include 'NATCEP' in subject line)
Skills testing contact: (877) 851-2355; Written testing contact: (877) 774-4243
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 New Jersey.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#13 of 51
Cost
#5 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$39,650
25th percentile
Median
$44,910
+14% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$47,490
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
31,310 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+233% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$44,910
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$44,910
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$71,180
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$102,730
MSN or DNP + national certification
$149,620
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: New Jersey Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Jersey Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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New Jersey requires 90 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for skills testing; PSI for written/oral testing competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the New Jersey Department of Health.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.