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How to become a CNA in New Mexico. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $140. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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54% of data points are verified against official sources. 16 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
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam Provider
$140
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related services within the past 24 months in an approved facility
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA)
(888) 401-0462
Program Approval Body
New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
60
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
74%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3-4 (including hand hygiene)
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Both parts must be passed within 24 months of completing training; maximum 3 attempts per part
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 Knowledge exam $40 + Skills exam $100; audio format $45 instead of $40; paid to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) | $140 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Total exam fees (excludes training program tuition); $145 with audio format | $140 |
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 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related services within the past 24 months in an approved facility
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$25
Biennial renewal fee; money order required (cash and personal checks not accepted)
Inactive Reinstatement
If past the 30-day grace period for renewal, must retake the state competency exam to renew certification
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 hold active CNA certification from another U.S. state or territory with no substantiated findings; 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.
New Mexico's CNA registry was transferred from the Department of Health to the New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA). The state has a strict 30-day grace period for renewal - if missed, CNAs must retake the full competency exam. Reciprocity applications have no fee.
New Mexico follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours
The CNA registry is now managed by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA), formerly under NM Department of Health
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) through the TMU platform
Registry search is available through Prometric at registry.prometric.com/publicNM
Renewal window is 30 days before to 30 days after expiration; past the grace period requires retaking the competency exam
No fee required for reciprocity/interstate transfer applications
Testing/registry questions: 888-401-0462 or newmexico@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 New Mexico.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#39 of 51
Cost
#25 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$35,290
25th percentile
Median
$37,030
-6% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$42,610
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,600 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+274% salary growth potential
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CNA
$37,030
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$37,030
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,760
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$88,260
MSN or DNP + national certification
$138,440
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: New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA) — Licensing Requirements
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New Mexico requires 75 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 New Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.