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How to become a CNA in Rhode Island. Training: 120 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP). Total initial fees: $205. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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68% of data points are verified against official sources. 12 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
120 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (NNAAP)
Exam Provider
$205
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services during the 24-month renewal period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Rhode Island Department of Health
401-222-5888
Program Approval Body
Rhode Island Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
120
Total Hours
80
Classroom
40
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Rhode Island Department of Health
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (NNAAP)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
80%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
25 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass both parts within 12 months of training completion; 3 attempts allowed
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 Written exam $55 + Skills evaluation $110; paid to Credentia | $165 |
State Registration Fee Application fee paid to Rhode Island Department of Health | $35 |
Background Check Fee BCI check through RI Attorney General's Office; payable by check or money order | $5 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam ($165), application ($35), and BCI background check ($5); excludes training program tuition | $205 |
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 hours of paid nursing-related services during the 24-month renewal period
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$35
Biennial renewal fee; paid online
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
If certification lapses beyond 24 months, must retrain and retest
Inactive Reinstatement
Must retrain and retake both parts of the NNAAP exam if certification has lapsed for more than 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 apply for reciprocity through the RI Department of Health, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and pass a BCI background check
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.
Rhode Island requires 120 training hours (80 classroom + 40 clinical) and uses Credentia for NNAAP testing with online proctoring available. BCI background check from the RI Attorney General's Office costs only $5. Passing score is 80%.
Rhode Island requires 120 training hours, which exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
The competency exam is administered by Credentia (NNAAP), not Prometric
Online proctored testing is available for the written portion through Credentia
BCI background check must be obtained within 4 months of application submission
All CNAs must be listed on the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry to practice
Renewal notices are sent 60 days before expiration date
The written exam has 70 questions including 10 non-scored statistical questions; passing score is 80%
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 Rhode Island.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#18 of 51
Cost
#40 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$39,070
25th percentile
Median
$44,160
+12% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$46,790
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
8,450 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+196% salary growth potential
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CNA
$44,160
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$44,160
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$77,940
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$99,960
MSN or DNP + national certification
$130,710
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: 7–22 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
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Rhode Island requires 120 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (NNAAP) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.