Maine Certified Nursing Assistant License
Maine DHHS
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- CNA Certificate of Training — Official documentation showing successful completion of an approved training program.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A copy of a current driver's license or passport. Student IDs are not accepted.
- Proof of Education — Documentation of completion of at least the ninth grade.
- Criminal Background Check — Background check results from the time of training or application.
How to Apply
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Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a Maine DHHS-approved CNA training program consisting of at least 130 hours (70 classroom, 20 lab, and 40 clinical).
View Training Info -
Pass the Competency Examination ▾Register for and pass the Maine CNA competency test administered by Prometric, which includes both a written/oral knowledge exam and a skills evaluation.
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Submit Application for Registry Placement ▾Apply online through the Maine Licensing Portal or submit a paper application via mail, email, or fax to the Maine CNA Registry.
Apply Online -
Undergo Background Check ▾A criminal background check is required. For new graduates, this is typically secured by the training instructor as part of the course application.
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Verify Registry Status ▾Once processed (usually 2-4 weeks), verify your active status on the Maine CNA and Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry using the lookup tool.
Verify License
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Certification ▾Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in your current state.
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Complete Reciprocity Application ▾Fill out the 'Application for CNA – Trained in another State/Jurisdiction' online or via PDF.
Access Reciprocity Form -
Submit Required Documentation ▾Provide a copy of your current photo ID and verification from all states where you hold or have held certification.
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Wait for Processing ▾Allow 2 to 4 weeks for the Maine Registry to process your reciprocity request. No fee is required.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Maine DHHS
Keeping Your License Active
Maine Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Maine DHHS for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
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Slow Downs
Incomplete Documentation
▾
Missing training certificates or unreadable copies of photo IDs are the most frequent causes of delay.
Name Mismatch
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The name on the application must match the government-issued ID exactly. Discrepancies require legal name change documentation.
Background Check Processing
▾
Delays in receiving background check results from the State Bureau of Identification can stall the registry listing.
Questions
What is the fee for CNA certification in Maine?
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There is no fee to be listed on the Maine CNA Registry. Federal law prohibits charging CNAs for registry placement.
How often must I renew my Maine CNA certification?
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Certification must be renewed every two years. You must have worked at least 8 hours for pay as a CNA under RN supervision during that period.
Can I work before I am listed on the Registry?
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Generally, you must be listed as 'Active' to work. However, some facilities may hire CNAs for up to four months if they have been granted reciprocity or deemed competent.
What is the minimum age to become a CNA in Maine?
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You must be at least 16 years old to qualify for certification in Maine.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes