Massachusetts Certified Nursing Assistant License
Massachusetts DPH
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training Completion — A certificate or record from a DPH-approved training program.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, unexpired ID such as a driver's license or passport required for exam entry.
- Social Security Card — Original Social Security card required for identification at the testing center.
- Form 1101MA — The standard application form for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.
How to Apply
-
Complete a State-Approved Training Program ▾Enroll in and complete a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Programs must be at least 75 hours.
Search for Approved Training Providers -
Create a TMU Account ▾Register for an account on the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal. Your training provider will typically upload your training completion record to this system.
Create TMU Account -
Schedule and Pay for Exams ▾Log into the TMU portal to pay the required fees ($30 for Knowledge, $70 for Skills) and select a testing date and location.
Schedule Exam -
Pass the Competency Evaluation ▾Successfully pass both the Knowledge (written or audio) and the Clinical Skills examinations. You have up to four attempts for the knowledge test and three for the skills test.
-
Verify Registry Placement ▾Once you pass both exams, your name will be automatically added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. This typically takes about three weeks.
Check Registry Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Massachusetts DPH for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Certification ▾Ensure your CNA certification in your current state is active and in good standing with no findings of abuse or neglect.
-
Complete Reciprocity Application ▾Download and complete the Massachusetts CNA Reciprocity Form 9110.
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Submit for State Verification ▾Send the form to your current state's registry for verification. Some states (e.g., CA, CO, FL) may have specific electronic verification processes.
-
Mail Completed Application ▾Once verified by your current state, mail the original completed application to the D&S Headmaster Massachusetts office as instructed on the form.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Massachusetts DPH
Keeping Your License Active
Massachusetts Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Massachusetts DPH for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
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Slow Downs
Incomplete TMU Profile
▾
Failing to complete all demographic fields in the TMU portal can lead to being marked as a 'no-show' for exams, resulting in forfeited fees.
Registry Update Lag
▾
It can take up to three weeks after passing exams for the official Registry to reflect your 'Current' status. Employers cannot hire you until this update is visible.
Reciprocity Verification Time
▾
Delays often occur when waiting for the applicant's original state registry to return the verified reciprocity form.
Questions
How do I renew my Massachusetts CNA certification?
▾
Renewals must be completed every two years through the Health Profession Licensing System. You must have worked at least 8 hours for pay as a nurse aide in the past 24 months.
What are the fees for the CNA exam?
▾
The Knowledge Exam is $30 (Audio is $40) and the Skills Exam is $70, totaling $100 for a standard initial attempt.
Can I work while waiting for my test results?
▾
No. You must be listed as 'Current' on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry before you can legally work as a CNA in a licensed facility.
What happens if my certification expires?
▾
If you have not worked the required 8 hours, you must retake both the knowledge and skills exams to reinstate your certification.
Board Info
Sources