New Mexico Certified Nursing Assistant License
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Government-issued Photo ID — A valid, unexpired driver's license, state ID, or passport.
- Social Security Card — A legible copy of your actual Social Security card is required for registry placement.
- Training Completion Certificate — Proof of completing a 75-hour state-approved training program.
- Fingerprint Background Check — Completed through the Caregivers Criminal History Screening Program (CCHSP). Register for Fingerprinting
How to Apply
-
Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) consisting of at least 75 hours of instruction.
View Training Info -
Activate TMU Account ▾Once your training program uploads your completion record, you will receive an email to activate your account on the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal.
Sign In to TMU -
Pay Exam Fees ▾Log in to TMU to pay the competency exam fees ($107 total for knowledge and skills) unless your employer is covering the cost.
Pay Fees -
Schedule Competency Exam ▾After payment, select a testing site and date through the TMU portal for both the Knowledge and Clinical Skills components.
Schedule Exam -
Pass the Exam ▾Successfully pass the 60-question knowledge test and the hands-on clinical skills evaluation. Results are typically posted within 24-72 hours.
-
Verify Registry Placement ▾Upon passing, your name will be automatically added to the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry. No physical certificate is mailed.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the New Mexico Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active CNA certification in good standing in another U.S. state with no findings of abuse or neglect.
-
Create TMU Account ▾Create a new candidate account on the New Mexico TMU portal.
Create Account -
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Navigate to the 'Applications' tab and select the 'Reciprocity Form'. There is no fee for reciprocity in New Mexico.
Apply for Reciprocity -
Upload Documents ▾Upload copies of your photo ID, Social Security card, and current out-of-state certification.
-
Wait for HCA Review ▾The Health Care Authority will review your application and verify your status with your home state registry.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
New Mexico Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Mexico Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Incomplete TMU Profile
▾
Failure to complete the demographic profile or upload required ID/SSN copies will halt the application process.
Background Check Processing
▾
Delays in fingerprinting or background check results from CCHSP can prevent final registry approval.
Employer Verification
▾
For renewals, your employer must verify your 8 hours of work in TMU; delays in their response will delay your renewal.
Questions
What is the fee for CNA reciprocity in New Mexico?
▾
There is currently no fee ($0) to transfer an active, out-of-state CNA certification to New Mexico via reciprocity.
How often must I renew my New Mexico CNA certification?
▾
Certification must be renewed every two years. You must have worked at least 8 paid hours as a CNA in the past 24 months.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
CNAs must complete 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle (12 hours per year).
Who is the current testing vendor for New Mexico?
▾
As of July 1, 2024, Headmaster LLP (D&S Diversified Technologies) is the official vendor, replacing Prometric.
Board Info
Sources