Connecticut CNA Requirements 2026
Connecticut CNAs must complete a state-approved training program of at least 100 hours and pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Prometric. The Connecticut Department of Public Health maintains the Nurse Aide Registry. CNAs who hold a current, active certification in another state can apply for reciprocity without retesting.
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Connecticut’s Certified Nurse Aide program is overseen by the Department of Public Health, which sets training standards, approves programs, and contracts with Prometric to administer the certification exam and maintain the state registry. Whether you’re a new student, an out-of-state CNA, or a nurse looking to add a registry listing, there’s a defined route for your situation.
Use the links below to jump to specific Connecticut CNA requirements, exam details, and renewal information.
- Training Requirements
- The Competency Exam
- Application Routes and Process
- Reciprocity
- CNA Renewal
- Contacts and Resources
CNA Training Requirements in Connecticut
Connecticut requires all new CNA applicants to complete a state-approved nurse aide training program. Programs must be at least 100 hours and must be coordinated by a registered nurse with a minimum of two years of nursing experience, at least one of which must be in a licensed chronic convalescent or nursing home.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health publishes a list of approved programs on its website. Programs are offered through nursing homes, community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, adult education centers, and high schools.
Before any student has direct contact with residents, at least 16 hours of supervised training must be completed. The full program includes classroom content and a clinical component covering the 25 competency skills candidates are evaluated on during the exam. Applicants must have completed their training within the 24 months prior to applying.
LPNs, RNs, and nursing students can also qualify to take the competency exam. A nursing student must have completed at least 100 hours of education and clinical practice. Out-of-state applicants may qualify based on a program approved in another state, provided it was at least 100 hours and completed within the past 24 months.
CNAs who want to advance to RN can explore CNA to RN bridge programs, which are designed to build on existing clinical experience and reduce total time to licensure.
The Nurse Aide Competency Exam
Connecticut CNAs take the Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Prometric. The exam has two parts: a skills test and a knowledge test. Both parts must be passed to earn certification.
Skills Test
In the skills test, candidates work with resident actors and perform typical CNA tasks. Test takers are evaluated on five skills drawn from the list of 25 competencies covered during training. Preparation materials and the full skills list are available through the Prometric Connecticut nurse aide page.
Knowledge Test
The knowledge test is multiple choice and delivered by computer. Candidates choose between a written version and an oral version. The oral option plays audio but also displays written text on screen. Both versions are offered in English only. Candidates must select their preferred format when they first submit materials to Prometric.
Some candidates test at their training facility. Others are scheduled at a regional testing center and can indicate a preferred location during the application process. Approved candidates are scheduled for the next available exam. Providing an email address during registration speeds up the delivery of your admission letter.
A first-time candidate takes both the skills and knowledge tests. If you pass one part but fail the other, you retake only the failed component. Score reports are typically provided at the testing site.
Exam Fees
The current fee for the Connecticut CNA competency exam is $118. This applies to all routes that require testing (Routes 1, 2, 3, and 4). There is no fee to renew a Connecticut CNA certification. For current retake fees, check the candidate information bulletin on the Prometric Connecticut nurse aide page.
Application Routes and Process
Connecticut uses five numbered routes for placing applicants on the Nurse Aide Registry, depending on training background and credential status. The table below shows which route applies and what’s required for each.
| Route | Who Qualifies | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Route 1: New trainee, CT program | Completed a CT DPH-approved program within the past 24 months | Certificate of completion |
| Route 2: LPN, RN, or nursing student | Currently licensed as an LPN or RN in any U.S. state or territory, or completed at least 100 hours of theory and clinical instruction in an approved nursing program within the past 24 months | Nursing school transcript or copy of LPN or RN license |
| Route 3: Out-of-state trained, not yet certified | Completed a state-approved nurse aide training program in another state (100+ hours) within the past 24 months, but has not passed that state’s nurse aide exam | Certificate of completion from the out-of-state program |
| Route 4: Lapsed CT certification | Previously certified in CT, but certification has lapsed, and the CNA has not worked in a qualifying role for more than 24 months | Apply through Prometric to retake and pass the CT nurse’s aide exam |
| Route 7: Out-of-state CNA (Reciprocity) | Currently certified in another U.S. state or territory, with credential active and in good standing | Apply through Prometric (online or printable application). No exam required. |
How to Apply
Application materials are available on the Prometric Connecticut nurse aide page. Applications can be submitted online through the Prometric candidate portal or by completing a printable application and mailing it with payment to Prometric.
Once you pass both exam components, you’re typically added to the Nurse Aide Registry within 48 hours. A paper certificate generally follows within 15 days. Registry status can be checked online at any time through the CT Nurse’s Aide Registry lookup.
Reciprocity for Out-of-State CNAs
A CNA who is currently certified and in good standing in another U.S. state or territory can apply to the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry through Route 7. Testing is not required under this route.
Applications are submitted through Prometric, either online through the candidate portal or by completing a printable application available on the Prometric Connecticut nurse aide page. The credential must be active and in good standing at the time of application.
If you completed training in another state but have not yet passed that state’s nurse aide exam, you are not eligible for Route 7. You may qualify under Route 3 instead, provided your out-of-state program was at least 100 hours and completed within the past 24 months.
CNA Renewal in Connecticut
Connecticut CNA certification is valid for two years. To renew, you must document at least one eight-hour shift of paid employment as a CNA or in a position providing nursing-related services before your certification expires. There is no fee for renewal. Renewals take effect two years from the last date of verified employment.
Your employer completes the CT DPH Employment Verification Form. The completed form is submitted to the Nurse Aide Registry by fax at (860) 707-1983, by email at [email protected], or by mail. The form is available on the CT DPH Nurse Aide Registration page.
If your certification has expired, but you did work in a qualifying role before the expiration date, you can still submit an employment verification form for each two-year cycle since expiration. If you have not worked as a CNA or in a nursing-related position for more than 24 months since your most recent certification, you must retake and pass the CT nurse’s aide exam through Prometric (Route 4).
Contacts and Additional Resources
The Connecticut Department of Public Health administers the Nurse Aide Registry and oversees training program approvals. The Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section can be reached at 860-509-7603. Information about the certification process is on the CT DPH Nurse Aide Registration page.
Prometric manages the application and examination process for Connecticut. Prometric can be reached by phone at 866-499-7485 or by email at [email protected]. Application materials, the candidate bulletin, and exam preparation resources are available through the Prometric Connecticut nurse aide page.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses. For Connecticut-specific RN and LPN licensing requirements, see the nursing license requirements in Connecticut guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Connecticut?
Most Connecticut CNA programs can be completed in four to twelve weeks. Programs must be at least 100 hours, including both classroom instruction and clinical practice. After completing training, you’ll need to pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam before being added to the registry.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to Connecticut from another state?
Yes. If your out-of-state CNA certification is current and in good standing, you can apply for Connecticut certification through Route 7 without retesting. Applications are submitted through Prometric. If your out-of-state program was at least 100 hours but you haven’t passed that state’s exam, you may qualify under Route 3 instead and would need to take the CT exam.
What happens if my Connecticut CNA certification lapses?
It depends on whether you’ve been working. If you worked as a CNA or in a nursing-related position before your certification expired, you can submit an employment verification form to the DPH Nurse Aide Registry for reinstatement. If you have not worked in a qualifying role for more than 24 months, you must retake and pass the CT nurse’s aide exam through Prometric. Contact the DPH Nurse Aide Registry at [email protected] or Prometric at 866-499-7485 to confirm which path applies.
How often do Connecticut CNAs need to renew?
Connecticut CNA certification renews every two years, and there is no renewal fee. To qualify, you must have worked at least one eight-hour paid shift as a CNA or in a nursing-related role before your certification expires. Your employer verifies this work on the CT DPH Employment Verification Form, which is submitted directly to the Nurse Aide Registry.
Can nursing students apply to become CNAs in Connecticut?
Yes. LPNs, RNs, and nursing students who have completed at least 100 hours of nursing education and clinical practice can apply to take the Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Exam. A nursing school transcript or current LPN or RN license serves as documentation.
Key Takeaways
- 100-hour training is required — All Connecticut CNA programs must be at least 100 hours and coordinated by an RN with long-term care experience. Training must be completed within 24 months prior to applying.
- Prometric administers the exam — The Nurse Aide Competency Exam has a skills component and a knowledge component. Both must be passed. The current fee for the initial exam is $118.
- Five numbered routes exist — New trainees, out-of-state trainees, nurses, nursing students, lapsed CNAs (Route 4), and out-of-state certified CNAs (Route 7) each have a defined path. The correct route determines what documentation you need and whether testing is required.
- Reciprocity is available via Route 7 — CNAs with a current, active certification in another U.S. state or territory can apply to the Connecticut registry without retesting.
- Renewal is free and requires work documentation — There is no fee to renew. You must document at least one eight-hour paid qualifying shift before your certification expires, verified by your employer on the CT DPH Employment Verification Form.
Find Connecticut-approved CNA training programs and compare options by location, program length, and format.