Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in Hawaii
Getting CNA certification in Hawaii requires completing a state-approved training program of at least 100 hours and passing the Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Prometric on behalf of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Prometric maintains the state registry. Out-of-state CNAs can apply for certification by reciprocity.
Sponsored School(s)
Hawaii CNA certification is administered by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), which contracts with Prometric to administer the competency exam and maintain the nurse aide registry. For most applicants, the path has three parts: complete an approved training program, pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam, and get added to the state registry. Out-of-state CNAs follow a reciprocity path instead.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, application steps, fees, and reciprocity information.
- CNA Training Requirements in Hawaii
- The Nurse Aide Competency Exam
- The Application Process
- Exam and Registration Fees
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Keeping Your Certification Active
CNA Training Requirements in Hawaii
Prospective CNAs must complete a DCCA-approved training program before sitting for the competency exam. Hawaii requires a minimum of 100 total training hours, including at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 70 hours of supervised clinical practice. At least 16 of those classroom hours must be completed before any direct contact with residents.
Training programs cover basic nursing skills, infection control, patient rights, communication, and basic restorative services. A current list of approved programs is maintained on the Prometric Hawaii CNA page. A Hawaii CNA whose certification has lapsed must re-enroll in a training program if the original program is no longer on the approved list. If it’s still approved, the individual can apply to test directly.
Most programs have their own admission requirements. Common prerequisites include a background check, TB test or negative chest X-ray, immunizations, and CPR/First Aid certification. Some programs require a 9th-grade reading level assessment or proof of a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to sit for the certification exam.
The Nurse Aide Competency Exam
All new CNA applicants must pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which has two parts: a knowledge evaluation and a skills evaluation. Both are required and administered on the same day.
The knowledge evaluation is multiple choice. Candidates who prefer can request an oral version instead. In the skills evaluation, candidates are assessed on indirect care behaviors and handwashing, plus three additional nurse aide skills selected from a list. Tasks include turning a person in bed, assisting with ambulation, measuring pulse or respiration, and washing and applying lotion to the feet. A candidate doesn’t have to perform each skill perfectly to pass, but must score satisfactorily on every skill tested.
Testing takes place at the candidate’s own facility or at one of six regional centers: Hilo, Kona, Kauai, Maui, Oahu-East, and Oahu-West. Candidates indicate their preferred site on the application. Prometric sends an Authorization to Test (ATT) once eligibility is confirmed — providing an email address speeds up that process.
Candidates who pass one component but not the other need only retake the component they failed. On a subsequent attempt, a candidate who originally took the written test can switch to the oral version. Skills results are available online within 48 to 72 hours; the official score report arrives by mail within ten business days. Practice exams are available for $10 through Prometric’s site.
Candidates have three attempts to pass both evaluations. Both parts must be passed within two years. If that window closes without passing both, the candidate must complete training again before retesting.
The Application Process
Application forms are available on the Prometric Hawaii CNA page. The name on the form must match exactly the name on the government-issued ID the applicant will bring to the exam site.
First-time applicants must include a copy of their training certificate that shows the completion date. CNAs whose certification has lapsed must also provide their certificate number. Reciprocity applicants submit copies of their current out-of-state certificates; Prometric needs the issuing state’s name and the certification expiration date.
Applicants with a disciplinary history or a criminal conviction in the prior 20 years must include a written explanation. Additional documentation may be required depending on the circumstances.
Candidates testing at their own facility submit applications to an on-site coordinator. All other candidates mail their packet to: Prometric, Nurse Aide Program, 354 Uluniu Street, Suite 308, Kailua, HI 96734.
Exam and Registration Fees
All candidates pay a $25 initial registration fee. Exam fees depend on the format chosen:
| Test Format | Initial Exam | Retake Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Written + Skills | $200 | $50 (written) / $150 (skills) |
| Oral + Skills | $210 | $60 (oral) / $150 (skills) |
| Reciprocity | $25 | N/A |
Prometric accepts payment by money order, certified check, or credit card. Personal checks and cash are not accepted. Candidates who reschedule at least five business days before the exam pay a $25 rescheduling fee. Cancellations within that window or no-shows result in forfeiture of the full exam fee. Arriving at the exam site without the two required forms of ID is considered a missed appointment.
Out-of-State CNAs
CNAs certified in other states apply through the reciprocity pathway rather than completing a new training program. Prometric verifies certification status in the applicant’s home state. If that certification is current and in good standing, the applicant can be added to the Hawaii registry without retesting. If the out-of-state certification has lapsed, the applicant must pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam before being listed.
Reciprocity applicants submit copies of their current certificates and pay the $25 reciprocity fee. Applications go to the same Prometric address listed above.
Keeping Your Certification Active
Hawaii CNA certification must be renewed to remain active on the state registry. To qualify for renewal, a CNA must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services involving direct patient care within the previous 24 months in a qualifying Medicare-, Medicaid-certified, or otherwise approved healthcare setting. CNAs who haven’t met that work requirement may need to pass the competency exam before renewal is approved.
The HICNA division of Prometric handles all Hawaii CNA certification matters, including renewal. Contact HICNA at [email protected] or 800-967-1200, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for current renewal deadlines and paperwork.
CNAs who want to advance beyond the aide role can pursue an LPN or RN credential. Explore CNA to RN bridge programs or find out what it takes to become an RN in Hawaii.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Related Content:
- Medical Assistant Programs in Hawaii
- LPN Programs in Hawaii
- How to Become an LPN in Hawaii
- RN Programs in Hawaii
- How to Become an RN in Hawaii
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete CNA training in Hawaii?
Most Hawaii CNA training programs run four to eight weeks, depending on whether the schedule is full-time or part-time. The state requires a minimum of 100 hours, combining at least 30 hours of classroom instruction with 70 hours of supervised clinical practice. All hours must be completed before a candidate can sit for the Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Hawaii?
Yes. CNAs certified in other states apply through Hawaii’s reciprocity pathway. Prometric verifies your certification status in your home state. If your credential is current and in good standing, you can be added to the Hawaii registry without retesting for a $25 fee. If your out-of-state certification has lapsed, you’ll need to pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam first.
What happens if I fail part of the competency exam?
You only retake the component you didn’t pass — the passing score on the other part holds. You have up to 3 attempts to pass both components, and both must be completed within a 2-year window. A candidate who originally took the written knowledge evaluation can switch to the oral version on a subsequent attempt.
Where can I find approved CNA training programs in Hawaii?
The DCCA-approved program list is maintained on the Prometric Hawaii CNA page at prometric.com. Prometric manages this list on behalf of the DCCA, so it’s the most current source. A list of approved RN evaluators is also available there.
How does Hawaii CNA renewal work?
Hawaii’s renewal requirement is work-based. CNAs must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services involving direct patient care within the previous 24 months in a qualifying Medicare-, Medicaid-certified, or otherwise approved healthcare setting. CNAs who haven’t met that requirement may need to retake the competency exam. Contact HICNA at 800-967-1200 for current renewal deadlines and required paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- 100 training hours required — Hawaii-approved CNA programs must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 70 hours of supervised clinical practice before a candidate can sit for the exam.
- Two-part competency exam — The Nurse Aide Competency Exam has a knowledge component (written or oral) and a skills evaluation, both administered by Prometric on the same day. Candidates have three attempts within a two-year window to pass both parts.
- Six regional test sites — Prometric administers exams at centers in Hilo, Kona, Kauai, Maui, Oahu-East, and Oahu-West, as well as at some candidate facilities.
- Out-of-state CNAs use reciprocity — Active certifications from other states can transfer to the Hawaii registry without retesting for a $25 fee, provided the credential is current and in good standing.
- HICNA manages all certification matters. The HICNA division of Prometric handles applications, scheduling, registry updates, and renewal. Reach them at 800-967-1200 or [email protected].
Select your state to find approved CNA training programs, application links, and certification requirements for your jurisdiction.