Massachusetts CNA Requirements
To become a Certified Nurse Aide in Massachusetts, you must complete a DPH-approved training program of at least 75 hours, pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NACE), and be listed on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. Testing is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) through the TMU portal. Eligible first-time candidates take the exam at no cost.
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The Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the Department of Public Health (DPH). CNAs are placed on the registry after completing a state-approved training program and passing the competency evaluation. The registry is the official record of active, certified nurse aides in the state, and employers are required to verify status there before hiring. For RN and LPN licensing in Massachusetts, see Massachusetts nursing license requirements.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, the application process, registry verification, reciprocity, and renewal information.
- Training Requirements
- The Competency Evaluation (NACE)
- Applying for Certification
- Verifying Registry Status
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Renewal
Training Requirements
The most direct path to CNA certification is completing a Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) approved by the Massachusetts DPH. Programs must provide at least 75 hours of instruction, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training before any direct resident contact.
To find a DPH-approved program near you, visit the DPH Check a License site, set License Board to “Nurse Aide Registry,” and License Type to “Nurse Aide Training Provider Approval.”
Training Waivers
Some candidates may qualify to skip the training program and go directly to the examination. Waiver eligibility is governed by 105 CMR 156.100 and applies to individuals who can document qualifying healthcare experience. This includes candidates with prior home health aide training completed within the past five years, and nursing students who have completed at least 75 hours of clinical training in a program that qualifies graduates to sit for national board examinations in Massachusetts. For nursing students considering CNA certification as a step toward full licensure, see our guide to CNA to RN programs.
Waiver applications are processed through the D&S Diversified Technologies (D&S) website. Contact the DPH Nurse Aide Registry at (617) 753-8144 or [email protected] for guidance on whether your background qualifies.
The Competency Evaluation (NACE)
Massachusetts CNAs take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NACE), which has two parts: a written knowledge test and a clinical skills test. Testing is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal at hdmaster.com.
Knowledge Test
The knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. A passing score is 76% or higher. The test is available in English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Haitian Creole. An oral (audio) version is also available for candidates who need it. You cannot switch language preference on test day, so select your language during TMU registration.
Clinical Skills Test
The skills test allows up to 40 minutes. Candidates are assigned one mandatory task plus two or three randomly selected tasks, such as assisting with ambulation, denture care, or feeding a patient. You must perform all critical steps and at least 80% of non-critical steps to pass. Arrive early as instructed in your test confirmation and candidate handbook.
Exam Fees
Eligible first-time candidates take both sections at no cost. Retake fees apply for additional attempts. Verify current retake fees directly with D&S before scheduling, as these are subject to change.
Attempt Limits
You may take the knowledge test up to 4 times and the clinical skills test up to 3 times. All attempts must be completed within 24 months of finishing your training program. If you exhaust your attempts, you must complete a new DPH-approved training program before retesting.
Test Results
Allow at least three weeks for your test results to be processed and for your name to appear on the license verification site. The DPH does not share results by phone. Once both parts are passed, D&S forwards the results to DPH, and your name is added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.
Applying for Certification
Students whose training program is registered through D&S will receive an email notification with instructions to complete their exam registration in the TMU portal. If you completed a training program that is not yet registered in TMU, contact D&S directly through the Massachusetts Nurse Aide page at hdmaster.com.
Before scheduling your exam, make sure your TMU account setup is complete. Candidates with incomplete profiles may be marked as no-shows on test day and forfeit their fees. Payment is collected through TMU unless your program has prepaid on your behalf.
Some candidates, including those applying on the basis of prior work experience or training completed outside a standard NATP, must first obtain DPH approval before applying for examination. These candidates should submit their waiver application through D&S and allow time for DPH review before scheduling a test date. Contact the registry at (617) 753-8144 with questions about your eligibility path.
Verifying Registry Status
The Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Inquiry System (NARIS) is the official tool for verifying CNA certification status. Employers and candidates can check whether a nurse aide is currently active and in good standing. As of August 1, 2022, DPH no longer issues paper certificates after passing the competency evaluation. Facilities must use NARIS to verify status rather than relying on paper credentials.
To check your own status or look up a CNA’s certification, visit the DPH Check a License site and search by name or license number. Employers can access the full registry inquiry system through nars.dph.mass.gov after registering for an account.
Out-of-State CNAs
A CNA who is currently certified and active in another state can apply for reciprocity in Massachusetts without completing additional training or retesting. As of December 4, 2023, all reciprocity applications are processed through D&S Diversified Technologies. Visit the Massachusetts Nurse Aide page on the D&S website at hdmaster.com to access the reciprocity application and instructions.
Processing times vary; check with DPH or D&S for current timelines. Employers may hire a CNA under reciprocity review for up to 4 months while the application is pending, though approval is not guaranteed during that period.
CNAs who are not currently active in any state but completed a program approved in another state must obtain DPH approval before applying for examination. Contact the Nurse Aide Registry for guidance on your specific situation.
Renewal
Massachusetts CNA certification must be renewed every two years. To be eligible for renewal, you must have worked at least eight paid hours performing nursing-related duties within the past 24 months. Renewal is completed online through the DPH Health Professions Licensing System. As of December 4, 2023, the paper renewal process has been replaced by this online system.
If your certification has lapsed and you cannot document 8 paid hours within the past 24 months, you must reinstate by retesting through D&S. Log in to TMU, complete your profile, and schedule both exam parts. If you worked at least eight hours during the lapsed period, you may still be eligible to renew rather than reinstate. Contact the registry at (617) 753-8144 to confirm which path applies to your situation.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the Massachusetts CNA exam?
The Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NACE) is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal. The American Red Cross no longer administers CNA testing in Massachusetts. Visit hdmaster.com for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide page to register and schedule your exam.
Is the Massachusetts CNA exam free?
Eligible first-time candidates take both the knowledge and skills sections at no cost, as of July 1, 2024. Retake fees apply for additional attempts. Verify current retake fees directly with D&S before scheduling, as fees are subject to change.
How do I check my status on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry?
Visit the DPH Check a License site at checkahealthlicense.mass.gov to look up your certification status by name or license number. Massachusetts no longer issues paper certificates. Your active registry status is the official credential recognized by employers.
How do I renew my Massachusetts CNA certification?
Renewal is completed online through the DPH Health Professions Licensing System. You must have worked at least eight paid hours in a nursing-related role within the past 24 months to qualify for renewal. If you have not met the work requirement, you may need to reinstate through retesting with D&S.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to Massachusetts from another state?
Yes. CNAs who are currently active and in good standing in another state can apply for reciprocity in Massachusetts without additional training or testing. As of December 4, 2023, reciprocity applications are processed through D&S Diversified Technologies. Processing times vary; check with DPH or D&S for current timelines.
Key Takeaways
- 75-hour DPH-approved training is required — Programs must include at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training before any direct resident contact. Use the DPH Check a License site to find approved programs.
- D&S Diversified Technologies now administers the exam — The American Red Cross no longer tests Massachusetts CNA candidates. All registration, scheduling, and fee payment go through the TMU portal at hdmaster.com.
- Eligible first-time candidates take the exam at no cost — Candidates who completed a DPH-approved program take both the knowledge and skills sections at no charge. Retake fees apply for subsequent attempts.
- Registry status is verified online — Massachusetts no longer issues paper certificates. Employers use NARIS to verify CNA credentials, and candidates can check their own status at the DPH Check a License site.
- Renewal is required every two years — CNAs must document at least eight paid work hours in a nursing-related role per renewal period and renew through the DPH Health Professions Licensing System online.
Find DPH-approved CNA training programs in Massachusetts and compare options near you.