New Hampshire CNA Requirements (LNA License)
New Hampshire credentials its nursing assistants as Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs), not CNAs, but the process is the same: complete a state-approved training program of at least 100 hours, pass a two-part competency exam, and clear a criminal background check. The state Board of Nursing under OPLC issues and maintains the LNA registry.
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New Hampshire uses different terminology than most states. Where other states say CNA, New Hampshire says LNA. That language difference trips up a lot of people searching for CNA requirements in NH, but the credential works the same way. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing, operating under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), sets the rules and maintains the registry. If you’re coming from another state with an active credential, New Hampshire has a direct endorsement path. For RN and LPN licensing requirements, see nursing license requirements in New Hampshire.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, the exam process, endorsement rules, and renewal information.
- What NH calls a CNA
- LNA training requirements
- The competency exam
- Criminal background check
- How to apply
- License by endorsement
- License renewal
What NH Calls a CNA
New Hampshire credentials its nursing assistants under the title Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA). The credential functions identically to a CNA in other states: same job duties, same training structure, same competency exam format. The difference is in regulatory terminology. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing issues LNA licenses rather than certificates, and the state’s nursing rules use LNA throughout.
If you’ve trained as a CNA elsewhere and want to practice in New Hampshire, your credential is transferable. The state accepts active out-of-state credentials through an endorsement process, provided you meet experience and continuing education requirements. That process is covered below in the endorsement section. Many LNAs also use the credential as a foundation for advancing into nursing. CNA to RN programs are available for those looking to continue, and how to become an RN in New Hampshire covers the full RN licensing path.
LNA Training Requirements
Prospective LNAs must complete a training program approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. The state requires at least 100 hours of combined classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice per New Hampshire Administrative Code Nur 704.08. Programs cover patient rights, safety, communication, and direct care skills, including bathing, mobility assistance, and vital signs monitoring.
There are two paths to meeting the training requirement. The first is completing an approved LNA program. The Board publishes a list of approved programs on its website. The second is demonstrating equivalent education. Individuals who completed “fundamentals of nursing” as part of another nursing program may qualify without attending an LNA-specific course. The content requirements are described in Provision 704.09 of New Hampshire’s nursing rules. To count, the course must have been completed within the prior five years.
A challenge examination option is also available for individuals whose prior training is equivalent to an approved program. The Board requires written approval before a candidate can pursue this pathway. The challenge process involves more than just the exam: the program also provides written materials to the student.
The Competency Exam
Every LNA candidate must pass a two-part competency evaluation, regardless of which training path they followed. The exam has a written knowledge component and a hands-on skills demonstration. The knowledge assessment is multiple choice and can be taken in written or oral format. The skills portion requires candidates to perform a sampling of nursing assistant tasks within time limits.
Excel Testing is the approved testing agency for New Hampshire LNA competency exams. The combined fee for the written and skills test is $200. Excel Testing can be reached at 1-844-516-0600 or at [email protected]. Some approved training programs also serve as testing services and may coordinate exam scheduling directly. Testing accommodations are available for candidates who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If your LNA license lapses, you’ll need to retake the competency exam before returning to practice. Contact Excel Testing to schedule a reinstatement exam after the Board of Nursing confirms your eligibility.
Criminal Background Check
All applicants must complete a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.
The process runs through the NH Department of Safety Criminal Records Portal. New Hampshire residents schedule a fingerprint appointment online and complete the process at one of several approved locations, including the Department of Public Safety Building in Concord at 33 Hazen Drive (fingerprinting available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and multiple DMV substations around the state. For questions, contact Criminal Records at (603) 223-3867.
Out-of-state applicants can get fingerprinted at any available law enforcement agency and submit fingerprint cards along with the Criminal Record Release Authorization form. That form does not need to be notarized. The completed materials are submitted to OPLC at 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301.
The background check processing fee is $48.25.
How to Apply
Some applicants, particularly those using the challenge pathway, must get Board approval before they can sit for the exam. All candidates submit their final application through the OPLC online licensing portal once requirements are complete. Applications are no longer accepted by paper.
The application package includes copies of your program certificate and your competency evaluation results. Applicants qualifying through nursing education submit official transcripts or a letter from their program verifying completion of nursing fundamentals.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| LNA application fee | $35 |
| Criminal background check | $48.25 |
| Competency exam (written + skills) | $200 |
License status can be verified online through the Board’s registry once issued.
License by Endorsement
Nursing assistants with active credentials from other states can transfer to New Hampshire through endorsement rather than retesting from scratch. To qualify, you’ll need active licensure in good standing and documentation of recent practice and education:
- 200 hours of nursing assistant practice under the supervision of an LPN, RN, or APRN, completed within the prior two years
- 24 contact hours of continuing competence education earned within the prior two years
Candidates who completed their clinical and skills assessments within the prior two years are exempt from the practice hours and CE requirements.
Endorsement applicants submit copies of their out-of-state certificate or license, along with verification forms sent directly to the originating state’s registry. The endorsement application packet includes both the license verification forms and CE reporting forms. Some out-of-state registries charge a fee for verification services, so check with your home state registry before submitting.
License Renewal
New Hampshire LNA licenses renew on a two-year cycle. To renew, you need to show you’ve stayed active in the role and kept up with continuing education.
The practice requirement is 200 hours of nursing assistant activities under the supervision of a licensed nurse within the two years prior to renewal. If you completed the nursing assistant competency exam within that two-year window, the practice hours are waived.
The CE requirement is 24 contact hours within the prior two years. Eligible formats include conferences, lectures, and other structured educational offerings designed to enhance nursing assistant knowledge, judgment, and skills. As of February 3, 2025, all CE must be tracked and reported through CE Broker. The Board no longer accepts CE documentation by mail, email, or portal upload.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Hampshire accept CNA licenses from other states?
Yes. New Hampshire accepts active credentials from other states through an endorsement process. You’ll need to document 200 hours of supervised practice and 24 hours of continuing education, both completed within the prior two years. Candidates who recently passed their competency assessments may be exempt from those requirements.
How long does LNA training take in New Hampshire?
Most approved programs run four to six weeks. The state requires at least 100 hours of combined classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Length varies by school and schedule, but the 100-hour floor applies to all approved programs.
What happens if my NH LNA license expires?
If your license lapses, you’ll need to retake the nursing assistant competency exam before practicing again. Contact Excel Testing at 1-844-516-0600 after the Board of Nursing has confirmed your eligibility for reinstatement.
Can I challenge the LNA exam without completing a training program?
Yes, with prior Board approval. The challenge pathway is available to individuals whose training or nursing education is equivalent to a state-approved LNA program. You’ll need written approval before registering to test, and the challenge program will also provide written study materials.
How much continuing education does New Hampshire require for LNA renewal?
New Hampshire requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. Eligible activities include conferences, lectures, and structured educational offerings focused on nursing assistant knowledge and skills.
Key Takeaways
- LNA is the NH term for CNA — New Hampshire calls the credential a Licensed Nursing Assistant, but it works the same as a CNA in every other state. Training, exam format, and scope of practice are identical.
- 100 hours of training required — State-approved programs must include at least 100 hours of combined classroom instruction and clinical practice per NH Admin Code Nur 704.08.
- Two-part competency exam — All candidates pass both a written knowledge assessment and a hands-on skills demonstration before receiving an LNA license.
- Endorsement requires recent practice — Out-of-state CNAs transferring to NH need 200 supervised practice hours and 24 CE hours, both within the prior two years.
- Renewal every two years — Licenses renew on a two-year cycle and require documented practice hours and 24 CE hours.
Find approved LNA training programs in New Hampshire, application links, and state-specific licensing requirements through the program search below.