How to Become a CNA in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island requires prospective CNAs to complete a state-approved training program of 120 hours, pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) competency exam, and clear a criminal background check through the state Attorney General’s Office. The Rhode Island Department of Health issues the license and maintains the state Nurse Aide Registry.
Sponsored School(s)
Rhode Island CNAs are credentialed by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), which approves training programs, sets curriculum standards, and manages the Nurse Aide Registry. The path follows three main stages: complete a 120-hour approved training program, pass the NNAAP competency exam, and submit your application to the DOH. The written portion of the exam is taken online. The skills evaluation is conducted in person at a Regional Testing location.
On this page:
- Training Requirements
- The Competency Exam
- The Application Process
- Out-of-State CNAs
- License Renewal
- Advancement Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
Training Requirements
Rhode Island-approved nursing assistant programs run 120 hours total: 80 classroom hours and 40 hours of supervised clinical training. Each program follows a curriculum described in DOH rules and regulations and uses a registered nurse as program coordinator. The DOH maintains a list of approved programs on its website at health.ri.gov.
Nursing students have an alternate path. If you’re actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program and have completed at least two clinical courses, including Fundamentals of Nursing, you can apply to sit for the written exam without completing a dedicated nursing assistant training program. Nursing students are only required to pass the written portion, not the skills evaluation.
The Competency Exam
Rhode Island uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), administered by Credentia. Candidates take the written exam and skills evaluation separately, but must pass both within one year of completing their training program.
The written exam is taken online. Credentia provides online proctoring, so candidates can test from home or another location with a webcam. The skills evaluation is conducted in person at a Regional Testing location in Rhode Island assigned by Credentia.
The skills evaluation requires candidates to demonstrate nursing assistant tasks in a simulated clinical setting. It always includes hand hygiene plus four additional randomly selected skills. At least one task involves taking and recording a measurement, though the specific measurement varies by administration.
The written exam is multiple choice and can be taken in written or oral format. Oral format candidates should know that the assessment is primarily audio but includes a reading comprehension section.
The DOH allows up to three exam attempts before requiring candidates to retrain. A no-show counts as a failed attempt.
Current exam fees set by Credentia: $55 for the written or oral exam, and $110 for the skills evaluation. The full exam costs $165 for first-time candidates who must sit for both. Nursing homes are required by federal and Rhode Island law to cover exam fees for their nurse aide employees, including those who need to retest.
The Application Process
Application forms are available on the Rhode Island Department of Health website. Candidates currently enrolled in a DOH-licensed nursing assistant training program can submit the application before completing the exam. The DOH will issue a nonrenewable 120-day temporary permit while examination requirements are completed. Nursing student applicants and endorsement applicants are not eligible for the temporary permit.
Documentation requirements vary by candidate type. Program graduates provide the signature of their training coordinator. Nursing students can submit official transcripts or a dean’s signature. Licensed nurses provide a copy of their current license.
The criminal background check through the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office must be completed before applying. The DOH won’t accept a background check dated more than four months earlier. Candidates with a criminal history must provide detailed documentation.
The application requires a $35 fee, a recent passport-style photograph attached with clear tape, and notarization. Mail the completed packet to the Rhode Island Department of Health in Providence. License status can be verified through the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry, and candidates receive written notification as well.
Out-of-State CNAs
Out-of-state CNAs must submit verification forms to every state where they’ve held a nursing assistant license. Rhode Island will endorse an applicant who holds an active credential and meets at least one of the following: completion of a training program of at least 100 hours (including a minimum of 20 clinical hours), or at least three months of full-time nursing assistant work within the last year.
The employment path requires an employer verification form and documentation of one hour of in-service training per month of employment. Training can be documented with a certificate or a letter on program letterhead that specifies written and clinical hours.
License Renewal
Rhode Island CNAs must renew their licenses and remain active on the state Nurse Aide Registry. Renewal requires documentation of at least eight hours of work as a nursing assistant in the prior 24 months. CNAs whose license has lapsed for less than 24 months can contact the DOH and provide evidence of that work history. A license lapsed for more than 24 months requires completing a new DOH-approved training program and retaking the NNAAP exam before returning to practice.
Advancement Options
Licensed nursing assistants in Rhode Island can pursue additional training in medication administration to earn a Medication Aide credential through the DOH. This adds a scope that includes supervised administration of certain medications in long-term care settings.
CNAs who want to advance further can move into practical nursing. Some Rhode Island programs allow CNA training credits to count toward LPN requirements in Rhode Island, which can shorten the training timeline. From there, CNA to RN bridge programs and traditional RN pathways are available for those who want to reach full registered nurse licensure. See the Rhode Island RN licensing requirements for a full picture of what that path involves.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Rhode Island?
Most candidates complete the full process in two to three months. Approved programs run 120 hours, and exam scheduling through Credentia typically adds a few weeks. Candidates enrolled in a training program may receive a 120-day temporary permit while completing exam requirements.
What is the NNAAP exam, and what does it cover?
The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is the competency evaluation that Rhode Island uses to credential CNAs. It has two parts: a written or oral knowledge exam taken online, and a skills evaluation conducted in person at a Regional Testing location. Both must be passed within one year of completing training. Credentia administers the exam on behalf of the state.
What does the Rhode Island CNA exam cost?
The written or oral exam costs $55. The skills evaluation costs $110. First-time candidates who must sit for both pay $165 total. Nursing homes are required by law to cover exam fees for their nurse aide employees, including retests.
Can I transfer my CNA license from another state to Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island endorses out-of-state CNAs who hold an active credential and can show either three months of full-time nursing assistant work in the prior year or completion of a 100-hour training program. You’ll need to submit verification forms from each state where you’ve held licensure.
Does Rhode Island require CNA license renewal?
Yes. Rhode Island CNAs must document at least eight hours of work as a nursing assistant in the prior 24 months to keep their license active. A license lapsed for less than 24 months can be reinstated with evidence of that work history. A lapse of more than 24 months requires completing a new training program and retaking the NNAAP exam.
- DOH approves all training programs — Programs must run 120 hours total: 80 classroom and 40 clinical. Each program uses an RN as program coordinator.
- Written exam is online, skills exam is in person — The NNAAP written portion is taken online through Credentia. The skills evaluation is assigned to a Regional Testing location in Rhode Island.
- Three attempts before retraining — The DOH allows up to three exam attempts. A no-show counts as one of those attempts.
- Background check before applying — The criminal background check through the RI Attorney General’s Office must be dated within the last four months at the time of application.
- Registry listing is required — After passing the exam and completing the application, your name is added to the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry, which authorizes you to work as a CNA in the state.
Rhode Island has more than 40 approved CNA training programs. Use the tool below to find programs near you and compare options before you apply.