How to Get Your CNA Certification in Utah 2026
To become a certified nursing assistant in Utah, you need to complete a UNAR-approved training program of at least 100 hours, pass a two-part competency exam administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and get listed on the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. Most candidates finish the full process in six to twelve weeks.
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Utah certified nursing assistants are registered with the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR). Unlike most states, Utah does not use DOPL for CNA oversight. UNAR is a standalone registry housed at Davis Technical College (Davis Tech) in Kaysville. It approves all training programs, administers the certification process, and maintains the state’s registry of over 50,000 nursing assistants. For a broader overview of nursing credentials in the state, see Utah nursing license requirements.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, the exam process, application steps, and renewal information.
- Training and Examination Eligibility
- Examination Requirements
- The Examination Process
- The Application Process
- Background Check Requirements
Training and Examination Eligibility
Utah requires completion of a UNAR-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) before sitting for the certification exam. Programs must provide a minimum of 100 hours of combined classroom and clinical instruction. UNAR sets this floor above the federal minimum of 75 hours. At least 24 of those hours must be supervised clinical practice in a long-term care facility. All classroom and skills curricula must be completed before clinical training begins. Utah does not afully approveonline CNA programs.
Programs are available at nursing homes, community colleges, and some high schools. UNAR publishes a list of approved programs on its website at utahcna.com, including each program’s pass rate on the certification exam. Candidates must be at least 16 years old to enroll. Those considering a higher-level credential can review LPN requirements in Utah for comparison.
In some cases, UNAR will grant a training waiver. A nursing student who has completed Fundamentals of Nursing within the past two years and has official transcripts to submit can apply to test without completing a NATCEP. A nurse with an expired license from any state can also apply for a waiver, provided the credential was in good standing at the time of expiration. Both groups are allowed up to three attempts to pass the full exam within one year. Contact UNAR directly to confirm current waiver eligibility rules before applying.
Examination Requirements
After completing training, candidates take the Utah Nurse Aide Competency Examination, administered by D&SDT-Headmaster through its Headmaster CNA365 platform. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test and a manual skills demonstration. Candidates must pass both within one year of completing their training program.
The written test is computer-based, timed, and consists of 75 questions. The minimum passing score is 75 out of 100. The exam is administered in English, but candidates can request an audio option with headphones or a Spanish toggle. Notify the testing site in advance. Translation dictionaries are permitted, subject to review at the test center.
The skills assessment requires candidates to demonstrate nursing assistant competencies on a mannequin or live subject acting as a resident. Every candidate must demonstrate proper hand-washing technique and take vital signs: blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration. Five additional skills are randomly selected from a broader pool. Examples include passiverange-of-motion exercisesn, feeding a dependent resident, and pressure ulcer prevention techniques. Candidates must complete each selected task competently and are allowed no more than two prompts per skill.
The full list of skills, key vocabulary, and sample questions is available in the candidate handbook on the UNAR website. Candidates should verify that they have the current version, which is available on the main page at utahcna.com.
The Examination Process
After completing a NATCEP, candidates receive testing applications from their instructors. The application must be submitted to UNAR with the required fees: $35 for the written exam and $40 for the skills exam, for a combined total of $75. Payment can be made by certified check, money order, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted. Many nursing home employers cover these fees for candidates they intend to hire. Ask about reimbursement before paying out of pocket.
Applications are mailed to UNAR at its Kaysville office. Once approved, candidates receive testing vouchers within 5 to 10 business days and can schedule testing at any UNAR-approved testing site. Testing locations include Cedar City, Salt Lake City, St. George, and the main Davis Tech campus in Kaysville.
Bring your voucher and a valid photo ID to the exam. Results are mailed after testing. A candidate who fails either part receives re-examination information and new vouchers. Candidates from UNAR-approved training programs may attempt the exam up to three times without re-enrolling in a program. Verify current attempt limits with UNAR before scheduling a retake.
The Application Process
Exam registration and CNA certification application happen simultaneously through UNAR. Candidates who pass the competency exam are automatically added to the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. There is no separate registry enrollment step. Applications are available on the UNAR website or provided directly by program instructors. Instructor signature is required on program-issued applications.
UNAR contracts with the Headmaster to maintain the registry. The registry can be searched from the main page at utahcna.com to verify certification status.
Background Check Requirements
All CNA certification applicants in Utah must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check conducted by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification and the FBI. This is a condition of certification, not an optional step. Certain criminal convictions can disqualify an applicant, particularly felony crimes of violence, sex offenses, and drug-related offenses. Submit fingerprints with your application to avoid processing delays. Contact UNAR for current guidance on how disqualifying offenses are evaluated.
Renewal Requirements
Utah CNA certification is valid for two years. To renew, you must have performed at least 200 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work under the supervision of a licensed nurse during the 24-month certification period. This is significantly higher than the federal minimum of eight hours. UNAR also requires 12 hours of in-service training annually, consistent with federal standards.
Submit a renewal application and fee to UNAR before your certificate expires. CNAs who want to advance their credentials can explore CNA-to-RN bridge programs as the next step. If your certification lapses, you have a 6-month grace period to renew by meeting all work-hour requirements and paying a $15 late fee per month. Contact UNAR for current renewal fees and procedures.
Out-of-State CNAs
CNAs with current, active certification in another U.S. state can apply for reciprocity to transfer their credential to Utah. There is a specific reciprocity application form on the UNAR website. By signing it, you authorize UNAR to verify your certification status with your home state’s registry. The reciprocity fee is $30. Your credential must be in good standing, meaning not expired, suspended, or under investigation, at the time you apply.
CNAs with Expired Certification
A Utah CNA with expired certification may retest for certification, but must do so within one year of the expiration date. One examination attempt is allowed during this window. If the attempt is unsuccessful, a new training program will be required. A CNA with lapsed out-of-state certification who wants to certify in Utah must enroll in a UNAR-approved training program.
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 Utah?
Most candidates complete the process in six to twelve weeks. Training programs require a minimum of 100 hours of classroom and clinical instruction. Intensive programs can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks. Part-time schedules run longer. After training, allow an additional five to ten business days for UNAR to issue your testing voucher, plus exam scheduling time.
What is the UNA,R and who does it regulate?
UNAR is the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry, the state body responsible for CNA certification in Utah. It approves training programs, administers the certification exam through D&SDT-Headmaster, maintains the state registry, and handles renewals and reciprocity. UNAR operates independently from DOPL and is located at Davis Technical College (Davis Tech) in Kaysville.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Utah?
Yes, if your certification is current and in good standing. Utah offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs. Submit the reciprocity application from the UNAR website along with a $30 fee. UNAR will verify your status with your home state’s registry. An expired or suspended credential does not qualify for reciprocity.
What happens if my Utah CNA certification expires?
You have a six-month grace period after expiration to renew by meeting work-hour requirements and paying a late fee. After the grace period, you may retest once within one year of your expiration date. If that attempt is unsuccessful, you’ll need to complete a new UNAR-approved training program to recertify.
Does Utah require a background check for CNA certification?
Yes. All applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification and the FBI. Certain convictions, including felony crimes of violence, sex offenses, and drug-related offenses, can disqualify an applicant. Contact UNAR for current guidance on how your specific history may be evaluated before applying.
Key Takeaways
- 100 hours of training required — Utah sets its minimum above the federal floor. Programs must include at least 24 hours of supervised clinical practice in a long-term care facility.
- Two-part exam through D&SDT-Headmaster — Candidates pass a 75-question written test (minimum score 75) and a manual skills demonstration. Both must be completed within one year of finishing training.
- Background check is mandatory — Fingerprints for a BCI and FBI background check are required for all applicants. Certain criminal convictions can disqualify you.
- Renewal requires 200 paid work hours — Utah’s two-year renewal standard is well above the federal minimum. Confirm current hours and documentation requirements with UNAR.
- UNAR is the sole licensing authority — Utah CNAs are governed by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry, not DOPL. All questions about certification, renewal, and reciprocity go directly to UNAR.
Select your state to find approved CNA training programs, application requirements, and exam information for your jurisdiction.