Certified Nursing Assistant Requirements in Vermont
Vermont uses the Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) designation instead of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). To qualify, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 80 hours, pass a written knowledge exam and a clinical skills exam through Excel Testing, and apply for licensure through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.
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Vermont calls this credential a Licensed Nursing Assistant, or LNA. If you searched “CNA Vermont,” you’re in the right place. The role, scope of practice, and training requirements are the same as in other states. Vermont uses a different name. LNA licensure is administered through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) under the Secretary of State’s Office, in conjunction with the Vermont Board of Nursing. The path has three steps: complete a Board-approved training program, pass a two-part competency exam through Excel Testing, and submit a license application to the OPR.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, the application process, and endorsement options for out-of-state CNAs.
- Training and Examination Eligibility
- Examination Requirements
- The Application Process
- Out-of-State Nursing Assistants
- Contacts and Resources
Training and Examination Eligibility
The most direct path to LNA licensure is completing a Vermont Board of Nursing-approved training program. The Board maintains a list of approved programs on its website. Programs must meet minimum hour requirements, at least 80 total hours, including 30 hours of clinical experience. Students typically practice nursing assistant skills in a laboratory setting before clinical rotations begin.
Applicants must also pass a criminal background check before beginning a training program. Certain convictions, particularly those involving violence, abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of patients, can disqualify an applicant from licensure. The Board reviews each case individually.
Out-of-state training programs can qualify a candidate for examination, provided the candidate meets Vermont’s standards of 80 total hours and 30 clinical hours. The program must have been completed within the previous two years.
Nursing students have an alternative pathway. PN and RN students who have completed fundamentals of nursing coursework and accumulated at least 30 clinical hours with adult populations may apply to take the LNA test. They can test while still enrolled in nursing school or up to two years after completing the relevant coursework. Students already enrolled in LPN programs in Vermont are among those who commonly use this route.
Examination Requirements
Vermont LNA candidates must pass a written knowledge examination and a clinical skills examination. Both components are administered through Excel Testing. The knowledge exam is multiple choice. Candidates who require it may take an oral version delivered through an audio-assisted format. All candidates must complete the skills evaluation, which requires them to demonstrate five nursing assistant duties. Candidates working under a temporary license must pass both components on the first attempt. In other cases, up to three attempts are allowed, but eligibility expires two years after program completion.
Testing is offered at approved Vermont locations scheduled through Excel Testing. Current examination fees are available through Excel Testing at the time of registration. If you don’t pass one component, you only retake the failed portion.
Results are available shortly after each evaluation is completed. Candidates who pass both components are placed on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry, the official record that allows LNAs to work legally in the state. Candidates who don’t pass receive retake information immediately after their results are released.
The Excel Testing candidate handbook includes a full content outline and skills listing for the Vermont LNA exam. Each practical skill is listed with the exact steps expected, and critical steps are marked in bold.
The Application Process
Vermont LNA candidates submit two separate applications: one for licensure and one for examination. The license application is available through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) website. Once the OPR reviews your eligibility, you receive an Authorization to Test, which allows you to register for the exam directly through Excel Testing.
The license application requires a passport-size photograph, not a copy of a passport or driver’s license photo. Applicants must also report tax and child support status. The application fee is $20.
Documentation requirements vary by pathway. Traditional program graduates submit a copy of their program completion form. Nursing students must provide a verification form from their nursing program, either in a sealed envelope or sent separately. The OPR’s authorization must be in place before registering for the examination. Applicants from out-of-state training programs must also receive OPR authorization before seeking examination.
Out-of-State Nursing Assistants
CNAs or LNAs licensed in another state can be endorsed into Vermont without examination, but only if they meet Vermont’s experience requirement. You must have worked at least 400 hours, the equivalent of 50 days, within the two years before applying.
Verification of your out-of-state license is required. While verification is pending, endorsement candidates can receive a temporary Vermont LNA license valid for up to 90 days. Verification forms are available on the OPR website. Application files must be complete within six months of submission.
If you hold active LNA or CNA status but haven’t met the 400-hour requirement, there’s still a route into Vermont licensure. Candidates who completed an 80-hour program with at least 30 clinical hours within the past two years may be approved to test without repeating training.
Contacts and Resources
Licensing information and downloadable application forms are available through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. The OPR can be reached at (802) 828-3089.
For examination registration, candidate handbooks, and test scheduling, visit Excel Testing directly. Excel Testing is the current Vermont LNA exam administrator.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses, or review nursing license requirements in Vermont for RN and LPN pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a CNA and an LNA in Vermont?
The credentials are functionally identical. Vermont uses the Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) designation, while most other states use the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) designation. The role, scope of practice, and training requirements are the same. If you already hold a CNA credential from another state, Vermont’s endorsement process allows you to transfer your license without retaking training or the competency exam, provided you meet the experience requirement.
How long does it take to become an LNA in Vermont?
Most LNA training programs in Vermont can be completed in a few weeks to a few months, depending on the program format. The minimum requirement is 80 hours of instruction, including 30 clinical hours. After completing training, exam scheduling, and application processing, it typically takes several more weeks before you receive your license.
What does the Vermont LNA competency exam cover?
The exam has two parts: a written knowledge assessment and a clinical skills evaluation, both administered through Excel Testing. The knowledge portion is multiple-choice and available in written or audio-assisted oral formats. The skills portion requires demonstrating five nursing assistant duties from the state’s official skills list. Candidates have up to three attempts to pass both components, and examination eligibility expires two years after program completion.
Can I get a Vermont LNA license with a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the conviction. The Vermont OPR, in conjunction with the Board of Nursing, evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Convictions involving violence, abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation are the most likely to result in denial. Contact the OPR directly before enrolling in a training program if you have concerns about your eligibility.
How do I transfer my out-of-state CNA license to Vermont?
Vermont accepts endorsements from out-of-state CNAs or LNAs who have worked at least 400 hours within the prior two years. You’ll need to submit a license verification form and a completed application to the Board of Nursing. If you meet the experience requirement, you don’t need to retake the competency exam. A temporary license is available while verification is being processed and is valid for up to 90 days.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont uses the LNA credential — The Licensed Nursing Assistant designation is Vermont’s equivalent of the CNA used in most other states; the role and training requirements are the same.
- 80 hours of approved training required — Programs must include at least 30 clinical hours and be approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing; qualifying out-of-state programs are accepted if completed within two years.
- Two-part competency exam through Excel Testing — Candidates must pass a written knowledge assessment and a hands-on skills evaluation; up to three attempts are allowed within a two-year eligibility window.
- Out-of-state CNAs can endorse without testing — 400+ hours worked in the past two years qualify you for endorsement. A 90-day temporary license is available while verification is pending.
- Background check is required — A criminal history review is part of the licensure process; convictions involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation are grounds for denial.
Find Vermont Board of Nursing-approved LNA programs, application links, and licensing resources for your area.