Nursing Assistant Questions and Answers

How many hours per year does a CNA in Texas need to work to not lose the certification? Can she have worked 10 hours one year and on the second year not worked but just needs to show where she worked the previous year to not lose the CNA certification?
You must show proof of paid nursing assistant services in the last twenty-four months since your last renewal in order to keep your Texas CNA certification active. Nurse aides renewing their certification after September 1, 2013, are required to complete 24 hours of in-service education every two years. All approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs are eligible to offer in-service education. You may contact the Texas nurse aide registry at 512-438-2050 to verify this information. The facility where you work (or have worked) submits employment information to the Texas nurse aide registry once a year, however, if the facility does not perform this service then you are required to send the information to the registry. You may verify if your certification is still active by accessing the online verification system. You may verify the status of your CNA certification here: DADS Regulatory Services Credentialing Sanctions Database Search.

How do I sign up for CNA training? I am having trouble finding the shortest training program in my area. Can you help me?
To sign up for a certified nursing assistant program, you must contact the school and request an enrollment application. Some schools provide applications online, but others do not. You might have to visit the facility to pick up an application. A deposit is usually required to reserve your seat in the class. You must contact each program yourself to ask about the length and cost of their classes and decide which one is best for you. I could help you locate several CNA training classes in your area. Please provide me with state and county information if you need help locating nursing assistant courses close to where you live.

Read Answers to Related Questions

My Texas CNA license was revoked for allegation of abuse which i did not do. I would like to know if i can get it back ever?

How can I get a copy of my Texas CNA certification if I lost the original?

When will Texas allow certified nursing assistants to renew their licenses online instead of mailing?

I let my CNA license expire. I live in Texas. What do I have to do to get it back?

How do I transfer my CNA certification from Nevada to Texas?

How can I transfer my Louisiana CNA license to the state of Texas?

I am interested in registering for the CNA program at your facility. I would like to know, who at your college teaches CNA programs and are you accredited for the nursing including the CNA program?

I do not have my GED but I am working on getting it. I want to start taking CNA classes as soon as possible. Will I still be able to become a CNA?

I am a graduate of a nursing program from the Philippines. I am a bachelor of science in nursing degree holder and I live in California. Can I take the CNA test before challenging the NCLEX exam to be an RN?

What is your advice regarding accelerated nursing assistant programs? Is an accelerated CNA course as good as a traditional one?

How do I get a copy of my CNA license?

Can you have a misdemeanor and still become a CNA?

How do I find out if my CNA certification expired?

Are there any additional training requirements for nursing assistants working in assisted living facilities, such as CPR, First Aid, etc?

Will a flag on the CNA Registry prevent me from becoming a practical nurse?

What do I need to do to keep my CNA certification current?

How can I get a new CNA license if I lost or misplaced the original?

I want to take the CNA exam. I have heard that the exam will be using a computer. Is it true?

How do I find a school in my area that offers a CNA program?

I would like to get the CNA training videos, because I teach classes at a small nurse agency, and I would like the care provided to be the best for the client. How can I do this?

How long does it take after taking the nursing assistant state exam to get the results from your test?

How can I recertify my CNA license?

When and where I can take the CNA exam?

Am I too old to become a CNA?

I worked as a CNA from 1999 to 2008. Since then I have not worked as a CNA and was wondering if I would be able to challenge the exam or if I would have to take the class over again?

How can I get the free CNA training videos and CNA practice exams? Can you mail them to me?

Do I have to take the CNA course again if my certification expired?

How do I check the status of my CNA certification?

When does my CNA license expire?

Can I be registered as a CNA in more than one state?

Can I get my CNA license number online?

How do I renew my nurse aide certificate?

Can I renew my CNA certification online?

Is it typical to use a recruiting service or agency to get job placement after becoming a certified nursing assistant?

Can I join a CNA training course as a J-2 visa holder?

Could you give some examples of questions I might be asked at a CNA job interview? I just got my CNA license, and I am going to be looking for a job.

Where can I find free online practice tests for the nursing assistant exam?

Is it possible to take the CNA test without enrolling in a training class?

Can I enroll in an online CNA class if I don't have a high school diploma or GED?

Why is it so hard to get hired as a CNA? Everywhere that I apply they are asking for at least one year of experience in the field so what do I do next?

CNA Resources

What is a Nursing Assistant?

A CNA is an entry level, certified healthcare worker. To obtain CNA certification, a nursing assistant trainee must complete a series of courses which teach the student basic skills needed to assist with patient care. A nurse aide is knowledgeable about client safety and transportation, assisting with activities of daily living, communicating with clients and nursing staff, performing basic procedures such as taking vital signs and weighing, and recording intake and output. A certified nursing assistant spends the majority of their working time at the patient's bedside, providing comfort, hygiene, and support.


State approved CNA training programs teach nurse aide trainees how to become competent care givers. The theoretical section of a nursing assistant program is augmented by the clinical portion, by reinforcing and practicing the knowledge gained in the classroom. The length of a nurse aide course depends on the facility providing the training. Some programs may require as little as three weeks to complete, while others may take two to three months. Fast paced courses are not for everyone, and students have the option to enroll in lengthier programs such as those offered by community colleges. A nurse aide trainee who completes the training is eligible to take the CNA exam. Passing this important examination results in certification and listing on the state nurse aide registry.


Employment opportunities for certified nursing assistants are numerous. The skills of a CNA are needed especially in hospitals, long term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Other nursing assistant job opportunities exist in the community, such as Home Health Aide. Hospitals may offer educational opportunities and financial incentives to nursing assistants who wish to continue their education and become licensed vocational nurses, or registered nurses.

CNA Training Programs

Nurse Aide Registries