CNA Eligibility and Qualifications — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum requirement to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in most U.S. states?
- A two-year associate degree in nursing
- Completion of a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam (Correct answer)
- A high school diploma only
- One year of hospital volunteer experience
Correct answer: Completion of a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam
Most states require completion of a state-approved CNA training program followed by passing a competency evaluation exam. The program typically consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
Question 2: Which federal law established minimum training requirements for nursing assistants working in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified facilities?
- HIPAA
- ADA
- OBRA (Correct answer)
- OSHA
Correct answer: OBRA
OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) of 1987 established that nursing assistants in Medicare/Medicaid facilities must complete at least 75 hours of training and pass a competency evaluation. Many states have set higher minimums.
Question 3: A prospective CNA applicant has a felony conviction. What is the likely outcome regarding their eligibility?
- They are automatically certified without review
- Their application is subject to background check review and may be denied (Correct answer)
- They must wait 6 months before applying
- They can only work in outpatient settings
Correct answer: Their application is subject to background check review and may be denied
Most states conduct background checks on CNA applicants and may deny certification to individuals with certain criminal convictions, particularly those involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Question 4: How often must a certified nursing assistant re-register or renew their certification?
- Every 6 months
- Every 5 years
- Every 1–2 years, per state requirements (Correct answer)
- Only once when first certified
Correct answer: Every 1–2 years, per state requirements
CNA certification renewal requirements vary by state but typically occur every one to two years. Renewal usually requires proof of continued employment as a nursing assistant and completion of required in-service training hours.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the Nurse Aide Registry?
- To schedule CNA training classes
- To track CNA work hours for payroll
- To maintain a list of certified CNAs and record any abuse/neglect findings (Correct answer)
- To issue nursing licenses
Correct answer: To maintain a list of certified CNAs and record any abuse/neglect findings
The Nurse Aide Registry is a state-maintained database that lists all certified nursing assistants in good standing. Employers are required to verify that a CNA's name appears on the registry before hiring them. It also records any substantiated findings of abuse or neglect.
Question 6: Which of the following would cause a CNA to be removed from the Nurse Aide Registry?
- Taking a leave of absence from work
- Failing to renew certification on time
- A substantiated finding of resident abuse or neglect (Correct answer)
- Transferring to a different state
Correct answer: A substantiated finding of resident abuse or neglect
A substantiated finding of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property can result in a CNA being placed on the abuse registry and removed from the Nurse Aide Registry, making them ineligible for employment in certified facilities.
CNA Eligibility and Qualifications
What is the minimum requirement to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in most U.S. states?