New Jersey Certified Nursing Assistant License
New Jersey Board of Nursing
Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- NATCEP Training Certificate — Proof of completion from a New Jersey Department of Health approved training program.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, unexpired ID such as a Driver's License or Passport.
- Social Security Card — A copy of your Social Security card is required for identification and registry purposes.
- Fingerprint Receipt — The receipt provided by IdentoGO after your live-scan appointment.
How to Apply
-
Complete a State-Approved Training Program ▾Complete a 90-hour Nurse Aide in Long-Term Care Facilities Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), which includes 50 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours.
View Approved Training Programs -
Submit Application to PSI ▾Initial candidates typically apply through their training program. The application and fees are sent to PSI Services LLC, the state's official testing and registry vendor.
Access PSI Portal -
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Schedule a fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO using the specific ORI code provided in your application packet. You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Pass the Skills Evaluation ▾The skills exam is usually scheduled by your training facility or the NJ Department of Health. You must demonstrate competency in five randomly selected nursing skills.
-
Pass the Written or Oral Examination ▾After passing the skills test, schedule your written or oral exam through PSI. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and requires a passing score of 75%.
Schedule Written Exam -
Verify Registry Status ▾Once both exams are passed and the background check is cleared, your name will be added to the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry.
Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Request Reciprocity Packet ▾Call the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry at 1-877-774-4243 to request an official reciprocity application packet.
-
Verify Out-of-State Certification ▾Provide documentation from your current state's registry showing you are in good standing and have an active certificate.
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Choose Reciprocity Route ▾Route 1 requires 24 hours of approved CEUs (12 in dementia care). Route 2 requires 24 months of full-time employment and passing the NJ competency exams.
-
Complete NJ Fingerprinting ▾Even if fingerprinted in another state, you must complete the New Jersey-specific criminal background check via IdentoGO.
IdentoGO Portal -
Submit Fees and Application ▾Mail the completed application, required documentation, and the $30 reciprocity fee to the address specified in the packet.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Jersey Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
New Jersey Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $200 |
| Endorsement application | $200 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
Delays often occur if fingerprints are rejected or if there is a criminal history that requires manual review by the Department of Health.
Missing Employment Verification
▾
For renewals and reciprocity, failing to have an employer sign off on the required work hours (at least 7 hours for renewal) will stall the process.
Incomplete Application Packets
▾
Submitting applications without the required Social Security card copy or correct fees leads to immediate rejection or significant delays.
Questions
How often must I renew my New Jersey CNA certification?
▾
Certification must be renewed every two years. You must have at least 7 hours of paid employment as a CNA in a licensed facility within the 24 months preceding expiration.
What is the fee for reciprocity or renewal?
▾
The standard fee for reciprocity or renewal is $30, payable to the official vendor, PSI.
Can I work while my reciprocity application is pending?
▾
No, you must be listed as 'Active' on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry before you can legally work as a CNA in a New Jersey long-term care facility.
How many times can I attempt the CNA exam?
▾
You have three attempts within one year to pass both the skills and written/oral exams. If you fail three times, you must retake the entire 90-hour training program.
Board Info
New Jersey Board of Nursing
Sources