FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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1. How do I become a Nursing Assistant Certified (CNA)?

You must successfully complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and pass both the written and skills portions of the NNAAP examination.

Application for an CNA certification with the Colorado Board of Nursing is required.

2. May I perform the duties of a Nursing Asst. before I am certified?

You may not work as a certified nurse aide until you are certified in Colorado. If you are directly employed in a skilled nursing facility or managed care facility, AND this is your initial certification as a nurse aide, you may work for up to four months while you complete your certification. This exclusion does not apply to any person who has already been certified as a nurse aide in any state or US territory and allowed their certification to lapse, had their certification suspended or revoked, or had their application denied.

3. How do I decide which exam to take?

An Oral Examination in English or Spanish may be substituted for the Written examination if you have difficulty reading English. It contains ten (10) reading comprehension questions in which you must identify job-related words.

4. How do I arrange for special accommodations?

Special requests must be submitted and approved prior to testing. Documentation from your physician or other qualifying professional must be included with the request. Please refer to the Special Exam Requests and Services section of the candidate handbook for details.

5. Is there a time limit in which I must pass both exams?

You are allowed three (3) attempts to pass both portions of the NNAAP Examination. If you should fail either part or both parts three (3) times, you will be required to successfully complete a state-approved training program and re-take both parts of the NNAAP examination. There is no time limit in which you can take your 3 attempts. A candidate has two years (24 months) from date of application to pass both exams.

6. Can I register for an exam or check my scores online?

Once you have been approved to test, you are required to complete the online registration process. If you passed both parts of the examination, your name will be forwarded to the Colorado Board of Nursing. You must contact the Colorado Board of Nursing to apply for your Nursing Assistant Certification.

7. What form of payment do you accept and may I take it to the test site?

All payments must be made at the time of scheduling your examination by credit card, pre-paid credit card or electronic voucher. NO form of payment will be accepted at the test site.

8. What is the next test date?

Skills test dates at Regional Test Sites are listed on the Credentia website (www.credentia.com/test-takers/co/). Click “Regional Test Sites” in the Resources section.

9. How long will it take me to find out if I passed or failed?

Score reports for the Skills & Written Exam will be accessible through your CNA365 account. Please check your account to find out if you passed or failed.