Massachusetts Certified Nursing Assistant License
Massachusetts DPH
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
- State Competency Exam Results — Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $0
How to Apply
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Complete Approved Training Program ▾Successfully complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) in Massachusetts, as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
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Apply for Examination ▾Create an account and submit your application to take the Nurse Aide Competency Examination (NACE) through the Prometric Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Portal.
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Schedule Examination ▾Once your application is approved, schedule both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the NACE via your Prometric account. The examination fee is $115 for both parts.
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Pass Examination ▾Take and successfully pass both the written/oral and skills components of the NACE.
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Registry Listing ▾Upon successful completion of the examination, Prometric will automatically add your name to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. No further action is required from the applicant for initial listing.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Massachusetts DPH for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Massachusetts DPH.
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Provide License Verification ▾Massachusetts requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
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Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
-
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Massachusetts requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Massachusetts can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 1 to 2 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization for CNAs during the endorsement process. Contact the state nurse aide registry directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Massachusetts DPH
Keeping Your License Active
Massachusetts Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Massachusetts DPH for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Questions
Who administers the Massachusetts CNA exam?
▾
The MA CNA exam is administered by D&S Headmaster. Contact them at (888) 401-0462 or visit hdmaster.com (Massachusetts CNA section).
How do I transfer my CNA to Massachusetts?
▾
Contact the MA DPH Nurse Aide Testing Office at (781) 979-4010 or 1-800-962-4337 for reciprocity applications. A CORI background check is required.
How do I verify a Massachusetts CNA?
▾
Use the NARIS (Nurse Aide Registry Information System) at nars.dph.mass.gov or call (617) 753-8144 / email nars@mass.gov.
Board Info
Sources