CNA Entry-Level

New Jersey CNA Certification Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey

Training Hours

90+ hours

Total Initial Cost

$218

Program Duration

6-10 weeks for training program

Renewal Period

2 years

Official source: licensing in New Jersey is administered by the New Jersey Department of Health - Nurse Aide Certification Program. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in New Jersey.

Apply on Official Site

How do you renew a CNA certification in New Jersey?

New Jersey CNA certification renews every 2 years, and the renewal fee is $36. You need at least 7 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in a licensed health care facility or agency within the 24 months before your certificate expires.

Source: NJ Department of Health: Renew or replace a nurse aide certificate, checked 2026-11-05. Fee source: PSI New Jersey Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin, Recertification (updated June 2026), checked 2026-11-09.

1 Training Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program

90+

Minimum training hours

6-10 weeks for training program

Typical program length

Additional Requirements

New Jersey requires 90 hours of training (exceeds federal minimum)
Must include at least 50 hours of classroom instruction
Must include at least 40 hours of supervised clinical training

2 Competency Examination

Exam Name

Nurse Aide Competency Exam

Test Provider

Prometric

Exam Components

Written/Oral Test

Multiple choice questions on nursing assistant knowledge and skills

Skills Demonstration

Perform 3-5 randomly selected nursing skills in front of an evaluator

Exam Fee

$120

Tip: You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the exam to be certified. Most states allow multiple retake attempts if needed.

3 Background Check

Criminal background check

CNAs work with vulnerable populations, so background checks are required in all states. Cost is typically $68.

4 Fees

Initial Certification

Training Program	$500-$2,000*
Competency Exam	$120
Background Check	$68
Application/Registry Fee	$30

*Many employers offer free CNA training programs with work commitment

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)	$36
Work Requirement	7 hours in 24 months

Certification Renewal

2 years

Renewal cycle

7+ hours

Work requirement

You need at least 7 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in a licensed health care facility or agency within the 24 months before your certificate expires.

Career Advancement

CNAs can advance to LPN or RN with additional education and training

LVN/LPN Licensing RN Requirements All Career Paths

New Jersey CNA Certification FAQs

How much does CNA certification cost in New Jersey?

Expect about $218 in total initial CNA certification costs in New Jersey, including a $30 application fee and a $120 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the New Jersey Department of Health - Nurse Aide Certification Program.

How do you renew a CNA certification in New Jersey?

How long does it take to get CNA certification in New Jersey?

Most complete applications are processed in about 6 to 12 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.

Who issues CNA certifications in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Department of Health - Nurse Aide Certification Program handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (609) 633-9052.