CNA Entry-Level

Vermont CNA Certification Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Vermont

Training Hours

75+ hours

Total Initial Cost

$235

Program Duration

4-8 weeks for training program

Renewal Period

2 years

Official source: licensing in Vermont is administered by the Vermont Secretary of State - Nurse Aide Registry. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in Vermont.

Apply on Official Site

How do you renew a CNA certification in Vermont?

Vermont CNA certification renews every 2 years, and the renewal fee is $65. To renew your Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) license, you must show, by job description or other employer verification, at least 50 days (400 hours) in the two years before applying of employment as a nurse assistant or in a role that would reasonably reinforce LNA training and skills. If you do not meet this, you must repeat the nursing assistant education program and competency exam; licenses run on fixed two-year periods.

Source: Administrative Rules of the Vermont Board of Nursing (eff. May 11, 2023), Rules 4-3 and 4-8(b), checked 2026-11-06.

1 Training Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program

75+

Minimum training hours

4-8 weeks for training program

Typical program length

Additional Requirements

Vermont requires 75 hours of nurse aide training (federal minimum)
Must include classroom instruction and clinical training
Program must be approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing

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

$110

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 $50.

4 Fees

Initial Certification

Training Program	$500-$2,000*
Competency Exam	$110
Background Check	$50
Application/Registry Fee	$25

*Many employers offer free CNA training programs with work commitment

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)	$65
Work Requirement	400 hours in 24 months

Certification Renewal

2 years

Renewal cycle

400+ hours

Work requirement

To renew your Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) license, you must show, by job description or other employer verification, at least 50 days (400 hours) in the two years before applying of employment as a nurse assistant or in a role that would reasonably reinforce LNA training and skills. If you do not meet this, you must repeat the nursing assistant education program and competency exam; licenses run on fixed two-year periods.

Career Advancement

CNAs can advance to LPN/LVN or RN with additional education

LVN/LPN Licensing RN Requirements All Career Paths

Vermont CNA Certification FAQs

How much does CNA certification cost in Vermont?

Expect about $235 in total initial CNA certification costs in Vermont, including a $25 application fee and a $110 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Vermont Secretary of State - Nurse Aide Registry.

How do you renew a CNA certification in Vermont?

How long does it take to get CNA certification in Vermont?

Most complete applications are processed in about 4 to 8 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.

Who issues CNA certifications in Vermont?

The Vermont Secretary of State - Nurse Aide Registry handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (802) 828-2396.