CNA Certification in Texas

Becoming certified as a nurse aide in Texas means that you will be able to work in any nursing home or long term care establishment. There are a few requirements that must be completed in order to receive your certification in Texas. You must finish a CNA training program that is approved by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Then you must pass the Nurse Aide Exam governed by the state. When both the approved program and the exam have been passed, you will be placed on the registry and listed as having CNA certification to work in Texas. This is an exciting time to get into a CNA career with so many openings across the state, along with the knowledge that you will have tremendous job security.

Enrollment to a Texas nurse training program means that you will have to get a physical check up to be sure you are capable of meeting physical demands while working as a nurse aide. It also means that you will have to under an evaluation of your criminal history in accordance with federal law.

During the course you will complete a federally mandated 75 clock hours consisting of 51 hours under classroom learning and another 24 hours in a clinical setting learning hands-on experience. You will be required to learn CPR as well during your course and may be tested on it later during the skills portion of your state exam. Find out more about the course curriculum in our section concerning CNA training in Texas.

The Texas National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is taken after the completion of your nurse aide program. You can find test locations by contacting the designated test conducting organization of this state which is Pearson Vue. Occassionally, the institution where you received your CNA training will also serve as a testing site. You will need to preregister for the exam, you will be required to pay an $83 fee before you will be scheduled a date for test taking.

Show up early on your scheduled testing day, and dress comfortably, as the exam takes at least three hours to complete. The exam consists of both a multiple choice portion and a hands on skills section, also known as a clinical skills test. The written exam features 60-70 questions and the clinicals require you to perform five tasks in front of the testing administrator. You will need to pass both sections as specified by the testing center in order to get your CNA certification in Texas.

After successfully completing both components of the test, you can find your name listed on the Texas State Nurse Aide Registry and can work as a CNA in Texas. Your official results and documentation will be sent to you by mail within 10 days.

The median annual wages for the CNA in Texas are reported at $20,000. The CNA position currently has a predicted 28% growth rate on a national level, which will affect Texas significantly over the next several years.

Feel free to address any additional questions to:

Texas Nurse Aide Registry
Texas Dept. of Aging & Disability Services – Licensing & Credentialing Regulatory Services
701 W. 51st St., Austin, Texas 78751
Phone: (512) 438-2050
Fax: (512) 438-2052
License Verification: (800) 452-3934
DADS Regulatory Services Credentialing Sanctions Database Search