State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Massachusetts DPH curriculum advisory ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Nurse Aide Registry Program; D&S/Headmaster.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Massachusetts?
Route to review: Form 9110 reciprocity. Check all the conditions for this route. An out-of-state credential alone does not establish eligibility.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts rules still require at least 75 hours of CNA training (105 CMR 156.300). In April 2026, the state announced that the minimum will rise to 87 hours, including 21 hours of supervised hands-on practice. Neither the April memo nor the later FAQ for training programs gives a start date. Ask your program which hour requirement your class will follow.
- If you're already a CNA in good standing on the Massachusetts registry, you don't need extra training. Home health aides don't need to do anything either. If you're in training now, an FAQ written for training programs (pages 4-5 and 9) says you can still certify with the current exam. Plan to test at least one month before the new exam starts, so you have time to retest if needed. Once you pass, you won't need more training. The FAQ doesn't say when the 87-hour rule will apply to a specific program or class, so ask your program.
- The updated CNA knowledge exam is set to start in March 2027. The skills exam is not changing. Training programs should be ready to confirm their updates at least one month before the new exam starts. The March 2027 date is for the new exam, not for the 87-hour training rule.
Official training directory: DPH interactive map of approved CNA training sites ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Form 9110 reciprocity
Current good-standing out-of-state CNA, never MA-listed
- Your certification must be current and in good standing in another state, and you must never have been certified in Massachusetts.[1]
This route may not apply to:
- Anyone ever listed in Massachusetts; this is not renewal
Complete online 9110
Provide current-state certificate number/state and required personal information.[3]
Upload documents and submit
Attach Social Security card and current signed US government photo ID; answer findings question and complete affidavit.[3]
Monitor email
D&S verifies with current states and MA registry; requests need response within one month or application is denied.[3]
Official route: online. [2] [3] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Massachusetts?
If you were ever listed in Massachusetts, do not use form 9110. Contact the Massachusetts registry for status, renewal or the applicable return route.[3]
Who sends registry verification?
D&S verifies good-standing certification with the states where currently registered; MA registry separately verifies placement eligibility.[3]
What exceptions apply?
Maryland origin
Live 9110 explicitly requires active CNA I credential.[3]
iCloud email
Form warns communications may not arrive; applicant may need to call to check status.[3]
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Application. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the application fee and processing time with the Board.
- Confirm the approved-origin list and prior-Massachusetts reactivation route with the Board.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Massachusetts planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Form 9110 reciprocity)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Massachusetts? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Become a certified nurse aide in Massachusetts ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Reciprocity section; official HTTPS retrieved 200
- Massachusetts CNA ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Candidates: CNA reciprocity Form 9110 link
- Online MA Reciprocity Form 9110 ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Opening directions, Maryland note, attachments, verification and affidavit
- Massachusetts DPH: Renewal information for certified nurse aides ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · DPH renewal page: renew online through the Health Profession Licensing System if you worked for pay as a nurse aide at least 8 hours doing nursing-related duties within the past two years. Expired: renew on work experience if currently employed with no break since before expiration; otherwise you may need to retake the certification test.