State terminology: Nurse aide certification. Hawaii Nurse Aide Program ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Hawaii at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing; Prometric registry administrator |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 3, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Hawaii CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 3, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Hawaii?
Use Prometric’s linked candidate bulletin and examination application for the applicable training/testing route.[1] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- DCCA contracts with Prometric for the nurse-aide competency exam and registry.[1]
- The combined program/evaluator list includes approval periods; verify the specific program’s current approval and enrollment before choosing training.[2]
Where can you find training programs?
State-approved NATCEP programs and RN evaluator list ↗[1] [2] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What should you confirm with the state?
- The reviewed state sources do not state one clear initial training-hour minimum. Confirm the current total with the state; do not use one school’s hours as the state rule.
Where did this information come from?
- Hawaii Nurse Aide Exam — Prometric ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · DCCA contract, candidate bulletin, application, training-program list
- Certified NATCEP and RN Evaluators ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Current contractor-linked list; training and RN evaluator entries have approval end dates
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Hawaii?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing; Prometric registry administrator. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Route 2: reciprocity/out of state — Applicants with current active out-of-state CNA certification.
Key requirement: DCCA decides direct registry placement versus required competency examination.
What are the first steps for Route 2: reciprocity/out of state?
Complete Route 2
Provide training history, all certification states and the requested current employment information.
Submit to Prometric
Use the current application’s mailing and payment instructions.
Allow verification
Prometric contacts other state registries before transfer.
What exceptions apply?
- Out-of-state certificate not active — The bulletin requires the competency examination rather than assuming direct transfer.
What should you confirm?
- The currently linked bulletin appears in a 2022 directory, and the application footer does not show a current date. Confirm the current form with the testing provider.
- Confirm the application and payment steps with the testing provider.
- Ask the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry what the competency evaluation for state-licensed or state-certified settings involves.
What will the Hawaii planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Route 2: reciprocity/out of state)
- Have you previously held nurse aide certification in Hawaii? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Hawaii?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Every two years. Your recertification application must be received at least 30 days before your certification expires. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least one full day (8 hours) of paid nursing or nursing-related work involving direct patient care in the prior 24 months. |
| CE or in-service | Hawaii's rule (HAR §16-89A-4) doesn't set a number of continuing-education hours. If you work in a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facility, the facility must complete an annual performance review and give you regular in-service training. If you work in another state-licensed or state-certified setting, the rule requires a competency evaluation approved by the Department of Human Services. |
| Renewal window | Mail your renewal form so it's received at least 30 days before expiration; forms can't be processed in person. Prometric's bulletin lists a $27 recertification fee. Not getting a reminder doesn't excuse a late renewal. |
| If the credential lapses | If you can't show a full day of paid direct-care work in the past 24 months, or you miss the renewal requirements, you must complete the certification requirements again. |
Hawaii nurse aide certification renews every two years, and your renewal must be received at least 30 days before it expires. You need at least one full day (8 hours) of paid direct-care work in the past 24 months. In Medicare or Medicaid nursing facilities, the facility handles a yearly performance review and in-service training; in other licensed settings, the rule calls for a DHS-approved competency evaluation. Prometric's bulletin lists a $27 recertification fee. If you don't meet the requirements, you must complete certification again.
Source: Hawaii Administrative Rules 89A-C, Nurse Aides ↗ Currently linked Hawaii candidate bulletin (2022 file) ↗ DCCA Nurse Aide Program ↗
Open the official Hawaii registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state