State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Massachusetts DPH curriculum advisory ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Massachusetts at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Nurse Aide Registry Program; D&S/Headmaster |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Some details need confirmation · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Massachusetts CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Some details need confirmation.
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.[5] [4] Some training, testing or registry details remain unconfirmed. Check the questions below with the state before enrolling.
What else should you know about training?
- 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.[4] [6]
- 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.[6] [4]
- DPH directs initial applicants to D&S Diversified Technologies (D&S) for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation and test registration.[1]
- DPH approves CNA training programs and clinical sites; use the interactive map to locate a DPH-approved program.[2] [3]
- After passing, DPH says to allow at least three weeks for results and for the name to appear on the license-verification website.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
DPH interactive map of approved CNA training sites ↗[3] 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 are the steps?
Confirm the current hour standard with the program
Massachusetts regulations specify at least 75 hours of training. DPH plans to raise the minimum to 87 hours, including 21 hours of supervised hands-on practice. Its April 2026 memo does not give a start date. Ask your program which requirement your class will follow.[5] [4]
Choose a DPH-approved program
Use the interactive map and confirm the program’s current approval and clinical site.[3]
Apply to test through D&S
Follow DPH’s current testing instructions and D&S registration process.[1]
What should you confirm with the state?
- The reviewed April 2026 memo and training-program FAQ do not establish when the 87-hour minimum takes effect for a particular program or class. Ask DPH or your program about timing.
- The FAQ explains what current students should do, but it doesn't say whether the 87-hour rule will apply differently to new programs, existing programs, current students or students who enroll later. Ask DPH or your program how it affects you.
- March 2027 is when the new exam starts. It is not the start date for the 87-hour training rule.
- Program availability, cost and admission requirements vary. Confirm them directly with the school.
Where did this information come from?
- Massachusetts: Learn how to become a certified nurse aide ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Training, waiver, testing through D&S, certification verification
- Massachusetts: Information for Nurse Aide Training Programs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · DPH-approved training requirements and clinical-site approval
- Interactive map for Certified Nurse Aide training sites ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · DPH-approved CNA training sites
- EOHHS and DPH memo: New Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Curriculum Framework ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · State memo to CNA training programs, April 2026, section "Training Provider Requirements & Timeline." It says the minimum will rise from 75 to 87 hours, including 21 hours of supervised hands-on practice, and that new exams are expected in early 2027. It does not give a start date for the 87-hour minimum.
- 105 CMR 156.00: The training of nurses’ aides in long-term care facilities ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Current Massachusetts rule on nurse aide training. Section 156.300(A) says each course must be at least 75 hours.
- CNA Training Program Updates: FAQs for DPH-Approved Training Organizations (state-contractor toolkit) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · FAQ for DPH-approved training programs, prepared for the state in July 2026. Pages 4-5 cover the change from 75 to 87 hours and say programs should be ready to confirm their updates one month before the new exam. Page 9 explains what current students should do and says the new exam starts in March 2027. It does not give a start date for the 87-hour minimum.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Massachusetts?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Nurse Aide Registry Program; D&S/Headmaster. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Form 9110 reciprocity — Current good-standing out-of-state CNA, never MA-listed
Key requirement: Your certification must be current and in good standing in another state, and you must never have been certified in Massachusetts.
What are the first steps for Form 9110 reciprocity?
Complete online 9110
Provide current-state certificate number/state and required personal information.
Upload documents and submit
Attach Social Security card and current signed US government photo ID; answer findings question and complete affidavit.
Monitor email
D&S verifies with current states and MA registry; requests need response within one month or application is denied.
What exceptions apply?
- Maryland origin — Live 9110 explicitly requires active CNA I credential.
- iCloud email — Form warns communications may not arrive; applicant may need to call to check status.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the application fee and processing time with the Board.
- Confirm the approved-origin list and prior-Massachusetts reactivation route with the Board.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Massachusetts?
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 24 months. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work, doing nursing-related duties, in the past two years. |
| CE or in-service | DPH's renewal page lists paid work hours, not continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Renew online through the Health Profession Licensing System when your certification is about to expire. DPH's renewal page doesn't list a renewal fee. |
| If the credential lapses | If your certification expired but you're still working as a nurse aide with no break in employment since before it expired, you may be able to renew on your work experience. If you're not working or had a break, you may need to retake the certification test; contact the Nurse Aide Registry. |
Massachusetts CNA certification renews every two years. You need at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work in the past two years, and you renew online through the Health Profession Licensing System. DPH's renewal page doesn't list continuing education or a fee. If your certification expired, you may renew on your work experience if you've worked continuously since before it expired; otherwise you may need to retake the certification test.
Source: Massachusetts DPH: Renewal information for certified nurse aides ↗ Become a certified nurse aide in Massachusetts ↗
Open the official Massachusetts registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state