State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). New Jersey nurse aide certification ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
New Jersey at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | New Jersey Department of Health, Certification Program |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Agency confirmation needed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See New Jersey CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in New Jersey?
The standard NATCEP is 90 hours: 50 classroom and 40 clinical.[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?
- The current PSI bulletin specifies D&S/Headmaster skills testing and PSI written/oral testing; use https://test-takers.psiexams.com/njdh for the PSI route.[3]
- The program registers candidates in TMU at https://nj.tmutest.com/; complete the online examination application after training. Pass skills before scheduling PSI written/oral testing.[3]
- Certification also requires the criminal-background application and fingerprint appointment; enrolled students obtain forms from their instructor.[3]
- The public DOH program PDF is dated 2022 and excludes facility-based programs. Confirm current approval through the Certification Program before selecting a school.[2] [1]
Where can you find training programs?
DOH current approved-program list request and public training instructions ↗[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 state does not currently publish one complete program directory. Confirm the school’s current approval with the agency.
- Confirm the final certification or registry issuance step with the state.
- The DOH handbook link is stale. Use the June 2026 contractor bulletin and confirm current steps with the state.
Where did this information come from?
- DOH Apply for a Certification ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Initial NATCEP paragraphs; official PSI handbook link currently redirects to generic PSI home.
- DOH Approved Nurse Aide Training Competency and Evaluation Programs (NATCEP) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · PDF page 1: revised August 31, 2026; excludes approved programs at licensed long-term-care and assisted-living facilities; directs program-status questions to DOH.
- PSI New Jersey Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Updated June 2026; PDF pp.2-4 (printed 1-3): new aide, TMU application, skills first, PSI knowledge test, CBI and deadlines.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to New Jersey?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: New Jersey Department of Health, Certification Program. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Route 1: continuing education — Current valid out-of-state/territory certificate
Key requirement: No convictions or adverse abuse/neglect/property findings; 24 approved CE hours in prior 24 months: 12 dementia and 12 specified care/safety topics.
Route 2: employment plus exams — Current valid out-of-state/territory certificate
Key requirement: 24 months full-time CNA work, at least 35 hours/week under licensed-nurse supervision in a nursing home; last work within preceding 24 months. NJ skills and written/oral exams required.
What are the first steps for Route 1: continuing education?
Obtain reciprocity packet
Call 1-877-774-4243; follow the Route 1 documentation instructions.
Complete background process
Packet includes CBI forms; schedule fingerprints and complete required criminal-history process.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the current phone-request packet, attachments and fee with the agency.
- A COVID-era emergency order may appear in search results. Do not rely on it as current permission.
What will the New Jersey planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Route 1: continuing education, Route 2: employment plus exams)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in New Jersey? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in New Jersey?
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. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 7 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in a licensed health care facility or agency in the 24 months before your certificate expires. |
| CE or in-service | New Jersey's recertification requirements are paid work, a background-check update and the fee. The state's renewal page and the PSI bulletin don't list continuing education. |
| Renewal window | PSI sends a renewal reminder about 60 days before expiration. Bring your Renewal Form (signed by your employer), the $36 fee and two forms of ID to a recertification site before your certificate expires. The state updates your criminal background check using your earlier fingerprints; if it can't find them, you'll get a notice to be fingerprinted. |
| If the credential lapses | If your certificate expired and you were first certified in New Jersey less than five years ago, you can pass the skills exam and the written or oral exam to recertify. If it's been more than five years, or you fail either exam, you must complete a 90-hour training program and retest. |
New Jersey nurse aide certificates renew every two years. You need at least 7 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in a licensed facility or agency in the 24 months before expiration, plus a background-check update. PSI sends a reminder about 60 days ahead; you bring your employer-signed Renewal Form, the $36 fee and two IDs to a recertification site before your certificate expires. The renewal page and PSI bulletin don't list continuing education. If your certificate expires, you can retest if you were first certified less than five years ago; otherwise you must retrain and retest.
Source: New Jersey Nurse Aide recertification ↗ Criminal Background Check ↗ PSI New Jersey Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin ↗
Open the official New Jersey registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state