Patti, another fellow reader of this site, wanted to know if it is possible to sit for the CNA exam and take the clinical without taking a CNA class before. She recently completed a PCT program and passed the test and had the CNA portion waived because she had 2 out of 4 semesters of an RN Program completed.
But while applying for CNA jobs she found out that many places specifically want the job candidate to hold a CNA license. Her question: Is it possible for me to sit for the exam and take the clinical without taking the class?
Nursing Regulations and Polices are State-specific
The first thing to find out to answer her questions is getting the location – as described in other articles, Certified Nursing Aide (or Certified Nursing Assistant or short “CNA”) policies can vary from state to state. Patti was trying to take the CNA Exam in Danburry, so the regulations of Connecticut apply. If she was trying to take the exam in Los Angeles, the policies of California would be the relevant ones – you get my drift.
Being based in Danburry, the Department of Public Health of Connecticut is required – inter alia – to certify and list all individuals who complete a state approved training program and competency evaluation as well as list and maintain a registry of all individuals who are found to have abused or neglected elderly or vulnerable persons, or misappropriated their property.
Paperwork is Your Evidence
She had all her paperwork organized to show the semesters and Lab skills and tests she completed and passed. Additionally Patti had used the skills normally required to become a CNA for two semesters in a hospital as a student nurse and was able to get her instructor to sign the paperwork and the original transcripts.
Those are the relevant excerpts from the e-mail conversation:
Patti:
I recently completed a PCT program and passed the test. I had the CNA portion waived because I have 2 out of 4 semesters of an RN program complete. While applying for jobs I am finding many places specifically want the job candidate to hold a CT CNA license. Is it possible for me to sit for the exam adn take the clinical without taking the class. I will provide paperwork to show the semesters and Lab skills I completed and passed. I appreciate your time and help with this matter.
and Patti again:
I am trying to get both the class and clinical portion waived so I can just sit for the exam. I could go to Danbury Training Center if I had to to do the CNA class/clinial. I am trying to get it waived because I have all theses skills and have used them for two semesters in a hospital as a student nurse. Is it that I need an instructor to sign paperwork to submit to the testing facility? Honestly I am hoping to avoid more financial costs and losing time.
My Answer:
yes, if I understood you correctly and from the informations you have given, you need to provide original transcripts of your education to verify that you have completed the basic nursing fundamentals and skills that are covered in a nurse aide program. If your instructor is able to provide such (signed) paperwork, you can sit for the state competency examination. It is important that your hospital experience is not older than 24 months and it helps if you are currently enrolled in a LPN or RN program (that way you can challenge the test).
According to the Public Health Code, you just need to “sell” yourself to the Department of Public Health and that means giving the Commissioner all the supporting documents required. Therefore the simplest and less costly option, is to call the Commissioner’s Office at (860) 509-7101.
I suggest you call the Commissioner first and see from there.
So to avoid costs and redundant (costly) training, use the resources on our site and what your state provides you to get informed to make an educated and smart choice!
The last thing is to find out where to take the exam: Patty had chosen the Danbury Traning Center, but you can get a complete list of state approved faculties here:
CNA Certification in Danburry
References
CNA Regulations in the Public Health Code of Connecticut
Tags: cna certification, connecticut, Danbury, department of public health, lab skills, public health code, taking a class