How to become a CNA in New Jersey.
New Jersey requires 90 hours of nurse aide training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through PSI and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 90
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 145
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your New Jersey certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Fingerprint-based criminal background investigation is required for first certification and again before each renewal (NJDOH). Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
New Jersey requires 90 training hours, including 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 145 approved programs in New Jersey - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by PSI. 2 years from finishing the training program to pass both the skills and written/oral exams. After the first skills attempt, you have 1 year to pass both. Otherwise you restart the whole process.
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by PSI for NJDOH). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the NJ registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 2 years. Requires at least 7 hours of paid nursing-related work in a licensed facility or agency within the 24 months before expiration, no revocation or suspension, and a fingerprint criminal background check before expiration.
Moving from another state
Apply through PSI (1-877-774-4243). Either 24 hours of approved CEUs in the prior 24 months (covering specific content) or 24 months of full-time work (35+ hours per week).
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in New Jersey.
CNA funding in New Jersey →New Jersey CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Training hours
- 90 hours
- Clinical hours
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- PSI
- Deadline to test
- 2 years from finishing the training program to pass both the skills and written/oral exams. After the first skills attempt, you have 1 year to pass both. Otherwise you restart the whole process.
- Background check
- Fingerprint-based criminal background investigation is required for first certification and again before each renewal (NJDOH).
- Regulator
- New Jersey Department of Health
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: law.cornell.edu, nj.gov, pub.njleg.state.nj.us. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in New Jersey, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires 90 hours of nurse aide training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through PSI and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in New Jersey?
PSI runs the New Jersey nurse aide competency exam.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in New Jersey?
Apply through PSI (1-877-774-4243). Either 24 hours of approved CEUs in the prior 24 months (covering specific content) or 24 months of full-time work (35+ hours per week).
How do you renew a CNA certification in New Jersey?
Every 2 years. Requires at least 7 hours of paid nursing-related work in a licensed facility or agency within the 24 months before expiration, no revocation or suspension, and a fingerprint criminal background check before expiration.
How do I pay for CNA training in New Jersey?
Workforce vouchers, employer sponsorship, state grants, and scholarships all pay for nurse aide training. A nursing home that hires you within a year of certification must reimburse your training costs under federal rules.
Start your training in New Jersey.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.