How to become a CNA in New York

New York CNA candidates test with Prometric. Written: 60 Q / 90 min; Skills: 5 scored.

Updated 2026-09-23 · 2 sources · By the HealthCert Prep team

New York CNA exam at a glance

Vendor
Prometric
Written
60 Q / 90 min
Skills
5 scored
Fee
$115

Exam format, fees and rules

Verified against Prometric - New York State Nurse Aide Handbook & Training Program Manual (revised 11/11/2025) (checked 2026-09-23). Fees change - confirm with the vendor before paying.
ItemDetail
Testing vendorPrometric
Written exam60 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes
Skills exam5 skills scored (3 assigned + handwashing + indirect care); 31-40 minutes
Fees (first time)$115 skills + written; $135 skills + oral
Retest fees$68 skills; $57 written; $67 oral
DeadlinePass both within 2 years of completing training
Attempts3 attempts at each exam

What makes New York different

  • New York’s manual covers nursing home nurse aides specifically; criminal history checks apply to nursing home and home care employment.
  • The skills exam time limit varies (31-40 minutes) based on which skills you draw.
  • Retests are priced per part, from $57 (written) to $68 (skills).

How to get certified in New York

  1. Complete a NYSDOH-approved nursing home nurse aide training program

    Programs also arrange much of the testing.

  2. Apply to Prometric

    Mail the application and fees if you are not testing through your program.

  3. Take both exams

    First-time testers must register for both the clinical skills and written (or oral) exam.

  4. Get listed

    Passing both places you on the New York Nurse Aide Registry.

Test day checklist

  • Bring the identification listed in the manual.
  • The skills exam may be stopped if the resident actor is in danger or you fail to progress.

Registry and contacts

Prometric NY: 800-805-9128.

Federal minimums that apply everywhere

Federal rules set the floor for every state: nurse aide training must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). States can require more. After you are certified, going 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work means retraining or retesting before you can work in a Medicare/Medicaid nursing home (42 CFR 483.35(d)).

CNA practice test (written exam)

CNA practice test (written exam)

A resident's eyeglasses should be cleaned with:

Practice for the New York CNA written exam

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a CNA in New York?

1) Complete a NYSDOH-approved nursing home nurse aide training program. 2) Apply to Prometric. 3) Take both exams. 4) Get listed.

Who runs the New York CNA exam?

Prometric administers testing; New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) - Nurse Aide Registry oversees certification and the registry.

How much does the New York CNA exam cost?

$115 skills + written; $135 skills + oral (verified 2026-09-23 from the official handbook or fee page).

How many questions are on the New York CNA test?

60 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes.

How many times can I take the New York CNA exam?

Pass both within 2 years of completing training.

Sources

  1. Prometric - New York State Nurse Aide Handbook & Training Program Manual (revised 11/11/2025) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  2. eCFR - 42 CFR 483.152 Requirements for approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (accessed 2026-09-23)