CNA Classes in Connecticut | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Connecticut DPH Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Connecticut

Launch your healthcare career in the Constitution State with state-approved certification programs. Connecticut offers competitive wages and strong healthcare employment opportunities for CNAs.

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

100

Training Hours Required

$125

State Exam Fee

$39,180

Average Annual Salary

4-8

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Connecticut

Quality Healthcare in New England

Connecticut offers excellent opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, with above-average wages, strong healthcare systems, and high standards for patient care. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) oversees CNA certification through its Nurse Aide Registry, requiring completion of a state-approved training program and successful passage of the competency evaluation administered by Prometric.

As part of the prosperous New England healthcare corridor, Connecticut provides CNAs with access to world-class medical institutions, including Yale New Haven Health System, Hartford HealthCare, and numerous skilled nursing facilities throughout the state. The state's affluent population, aging demographics, and commitment to quality healthcare create sustained demand for skilled nursing assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies.

Above-average CNA wages in the Northeast

Access to world-class healthcare systems

Programs at community colleges statewide

Strong job market with diverse opportunities

Connecticut CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 100 hours minimum

Classroom Hours 75 hours

Clinical Hours 25 hours (16 in SNF)

Exam Format 60 questions + 5 skills

Exam Fee $125 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body Connecticut DPH

Registry CT Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Connecticut

Browse Connecticut DPH-approved nursing assistant training programs. Programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities throughout the state.

Browse CNA Schools in Connecticut

Explore our directory of DPH-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

View All Schools

Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Connecticut

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in Connecticut.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Connecticut requires a minimum of 100 total training hours—75 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus 25 hours of supervised clinical experience (at least 16 hours must be in a skilled nursing facility). Training is available through Connecticut community colleges including Capital, Gateway, Housatonic, Manchester, Naugatuck Valley, and others, as well as the American Red Cross, private vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities that offer employer-sponsored programs.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, pass the Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric. The exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 60 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit, and a clinical skills evaluation where you demonstrate 5 randomly selected competencies. The combined exam fee is approximately $125. Testing is available at Prometric sites throughout Connecticut, including Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, and Waterbury. You must pass both portions within three attempts and 24 months of completing your training program.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a criminal background check as required by Connecticut law. Your training program will typically coordinate the background check process, which includes state and federal checks. Once you pass the competency exam and clear the background check, your name is placed on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Department of Public Health. Employers must verify your active registry status before hiring. Connecticut issues certification numbers that employers use for verification. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Connecticut.

Connecticut requires 100 hours of training, which typically takes 4-8 weeks to complete depending on program format and scheduling. Full-time accelerated programs at community colleges, the American Red Cross, or private vocational schools can be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 6-10 weeks to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. Connecticut's community college system offers programs on various schedules throughout the year. After completing your DPH-approved training program, you'll schedule your competency exam through Prometric. Both the written and skills portions can often be completed on the same day, and results are typically available within a few business days. The background check process usually takes 1-2 weeks. From enrollment to certification, most students can become fully certified CNAs in Connecticut within 6-10 weeks. Connecticut's compact geography makes it relatively easy to access training programs and testing sites regardless of where you live in the state. Some healthcare facilities may hire you conditionally while your certification is being processed.

CNA training costs in Connecticut typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the institution and program type. Connecticut community college programs generally cost $1,000-$1,800 including tuition and fees for state residents—institutions like Capital Community College, Gateway Community College, and Manchester Community College offer programs at affordable rates. The American Red Cross of Connecticut offers programs typically in the $1,200-$1,600 range. Private vocational schools may charge $1,500-$2,500+ but often offer more flexible scheduling, smaller class sizes, or accelerated completion times. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $125 for the state competency exam, $50-75 for the background check, plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks, a watch with a second hand, and any required immunizations or TB testing. Many Connecticut nursing homes and healthcare facilities offer free or subsidized CNA training in exchange for a work commitment—typically 6-12 months. This is particularly common for facilities experiencing staffing shortages. Financial aid through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Competitiveness or local workforce development boards may also be available for qualifying students.

Connecticut permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours, but fully online programs are not approved for state certification. The classroom/didactic portion of your training (75 hours)—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, documentation, communication, safety, and dementia care—can sometimes be completed through online coursework at your own pace. However, Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations require that clinical training hours (25 hours minimum, with at least 16 hours in a skilled nursing facility) be completed in person under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This hands-on component involves practicing essential skills like vital signs measurement, personal care, ambulation, transfers, positioning, range of motion exercises, and infection control procedures with actual patients. Given Connecticut's small geographic size, traveling to clinical sites is generally convenient regardless of where you live. When searching for programs, look for DPH-approved hybrid options that clearly specify their online vs. in-person hour breakdown. Be cautious of any program advertising as completely online, as graduates would not be eligible for Connecticut certification.

Connecticut uses Prometric as its testing provider for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. The exam consists of two parts that are typically taken on the same day at a Prometric testing site. The written knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. Questions cover essential CNA topics including patient rights and independence, communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, care of cognitively impaired residents, basic restorative services, and relevant regulations. If you have difficulty reading English, you may request an oral exam format when registering. The clinical skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate competency in 5 randomly selected skills from a standardized list that includes hand hygiene, vital signs measurement (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature), positioning and turning, transfers, ambulation, range of motion exercises, catheter care, and various personal care tasks. A nurse evaluator observes as you perform each skill. Testing is available at Prometric sites in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Waterbury, and other Connecticut locations. The combined exam fee is approximately $125. You have three attempts to pass within 24 months.

Yes, Connecticut accepts CNA certification from other states through reciprocity, but you must apply for endorsement through the Connecticut Department of Public Health before working in the state. To transfer your certification, submit a completed Reciprocity Application along with verification of your current certification directly from your previous state's nurse aide registry. Your out-of-state certification must be active and in good standing with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. You'll also need to complete a Connecticut background check. The reciprocity application fee is approximately $50, and processing typically takes 2-4 weeks once all documentation is received. While your application is pending, you cannot legally work as a CNA in Connecticut—employers are required to verify registry status before hiring. If your previous state required fewer than 100 training hours, Connecticut may still grant reciprocity as it evaluates applications based on federal OBRA requirements. Once approved, your Connecticut certification will follow the state's standard 24-month renewal cycle. Connecticut's location in the New England region means many CNAs work across state lines—if you plan to work in multiple states, note that each state has its own reciprocity requirements. For questions about the reciprocity process, contact the DPH Nurse Aide Registry.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Connecticut

Connecticut CNA certification is valid for 24 months and must be renewed to remain on the Nurse Aide Registry. To renew your certification, you must have performed at least 8 hours of compensated nursing-related services within the 24-month certification period. This employment must occur in a qualifying healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse—acceptable settings include nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, hospice organizations, and similar healthcare environments. Connecticut does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CNA renewal beyond the federal requirements, though individual employers may require in-service training as part of their facility policies and federal OBRA mandates. The renewal application must be submitted to the Department of Public Health before your certification expires. Connecticut charges a renewal processing fee of approximately $40. You can submit your renewal application online through the DPH eLicensing portal or by mail. If your certification expires because you did not meet the work requirement or failed to renew on time, you will need to retake and pass the competency exam to regain active status. If your certification has been expired for more than 24 consecutive months, you may be required to complete a new training program. The DPH recommends beginning the renewal process at least 30-60 days before your expiration date to ensure continuous certification.

Renewal Fee

~$40

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

CEU Requirement

Per employer/OBRA

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Connecticut

Strong Healthcare Market in New England

Connecticut offers CNAs above-average wages and access to some of the finest healthcare institutions in the nation. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Connecticut earn a median salary of $39,180 per year, or approximately $18.84 per hour—notably higher than the national average. In the affluent Fairfield County area (Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk) and the Hartford metro area, experienced CNAs can earn $20-24 per hour, with premium pay available for night shifts, weekends, and specialized care settings like memory care or rehabilitation.

While Connecticut has a higher cost of living than many states, particularly in Fairfield County, the state's competitive wages help offset these costs. Areas like New Haven, Waterbury, and the eastern part of the state offer more affordable living while still providing solid healthcare employment opportunities. Connecticut's aging population—one of the oldest in the nation on average—creates sustained demand for CNAs in long-term care, assisted living, and home health settings.

Major Connecticut healthcare employers include Yale New Haven Health System (one of the nation's leading academic health systems), Hartford HealthCare, Trinity Health Of New England, Nuvance Health, and numerous skilled nursing facilities throughout the state. Many Connecticut CNAs use their certification as a stepping stone to advance their careers, pursuing LPN or RN degrees through programs at institutions like Charter Oak State College, Goodwin University, or the Connecticut State Community College nursing programs.

Average Annual Salary

$39,180

per year

$18.84/hour • Above national avg

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

Looking for CNA programs in neighboring states? Check out these resources.

Resources

Official Connecticut CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

Connecticut DPH Nurse Aide Program

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA certification, training program approval, and nurse aide registry.

Visit Website

Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry

Verify your CNA status and check certification details through the official registry lookup.

Search Registry

Prometric Testing

Schedule Exam

Candidate Handbook

Download the Connecticut Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook for complete exam information and study guides.

Download PDF

DPH Contact Information

410 Capitol Avenue, MS #12HSR
Hartford, CT 06134

Call: (860) 509-7400

Prometric Support

Contact Prometric for exam scheduling, results, and testing accommodations.

Call: (800) 967-1139

Ready to Start Your CNA Career in Connecticut?

Browse approved training programs and join Connecticut's growing healthcare workforce today.

Find Programs Now