Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.
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route How to become a certified nursing assistant in New Jersey
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New Jersey, individuals must complete a 90-hour state-approved training program, which includes 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience. After completing the training, candidates must pass the New Jersey Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by PSI, which consists of a written and a skills test. A criminal background check with fingerprinting is required for certification, and reciprocity is available for CNAs certified in other states who meet specific employment or continuing education criteria.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for New Jersey. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist New Jersey requirements
| Licensing body | New Jersey Department of Health |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 90-hour state-approved training program |
| Exam | PSI CNA Exam ($76) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | New Jersey offers reciprocity, but one pathway requires passing New Jersey clinical skills and competency exams.Reciprocal states: New Jersey offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states or U.S. territories. Applicants must have a current, valid certificate, no criminal convictions or findings of abuse/neglect/misappropriation, and meet one of two routes: 1) 24 hours of approved continuing education (12 in Alzheimer's/dementia, 12 in resident rights, infection control, pharmacy, emergency procedures, neglect/abuse/misappropriation) in the past 24 months, OR 2) 24 months of full-time employment (at least 35 hours/week) in a nursing home performing nursing-related services under supervision, and pass the New Jersey clinical skills and written/oral competency exams. A $30 reciprocity fee applies. |
| Notes | Renewal requires at least 7 hours of paid employment performing nursing or nursing-related services in a licensed healthcare facility or agency within the 24 months preceding the certificate expiration date. A criminal background check with fingerprinting is required for initial certification and renewal. Some programs may have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old and require a high school diploma or GED. Physical examination and proof of immunizations (e.g., 2-step Mantoux/PPD test) are also common prerequisites for training programs. |
Source: New Jersey Department of Health
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to New Jersey? See whether New Jersey recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Certified Nursing Assistant license reciprocity guide.
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