Massachusetts CNA Registry
Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.
Visit Official Registry24 months
Renewal Period
8 hours of nursing or nursing-related services for compensation
Work Requirement
Free
Online Lookup
How to Look Up Your Massachusetts CNA License
Visit CheckCNA Massachusetts
Go to checkcna.mass.gov to access the official Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry verification system.
Enter Search Criteria
Search by the nurse aide's first name, last name, or certificate number to locate their certification record.
Select the Correct Record
If multiple results appear, select the correct nurse aide from the list to view their detailed certification information.
Review Certification Status
View the certification status, expiration date, and any findings or disciplinary actions on record.
About the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry
The Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry is the state-maintained database of all certified nursing assistants authorized to work in Massachusetts. The registry is required by federal law under OBRA '87.
Employers are required by federal and state law to verify that nurse aides are listed on the registry and have no disqualifying findings before hiring them to work in nursing facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
The registry also maintains records of any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property, which are available to employers.
Contact Information
Official Website
https://www.mass.gov/nurse-aide-registryPhone Number
(617) 753-8144Mailing Address
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Nurse Aide Registry 67 Forest Street Marlborough, MA 01752
Massachusetts CNA Testing Information
Testing Vendor
Massachusetts uses Prometric to administer the nurse aide competency evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration.
Visit PrometricMassachusetts CNA Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Massachusetts CNA certification is valid for 24 months from the date of initial certification or last renewal.
Work Requirement
You must perform at least 8 hours of nursing or nursing-related services for compensation during your certification period to be eligible for renewal.
Employer Verification
Your employer verifies your work hours directly through the registry system. Keep your contact information current with your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Massachusetts CNA certification valid?
Massachusetts CNA certifications are valid for 24 months from the date of issue. Your certification will be renewed automatically if your employer verifies your employment through the registry system.
How do I transfer my CNA license to Massachusetts?
Massachusetts accepts reciprocity from other states. Submit a Reciprocity Application along with verification from your current state's registry. You must have an active certification in good standing and pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check.
What is the work requirement for Massachusetts CNAs?
You must work at least 8 hours of nursing or nursing-related services for compensation during each 24-month certification period. Your employer is responsible for reporting this to the registry.
How much does the Massachusetts CNA exam cost?
The Massachusetts CNA competency exam costs approximately $115 for both the written and skills portions. Contact Prometric for current pricing and available test dates.
What is the CORI background check?
Massachusetts requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check for all CNAs. This check is typically conducted by your employer and must be completed before you can work in a healthcare facility.
How do I get a copy of my certification?
You can verify your certification status online at checkcna.mass.gov. For official verification letters, contact the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry directly by phone or email.
Massachusetts CNA Refresher Topics
Whether you are preparing to renew your Massachusetts certification, brushing up before returning to work, or studying for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry reinstatement exam, these free guides cover the topics most commonly tested:
Patient Rights & HIPAA
OBRA '87 resident rights, mandatory reporting, advance directives — essential for any Massachusetts CNA returning to active status.
Infection Control
Standard precautions, PPE protocols, and transmission-based precautions for Massachusetts nurse aides working with vulnerable residents.
Safety & Emergencies
Fall prevention, RACE/PASS fire response, choking, and CPR — heavily tested on Massachusetts CNA reinstatement exams.
Personal Care & Elimination
Bathing, peri-care, toileting, and incontinence management procedures used daily by Massachusetts CNAs in long-term care.
Dementia & Cognitive Care
Validation therapy, sundowning, and de-escalation techniques for working with cognitively impaired residents in Massachusetts.
Body Systems & Conditions
Recognizing strokes (FAST), hypoglycemia, pressure injuries, and CHF — essential clinical knowledge for active Massachusetts CNAs.
Legal & Ethical Issues
Scope of practice, negligence, mandatory reporting, and professional boundaries — review essentials for any Massachusetts CNA renewing certification.
Communication & SBAR
SBAR handoff, therapeutic responses, and adaptations for hearing- or vision-impaired residents — practical refreshers for Massachusetts CNAs.
Data Collection & Reporting
Objective vs subjective documentation, pain scales, and what to report immediately — refresh the rules used daily by Massachusetts CNAs.
End-of-Life Care
Hospice vs palliative care, recognizing signs of approaching death, and postmortem care — for Massachusetts CNAs in long-term care settings.
Becoming a CNA in Massachusetts?
See the step-by-step requirements to become a CNA in Massachusetts, find approved training programs, or access free study materials.