New Mexico CNA Registry
Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official New Mexico Certified Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, Division of Health Improvement).
Visit Official Registry2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
At least 8 paid hours of nursing or nursing-related services under licensed nurse supervision within the prior 24 months
Work Requirement
Yes
Accepts Reciprocity
Free
Online Lookup
How to Look Up Your New Mexico CNA License
Open the New Mexico TMU Public Search tool
Navigate to nm.tmutest.com/search. This portal, operated by D&SDT-Headmaster on behalf of the New Mexico Health Care Authority Division of Health Improvement, is the official replacement for the legacy Prometric New Mexico public registry and is free to use with no account required.
Search by name or registry number
Enter the candidate's first and last name (partial matches accepted) or New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry number. Employers should cross-reference name with date of birth or another identifier in the returned record, especially in larger Albuquerque and Las Cruces metro hires where common names produce multiple matches.
Review certification status and findings
Results display current status (Active, Inactive, or Findings Pending), most recent certification action date, expiration date, and any substantiated abuse, neglect, or misappropriation findings recorded by the HCA Division of Health Improvement. Print the verification page from your browser for HR or compliance files before allowing nurse aide duties to begin.
Contact the HCA for written verification or unclear records
If a record is unclear or you need a stamped letter of good standing for reciprocity to another state, email [email protected] or call the registry team at (505) 861-9680 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mountain Time. Written verification letters are typically issued within 5-10 business days from the Albuquerque office at 3900 Masthead Street NE, Suite 200.
About the New Mexico Certified Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, Division of Health Improvement)
The New Mexico Certified Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Health Improvement, which absorbed the legacy New Mexico Department of Health nurse aide functions in the state's recent agency reorganization. The registry is the definitive list of individuals legally authorized to work as a CNA in any New Mexico HCA-licensed nursing facility, hospital, hospice, home health agency, or assisted living residence.
New Mexico recently transitioned its testing and registry technology from Prometric to D&SDT-Headmaster, and all CNA applications, exam scheduling, payments, reciprocity submissions, renewals, and public lookups now flow through the New Mexico TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal at nm.tmutest.com. The HCA mailing office is located at 3900 Masthead Street NE in Albuquerque, and the team can be reached at (505) 861-9680 or [email protected].
New Mexico's registry is notable for the HCA's policy of paying state competency exam fees on behalf of candidates who have a job offer from - or are employed by - a Medicaid-certified nursing facility, removing one of the largest cost barriers for new CNAs. Reciprocity is also free, renewals are free as long as the 8-hour paid work requirement is met, and the public lookup at nm.tmutest.com/search is open and free of charge.
Contact Information
Official Website
https://www.hca.nm.gov/certified-nurse-aide-registry/Phone Number
(505) 861-9680Mailing Address
New Mexico Health Care Authority Division of Health Improvement ATTN: Nurse Aide Registry 3900 Masthead Street NE, Suite 200 Albuquerque, NM 87109
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time
New Mexico CNA Testing Information
Testing Vendor
New Mexico uses D&SDT-Headmaster (TestMaster Universe / TMU) - replaced Prometric as New Mexico's contracted testing and registry vendor to administer the nurse aide competency evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration.
Visit D&SDT-Headmaster (TestMaster Universe / TMU) - replaced Prometric as New Mexico's contracted testing and registry vendorTraining Requirements
New Mexico requires 75 hours minimum (federal floor); many New Mexico programs deliver 100-185 hours with extended classroom, lab, and clinical components. Training programs must be approved by the state.
Find New Mexico CNA ClassesNew Mexico CNA Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
New Mexico CNA certification is valid for 2 years (24 months) from the date of initial certification or last renewal.
Work Requirement
You must perform at least At least 8 paid hours of nursing or nursing-related services under licensed nurse supervision within the prior 24 months 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 do I verify a New Mexico CNA license?
Use the Public Search tool at nm.tmutest.com/search, the free verification portal operated by D&SDT-Headmaster on behalf of the New Mexico Health Care Authority. You can search by first and last name or by registry number to see current status, certification dates, and any substantiated abuse or neglect findings. For written letters of good standing or questions, email [email protected] or call (505) 861-9680.
Why did New Mexico switch from Prometric to Headmaster?
The New Mexico Health Care Authority awarded a new vendor contract to D&SDT-Headmaster, which now operates the registry, testing, and applicant portal under the TestMaster Universe (TMU) brand at nm.tmutest.com. The transition consolidated training program approval, exam scheduling, certificate issuance, reciprocity, and renewal into a single workflow. The legacy Prometric public registry URL is no longer authoritative for New Mexico CNAs.
How often do New Mexico CNAs renew?
Every 24 months. CNAs must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work under licensed nurse supervision within the prior two years to qualify for renewal, which is processed through the TMU portal at no fee. CNAs who lapse can be reinstated by completing an HCA-approved refresher course and retaking the Headmaster competency exam or by documenting recent qualifying paid nurse aide work.
Does the state of New Mexico pay for the CNA exam?
Yes, in many cases. The New Mexico HCA will pay both the Knowledge and Skills test fees for candidates who have been offered employment by - or are currently employed by - a Medicaid-certified nursing facility. The employer must verify employment in TMU before the exam is scheduled. Candidates not eligible for state-paid testing pay their own fees by credit card through their TMU account.
Is New Mexico CNA reciprocity available and how does it work?
Yes. CNAs from any other state registry with an active certification and no substantiated findings may apply for New Mexico reciprocity through nm.tmutest.com at no cost. Applicants need a current out-of-state certificate, valid government-issued ID, Social Security card, and a completed New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening. Most reciprocity applications are processed within 2-4 weeks.
How do I update my contact information with the New Mexico CNA Registry?
Log into your TMU account at nm.tmutest.com and update your address, phone, and email directly under your profile, or email [email protected] with your full legal name, registry number, and updated information. Name changes require a copy of the legal document (marriage certificate, court order, or updated ID). Updates are reflected in the public registry within a few business days.
New Mexico CNA Refresher Topics
Whether you are preparing to renew your New Mexico certification, brushing up before returning to work, or studying for the New Mexico Certified Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, Division of Health Improvement) 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 New Mexico CNA returning to active status.
Infection Control
Standard precautions, PPE protocols, and transmission-based precautions for New Mexico nurse aides working with vulnerable residents.
Safety & Emergencies
Fall prevention, RACE/PASS fire response, choking, and CPR — heavily tested on New Mexico CNA reinstatement exams.
Personal Care & Elimination
Bathing, peri-care, toileting, and incontinence management procedures used daily by New Mexico CNAs in long-term care.
Dementia & Cognitive Care
Validation therapy, sundowning, and de-escalation techniques for working with cognitively impaired residents in New Mexico.
Body Systems & Conditions
Recognizing strokes (FAST), hypoglycemia, pressure injuries, and CHF — essential clinical knowledge for active New Mexico CNAs.
Legal & Ethical Issues
Scope of practice, negligence, mandatory reporting, and professional boundaries — review essentials for any New Mexico CNA renewing certification.
Communication & SBAR
SBAR handoff, therapeutic responses, and adaptations for hearing- or vision-impaired residents — practical refreshers for New Mexico CNAs.
Data Collection & Reporting
Objective vs subjective documentation, pain scales, and what to report immediately — refresh the rules used daily by New Mexico CNAs.
End-of-Life Care
Hospice vs palliative care, recognizing signs of approaching death, and postmortem care — for New Mexico CNAs in long-term care settings.
Becoming a CNA in New Mexico?
See the step-by-step requirements to become a CNA in New Mexico, find approved training programs, or access free study materials.