Key Points

• CNAs assist patients with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and support nursing staff.
• To become a CNA in Massachusetts, you must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) of at least 75 hours and pass the state competency exam.
• CNA training typically lasts 3 to 7 weeks, depending on the program format.
• CNAs in Massachusetts earn $46,130 per year ($22.18/hour) on average.
• Certification is issued through the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, which is overseen by the Department of Public Health (DPH).
• Testing is administered by D&S Headmaster; results are posted online to your TMU© account.
• You have four attempts to pass the knowledge test and three attempts to pass the skills test.

What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). CNAs help with activities of daily living like bathing, feeding, and mobility. They also record vital signs and communicate important changes in a patient's condition to the nursing staff.

This hands-on role is often the first step toward becoming an LPN, RN, or other healthcare professional.

CNA Salary in Massachusetts

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean wage for Nursing Assistants in Massachusetts was $46,130 per year, or $22.18 per hour, as of May 2024. Nationally, the employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow by 2% between 2024 and 2034.

Federal and state regulations also permit healthcare facilities to hire nurse aide trainees who are in the process of completing their certification. A facility may employ a trainee for up to 120 days (about four months) before they must be fully certified to continue working.

How to Become a CNA in Massachusetts

1. Confirm Eligibility & Enroll in a State-Approved Program

To be eligible for a CNA program in Massachusetts, you must be at least 16 years old. While a high school diploma is not always required, some programs may use an admissions assessment. You will also need to complete a criminal background check (CORI), get a TB test, and provide immunization records.

Once you've gathered your documents, you must enroll in and complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP). These programs must provide a minimum of 75 hours of instruction, including both classroom lectures and supervised clinical experience.

Ready to compare start dates and prices? Find CNA classes near you on Dreambound and filter by cost, schedule, or location.

2. Pass the Massachusetts CNA Competency Exam

After completing your training, you must pass the state competency exam, which is administered by D&S Headmaster. The exam has two parts: a written (or audio) knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation.

3. Get Listed on the MA Nurse Aide Registry

Once you successfully pass both parts of the exam, your name is added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your certification status on the state's official license verification website and begin applying for jobs as a CNA.

4. Maintain Your Certification

Your CNA certification in Massachusetts is valid for 24 months. To renew it, you must show proof of at least eight hours of paid work as a nurse aide during that two-year period.

CNA Training Programs in Massachusetts

State-approved CNA programs in Massachusetts must provide at least 75 hours of training, which includes classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 3 to 7 weeks.

Tuition typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000, but this can vary by school and program format. Always ask your training provider what is included in the tuition and if there are any additional expenses, such as textbooks, uniforms, or exam fees.

Your training will cover essential topics that will also appear on your state exam, including:

• Aging Process and Restorative Care 
• Basic Nursing Skills
• Communication
• Data Collection
• Disease Process
• Infection Control
• Mental Health
• Personal Care
• Resident Rights
• Role and Responsibility
• Safety

Finding and Paying for CNA Training in Massachusetts

Dreambound is the fastest way to compare approved CNA programs in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and across the state. You can see tuition costs, schedules, and upcoming start dates to find the perfect fit.

In 2025-2026, Massachusetts is offering numerous grants and scholarships to make CNA training more accessible. Initiatives like the Community College Nursing Grant and the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund provide funding to community colleges and other organizations to offer free or low-cost CNA programs. Be sure to ask schools about available financial aid when you inquire.

The Massachusetts CNA Exam

The Massachusetts CNA exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (D&S Headmaster). The state is also planning to launch a consolidated CNA credential in April 2026, with testing continuing through D&S Headmaster.

After your training provider confirms your program completion, you can register and schedule your exam through the Massachusetts CNA TMU© online portal.

The exam consists of two parts:

• Knowledge Test: A 60-minute, 60-question multiple-choice test. The passing score is 76%. An audio version is available.
• Skills Test: A 30-minute practical exam where you will be asked to perform five clinical skills.

As of 2026, the exam fees are:

• Knowledge Exam: $30
• Audio version of the Knowledge Exam: $40
• Skill Test: $70

On exam day, you must bring a current, US government-issued photo ID with a signature. The first and last names on your ID must exactly match the name used to register for the exam.

Exam results are not mailed. You can view your official scores by logging into your TMU© account, typically by the next business day. If you don't pass, you have four chances for the knowledge test and three for the skills test. Failing after all attempts requires you to retake a full training program.

CNA License Renewal and Reciprocity in Massachusetts

Your CNA certification in Massachusetts must be renewed every 24 months. To be eligible, you must have worked at least eight hours for pay in a nursing-related role within the past two-year period.

As of December 2023, renewals must be completed online through the Massachusetts Health Profession Licensing System. Official state guidance does not list a fee for renewal.

If you are a CNA certified in another state, you can transfer your license to Massachusetts through a process called reciprocity. This requires submitting an application and providing verification of your current, active certification and work history.