Overview
The California Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) is the official assessment mechanism for individuals seeking certification as Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) in California. Administered by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), this program ensures that all CNAs possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and competent care to residents in long-term care facilities.
Purpose of the Evaluation
Competency evaluation serves several critical purposes:
- Protecting the health and safety of residents in long-term care facilities
- Ensuring nurse assistants meet minimum competency standards
- Validating knowledge and skills necessary for safe patient care
- Providing a standardized measure of competency across California
- Meeting federal and state regulatory requirements for CNA certification
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the California Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation, candidates must:
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program (minimum 160 hours)
- Be at least 16 years old
- Pass a criminal background check
- Submit an application with required documentation
- Pay the required evaluation fees
Those who have completed equivalent training in another state, military personnel with healthcare experience, and nursing students may be eligible for different pathways to certification.
Examination Components
The competency evaluation consists of two parts:
Written Examination
- 75 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as:
- Patient rights and dignity
- Safety protocols
- Infection control
- Vital signs measurement
- Nutrition and hydration
- Basic nursing procedures
- Communication skills
- Mental health and psychosocial needs
- Time limit: 90 minutes
- Minimum passing score: 70%
Skills Examination
- Direct demonstration of five randomly selected skills including:
- Handwashing (always required)
- Additional clinical skills such as:
- Measuring and recording vital signs
- Transferring patients
- Positioning patients
- Range of motion exercises
- Dressing changes
- Feeding assistance
- Perineal care
- Oral hygiene
- Each skill must be performed according to established criteria
- All critical steps must be completed correctly
- Candidates have 35 minutes to complete all skills
Registration Process
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete training | Finish state-approved CNA program |
| 2 | Prepare application | Gather required documents and information |
| 3 | Submit application | Mail or submit online with payment |
| 4 | Receive authorization | Get permission to test notification |
| 5 | Schedule examination | Choose date, time, and location |
| 6 | Take examination | Complete both written and skills tests |
| 7 | Receive results | Results typically available within 2 weeks |
Testing Locations
Competency evaluations are conducted at numerous testing sites throughout California, including:
- Regional testing centers
- Approved community colleges
- Vocational schools
- Healthcare facilities with testing capabilities
Candidates can select from available locations during the scheduling process. Testing sites offer both the written and skills examinations, though some locations may have limited capacity.
Preparation Resources
To prepare for the competency evaluation, candidates should utilize:
- Official CDPH Candidate Handbook (available online)
- Study guides specifically for California CNA examination
- Practice tests for the written examination
- Skills practice sessions with instructors
- Online video demonstrations of required skills
- Peer study groups
Effective preparation typically requires 4-6 weeks of consistent review and practice after completing the training program.
Results and Certification
Examination results are typically available within approximately two weeks after testing. Candidates who successfully pass both components of the evaluation will:
- Receive their test results via mail
- Be issued a CNA certificate from the California Department of Public Health
- Be listed in the California CNA Registry
- Be eligible for employment as a Certified Nurse Assistant
Candidates who do not pass either or both components may:
- Retake the failed component(s)
- Must pay an additional fee for each retake
- Have three attempts to pass each component
- If unsuccessful after three attempts, must retake the complete training program
Certification Renewal
CNA certificates in California must be renewed every two years. Requirements for renewal include:
- Submission of a completed renewal application
- Payment of renewal fee
- Verification of employment as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the prior 24 months
- Or completion of 48 hours of in-service education if not employed
Common Questions
What if I need special accommodations for testing?
Candidates with documented disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by submitting required documentation along with their application. Accommodations might include extended time, separate testing room, or reader services.
Can I challenge the examination without completing a training program?
No. California requires completion of a state-approved CNA training program (or out-of-state equivalent) as a prerequisite for taking the competency evaluation.
How long are my test results valid?
Test results are valid for two years from the testing date. If certification is not obtained within this timeframe, portions of the examination may need to be retaken.
What happens if I move to another state?
California maintains reciprocity agreements with many states. Typically, CNAs in good standing can transfer their certification to another state by completing a reciprocity application and paying any required fees.
Can I work while my certification is being processed?
Under certain circumstances, facilities may employ an individual for up to four months while their certification application is being processed. However, the individual must have completed the training program and submitted the certification application.
Contact Information
For questions about the California Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation Program:
- California Department of Public Health, Aide and Technician Certification Section
- Phone: (916) 327-2445
- Email: AandTCertification@cdph.ca.gov
- Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/Pages/Program.aspx?ProgramID=45
Conclusion
The California Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation Program represents a critical step in becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant. Through rigorous assessment of knowledge and skills, this program ensures that CNAs in California provide quality care to patients and residents. Successful completion of this evaluation opens doors to a rewarding career in healthcare while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those receiving care.
