Requirements for CNA and HHA Certification
New Jersey holds CNAs at a higher professional level than HHAs. A “homemaker-home health aide” is someone who is employed by a home care services agency and who, under the supervision of an RN, performs tasks that the RN prescribes to him or her.
For CNAs, the state requires the nurse’s aides to complete a 90-hour training program in an accredited academy, of which 50 hours are for classroom studies while the balance of 40 hours are dedicated to hands-on practical work. The CNA then has to sit for the state exam and get registered on the Nurse Aide Registry as a CNA. At that point the CNA can be employed in skilled nursing facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Note: Fed regulations require certified aides who work in Medicare or Medicaid-reimbursed facilities to accumulate 12 hours of continuing education per 12 month period.
We list the higher between Federal (Fed) and State requirements
| Requirements | CNA | HHA |
|---|---|---|
| Work Eligibility | Fed regulation: must be a citizen or someone eligible to work in the U.S.; must produce a social security number. | same |
| Type of Certification | The school issues a diploma, after which you sit for the state exam and become state-certified. | A HHA does not need to get certified to work in private homes under RN supervision. |
| Application Form | A filled application form is required together with copy of the training diplomas, proof of work eligibility, background check, immunization results, photo ID, 2 photos, and a money order for $70. | N/A |
| Age | No age limitations. | same |
| Driver’s License | Not needed as long as there is a photo ID. | Employer requirements apply. |
| Education Level | No limitations on education. | same |
| Training hours & where | The state requires 90 hours of accredited hours of training of which 50 hours are in a classroom setting, while 40 hours are in practical training. | Same (be advised that training programs and number of hours differs from one school to the other). |
| Competence Training | 40 hours per above notes. | Same (see note above). |
| Experience | No prior professional experience required. | None required. |
| Health Immunizations | The school will require a negative TB test taken within 6 months and proof of immunization. | Employer requirements apply. |
| Fingerprints | Fingerprints will be required for the criminal background check. | same |
| Background checks | State and Federal checks required. | same |
| Other Requirements | See above notes under “Application Form”. | N/A |
| Licensed in another state? | Full reciprocity for equivalent training programs: produce a current license from another state that has the same training curriculum and you may sit for the state competence exam only. | same |
| Exam | It is referred to as the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam and given by the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services, Division of Health Facilities, Evaluation and Licensing. | N/A |