CNA Classes in Hawaii (Top Schools)

Being responsible for the administration of Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs), the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has subcontracted the examinations to the Prometric company.

After the completion of the officially regulated training courses and the successful passing of skill and knowledge tests, nurse aide graduates are added to the Department’s registry

Note that it’s possible for qualified nurse aides from other states to enter this registry, but only in case of reciprocity).

Passing of the Nurse Aide Competency Exam is mandatory for every CNA candidate.

 This holds true for new candidates, as well as for those whose previously existing certificate has lapsed

In case their original program is no longer offered, the latter are obliged to enroll in an existing one.

Finding Your Way among Hawaii CNA Schools

There are both free and paid CNA schools in Hawaii.

Often there is a chance to receive a free training in exchange for a work agreement in that organization.

Here is a list of approved training schools.

The Testing of CNA Candidates

To apply for a test, candidates must present a copy of training certificate.

More documents may be required in special cases, such as existing criminal history.

CNA applicants which are not being tested at their own facilities, must submit their application form to the following address: Prometric, Nurse Aide Program, 354 Uluniu Street, Suite 308, Kailua, HI 96734

Knowledge test is performed in the form of a multiple-choice exam (with the option to choose an oral version).

To pass a skill test, indirect care and hand washing skills are tested, along with three other selected skills.

Both knowledge and skill tests are taken on the same day; the failed tests must be retaken.

3 attempts are possible at maximum; both tests must be passed within a 2 year time limit.

Some of the other selectable skills are turning a person in bed, providing walking help, making heartbeat or pulse measurements or cleaning and lotioning a patient’s foot.

At least a satisfactory performance on all tested skills is required to pass.

For those who don’t test at their own facilities, 6 regional centers are available for candidates to choose: Hilo, Kona, Kauai, Maui, Oahu-East and Oahu-West.

If considered ready to be tested, a candidate will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Prometric.

Test rescheduling of up to 5 days in advance asks for a fee of 25$, otherwise full fees have to be paid.

Only candidates who provide two required documents will be allowed to take the test.

Results are available online after 48-70 hours; with official report published within no longer than 10 days.

Prometric offers various materials to help the candidates, like a list of precautions and possible patient behaviors; it is also possible to purchase practice exams.

Evaluation and Testing Costs

Initial evaluation costs $25 (paid by reciprocity candidates as well).

$200 fee is required for written skills test, and $210 for oral version.

Repeating the evaluation costs $150 (written evaluation $50, oral – $60).

Salary: Reality and Expectations

The average nurse assistant salary in Hawaii is currently at $33,185.

There is constant increase of demand for qualified nurse aides in the state of Hawaii; therefore a rise of salary is expected in the future.

Below, we’ve organized a table where you can see an overview of salary levels per city.

CNA Schools by City

• Honolulu