CNA Classes in Colorado (Top Schools)

In Colorado, you can become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) if you complete the following:

• State-approved CNA training program
• Pass the competency evaluation exam or qualify for endorsement

When you do, the Colorado Board of Nursing (CBoN) will:

• Grant and issue you the certification
• Add you to the Nurse Aide Registry (NAR)

Taking on a CNA Training Program in Colorado

CNA training programs are approved by the CBoN.

This ensures that the training you’ll receive meets the state and federal standards and requirements.

In the program, you’ll be provided with materials that educate you with basic nurse aide knowledge and skills.

The training hours will depend on the training facility’s curriculum.

But at the minimum, your training should be 75 hours, with 16 hours of on-site clinical training.

Here are some of the state-approved CNA training facilities in Colorado.

Evaluating a CNA Candidate

There are two ways to be certified in Colorado.

• Certification by Examination
• Certification by Endorsement

Let’s take a closer look at each one to know what you need to do to gain CNA status.

Certification by Examination

The competency evaluation exam you’ll take is the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.

Update: The NNAAP exam for Colorado will now be under the testing vendor Credentia.

In the exam, you’ll be evaluated in the following areas:

• Basic nursing skills
• Personal care skills
• Basic restorative services
• Patient rights
• Recognition of mental health and social services needs

Also, it has two components: a knowledge test (written or oral) and a skills test.

Usually, the knowledge test is in the written format and in English.

But you can opt for an oral format upon request if you have difficulty reading English.

In the knowledge test, you’ll answer a certain number of questions.

• If a written test – 70 multiple-choice questions
• If an oral test – 60 multiple-choice questions with 10 reading comprehension questions

Meanwhile, in the skills test, you’ll be evaluated by performing five random nurse aide skills.

You have 30 minutes to accurately complete all five tasks given by the evaluator.

Exam Fees

You will pay Credentia the following exam fees:

• Written – $50
• Oral – English – $50
• Oral – Spanish – $50
• Skills – $85

Exam Results and Attempts

Within a few hours after taking the test, the official exam results will be posted on your CNA365 account.

An email notification will also be sent to you the moment these scores are added to your account.

If you pass, then you will be added to NAR within 10 business days by CBoN.

Please contact CBoN if you can’t locate your certification on the registry after 10 business days.

State Board Of Nursing
Nurse Aide Registry
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 894-2430
dora_nursingboard@state.co.us

However, if you fail, you must retake the test/s and secure a passing score within 24 months of your initial exam application.
You’re only allowed three tries to pass the NNAAP exam.

If you still fail after that, then you must re-enroll in a CNA training program and retake NNAAP after.

CNA Candidates Eligible to Take the NNAAP Exam

The following candidates can take the exam if they satisfy the following requirements:

Newly-trained nurse aide

• Complete the state-approved CNA training program
• Haven’t committed any acts that would be grounds of discipline or denial of certification

LPN, RN, LPT, or Military Equivalent Student Who Has Never Been Licensed

• Complete five-semester credits of nursing fundamentals in your program
• Provide a transcript or verification letter from the school as proof

LPN, RN, or LPT Student With an Active or Expired License From Any U.S. State or Territory

• Copy of your license or transcript

Foreign-trained LPN, RN, or LPT

• Translated transcript showing five-semester credits of nursing fundamentals or its equivalent

Out-of-State Nurse Aide Trainee

• Proof of completing a state-approved nurse aide training program at the state of origin

RN, LPN, or LPT with Active Discipline

• Copy of your most recent nursing license
• In the application, check “Yes” on screening question 5 with your explanation

CNA with a Revoked or Surrendered License

• Proof of re-training at a state-approved CNA program within two years before exam application
• In the application, check “Yes” on screening question 5 with your explanation
• Submit a letter to CBoN requesting permission to retest, along with your application

Reinstating CNA Who Hasn’t Worked for Pay for at least Eight Hours in the Last 24 Months

• Copy of your most recent CNA certificate, or
• Certificate of Completion from a state-approved training program

Certification by Endorsement

You can get certified as a CNA in Colorado without training and examination through endorsement.

This path is usually applicable to out-of-state CNAs with good standing in their state’s registry.

Here are the application requirements outlined by CBoN:

• Pay the endorsement application fee
• Provide information on all other healthcare licenses held anywhere other than Colorado
• Verification of your CNA license in another state
• Documentation of name change, if applicable
• General and criminal history screening with supporting documents
• Complete the Healthcare Professional Profile with supporting documents

You can submit your application online at the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations Online Services Portal.

Potential Salary

Salaries for CNAs vary from place to place in Colorado.

As of this writing, the average annual salary is about $31,000.

Below, you’ll find the different salaries across the state.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Nursing Assistants, OCC Code 31-1131, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

CNA Schools by City

• Aurora3 Schools
• Colorado Springs4 Schools
• Denver4 Schools
• Fort Collins4 Schools