StateLicensed

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License Requirements in New Mexico

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
75 hrs
Upfront cost
$140
Exam
Knowledge Test, Clinical Skills Test
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Health Improvement — Certified Nurse Aide Registry

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Pass a criminal background check. Individual training programs set their own minimum age (commonly 16-18); the HCA registry page does not publish a single state-mandated minimum age. A criminal background check and health screening (TB test, immunizations) are required. Verified via an archived snapshot of the HCA page dated 2026-03-15. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 75 hours of training (including 16 clinical hours) at a state-approved program. State-approved CNA training programs require a minimum of 75 clocked hours (theory, skills lab, and a clinical rotation), matching the federal OBRA/42 CFR 483.152 floor, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training. New Mexico programs commonly run 75-185 hours depending on the provider. As of July 1, 2024, the CNA registry moved from the Department of Health to the newly formed Health Care Authority, and the testing vendor changed from Prometric to Headmaster LLP. [1]

  3. 3

    Knowledge Test

    Pass the Knowledge Test (fee: $40). Multiple-choice; may also be taken as an Oral Test ($45) in English or Spanish. The State pays test fees for candidates offered employment or currently employed by a Medicaid-certified nursing facility (employer must verify employment first); otherwise the candidate pays via the NM TMU website. Verified via an archived snapshot of the HCA page dated 2026-03-15. [1]

  4. 4

    Clinical Skills Test

    Pass the Clinical Skills Test (fee: $100). Hands-on, proctored demonstration of selected CNA tasks. Must pass both the Knowledge and Skills tests to be placed on the registry; up to 3 attempts per section within 2 years of completing training. Verified via an archived snapshot of the HCA page dated 2026-03-15. [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Health Improvement — Certified Nurse Aide Registry. [1]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Health Improvement — Certified Nurse Aide Registry issues your Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) for New Mexico.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] None specified
License fee [1] None specified
Renewal fee [1] $25
Knowledge Test [1] $40
Clinical Skills Test [1] $100
Written/Knowledge Test (Headmaster) [1] $40
Oral Knowledge Test (Headmaster) [1] $45
Clinical Skills Test (Headmaster) [1] $100

No separate state application fee was identified; candidates pay Headmaster's test fees directly unless their employer/prospective employer (a Medicaid-certified nursing facility) covers them. The renewal fee is $25, paid through the TMU portal.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 24 continuing education hours required per cycle.

To renew, a CNA must show at least 8 paid hours of CNA work within the prior 24 months and complete 12 hours of in-service/continuing education per year (24 hours total per 2-year cycle). Renewal requests may be submitted from 30 days before to 30 days after the expiration date via the TMU portal; beyond that 30-day grace period, retesting the state competency exam is required. Verified via an archived snapshot of the HCA page dated 2026-03-15.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

No interstate compact covers CNAs. New Mexico grants reciprocity (a dual, independently-maintained certification) to out-of-state CNAs who submit a Reciprocity Form Application via the TMU portal along with government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, and their current out-of-state Nurse Aide Certification. There is no fee for requesting reciprocity in New Mexico. Verified via an archived snapshot of the HCA page dated 2026-03-15.

12 state-approved training providers in New Mexico — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $40
  • $100
Total$140

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of CNA training does New Mexico require?

A minimum of 75 clocked hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training, at a state-approved training program. Individual programs may run longer, up to 185 hours.

Who administers the New Mexico CNA exam?

Headmaster LLP (D&S Diversified Technologies), under contract with the New Mexico Health Care Authority, via the TMU testing portal (nm.tmutest.com). Prometric no longer manages New Mexico's CNA registry as of July 2024.

How often do I need to renew my New Mexico CNA certification?

Every 2 years, for a $25 fee. You must document at least 8 paid hours of CNA work and complete 24 hours of continuing education (12 per year) during that period.

Is there a fee to transfer an out-of-state CNA certification to New Mexico?

No. New Mexico's reciprocity process, submitted through the TMU portal, has no application fee.

Sources

  1. [1] hca.nm.gov/certified-nurse-aide-registry/ — accessed 2026-07-10