How to Get Your CNA Certification in Massachusetts (MA): 2026 Guide
Massachusetts uses the Headmaster NACE exam. Training is 100 hours and fees are around $100, with the first attempt often free for state-program graduates. Multi-language exam available.
Massachusetts calls its credential the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NACE). To earn it, complete a 100-hour state-approved program, pass the Headmaster-administered NACE exam, and get listed on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Nurse Aide Registry. The NACE exam is available in four languages — a rare multi-language option.
Massachusetts CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Headmaster (NACE)
- Training hours: 100 total
- Exam format: 60-question knowledge test + 60-minute skills test
- Passing score: approximately 76%
- Exam fee: approximately $100; first attempt often free for many Massachusetts DPH program graduates
- Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole
- Registry: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) approves training programs and maintains the registry. Headmaster administers the NACE exam under state contract. Massachusetts uses the term "NACE" rather than "NNAAP" for the local competency exam.
Training programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires a 100-hour state-approved program. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (Bunker Hill CC, Bristol CC, Cape Cod CC, MassBay CC, Quinsigamond CC, Springfield Tech CC, Northern Essex CC, Mount Wachusett CC, Middlesex CC, Massasoit CC, Greenfield CC, Holyoke CC)
- Private training academies
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most programs run 6–10 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $900 to $2,000, plus $100–$200 for uniforms, textbooks, BLS certification, and the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice background check (CORI).
The Massachusetts NACE exam: Headmaster details
The NACE exam has two parts:
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Knowledge Test — 60 multiple-choice questions covering Massachusetts-specific standards and general nursing assistant duties.
-
Skills Test — 60-minute hands-on demonstration of randomly selected skills in front of a Headmaster nurse evaluator.
The NACE exam is available in four languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole. Confirm your preferred language when registering. Massachusetts is one of the few states with multi-language exam availability at this scale.
Asymmetric attempt limits apply: 4 knowledge attempts / 3 skills attempts are common before recertification requirements kick in.
How much does the Massachusetts CNA exam cost?
- First attempt (DPH-funded program grads) — often free
- Standard written/skills — ~$100
- Skills retake — ~$60
- Knowledge retake — ~$40
- CORI background check — $15–$25
Some Massachusetts DPH-funded programs cover the first attempt. Verify this with your training program coordinator before scheduling.
Where to take the test in Massachusetts
- Boston — frequent testing; multiple Headmaster partner sites
- Worcester — regular sessions; Quinsigamond CC-area dates
- Springfield — periodic testing; Springfield Tech CC-area dates
- Lowell — scheduled through partner programs; limited dates
- Brockton — limited dates; book early
- Pittsfield — limited dates; book early in western Massachusetts
- Hyannis — limited dates; book early on Cape Cod
Massachusetts' testing footprint is concentrated in the eastern half of the state. Western Massachusetts (Berkshires, Hampshire County) and Cape Cod candidates may travel 60–90 minutes to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID, your Headmaster test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The skills portion may be scheduled on a separate day from the knowledge portion. Arrival 15 minutes early is required.
After you pass: Massachusetts certification and renewal
Headmaster reports passing scores to DPH, which lists you on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the public DPH registry. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, complete at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work during the certification period under the supervision of an RN.
Common pitfalls specific to Massachusetts
- NACE name: Massachusetts uses NACE, not NNAAP.
- Asymmetric attempts: 4 knowledge / 3 skills attempts are typical — unequal limits trip up some candidates.
- Language options: Confirm your preferred language at registration.
- CORI background: Massachusetts' CORI check takes 1–3 weeks; submit early in training.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Massachusetts? Most students finish training in 6–10 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
Can I bring an out-of-state CNA license to Massachusetts? Yes. Apply through DPH's reciprocity program. Massachusetts requires proof of equivalent training hours and passing exam scores.
How much is Massachusetts CNA training? Plan $900–$2,000 for tuition plus $150–$200 for supplies, the CORI background check, and the exam fee (or $0 if your program covers the first attempt).
Which languages are available for the Massachusetts NACE exam? English, Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole. Confirm your preferred language when registering.
Practice for the Massachusetts CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
