How to Get Your CNA Certification in Nebraska (NE): 2026 Guide
Nebraska uses Headmaster/NHCA. Training is 75 hours; combined exam fee is about $75 — among the lowest in the country. No state application fee.
Nebraska's path to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant involves a state-approved 75-hour training program, the Headmaster/NHCA competency exam, and being listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. Nebraska has one of the lowest combined exam fees in the country — about $75 total. There is no separate state application fee, and the Nebraska Health Care Association subsidizes exam costs for CNAs entering the long-term care workforce.
Nebraska CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Headmaster / Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA)
- Training hours: 75 total
- Exam format: knowledge test + skills evaluation
- Exam fee: approximately $75 ($35 written + $40 skills)
- State application fee: $0
- Registry: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) approves training programs and maintains the registry. The Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) coordinates testing through Headmaster for many Nebraska training programs.
Training programs in Nebraska
Nebraska requires a 75-hour state-approved program. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (Central Community College, Metropolitan Community College, Northeast Community College, Southeast Community College, Western Nebraska Community College, Mid-Plains Community College)
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
- Private training academies
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most programs run 4–8 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $500 to $1,200, plus $100–$200 for textbooks, uniforms, BLS certification, and the Nebraska State Patrol background check.
The Nebraska CNA exam: Headmaster/NHCA details
The Headmaster/NHCA exam has two parts:
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Knowledge Test — multiple-choice questions covering resident care, safety, communication, and basic nursing skills.
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Skills Test — hands-on demonstration of randomly selected skills in front of a Headmaster nurse evaluator.
Some Nebraska training programs require candidates to test through the college where they trained. Verify this with your program coordinator before scheduling.
How much does the Nebraska CNA exam cost?
- Written — ~$35
- Skills — ~$40
- Combined — ~$75
- State application fee — $0
- Knowledge retake — ~$30
- Skills retake — ~$40
- State background check — $10–$15
Nebraska has one of the lowest combined exam fees in the country — less than half the national average. And unlike most states, there is no separate state application fee. NHCA subsidizes exam costs for new entrants to the long-term care workforce.
Where to take the test in Nebraska
- Omaha — frequent testing; Metropolitan CC-area partner sites
- Lincoln — regular sessions; Southeast CC-area dates
- Grand Island — periodic testing; Central CC-area dates
- Kearney — scheduled through partner programs; limited dates
- Scottsbluff — limited dates; Western Nebraska CC-area sites
- Norfolk — limited dates; Northeast CC-area dates
Nebraska's testing footprint covers the eastern half of the state well. Western panhandle and Sandhills candidates may travel 1–3 hours to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your Headmaster test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The skills portion may be scheduled on a separate day from the written portion. Some candidates must test through the college where they trained.
After you pass: Nebraska certification and renewal
Headmaster reports passing scores to DHHS, which lists you on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the public registry at dhhs.ne.gov. 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 Nebraska
- No state application fee: Nebraska does not charge a separate state application; only Headmaster's testing fee applies.
- College-of-training testing: Some programs require you to test where you trained.
- Low exam fee: Nebraska has the lowest combined fee in the region — don't confuse it with another state's fee schedule.
- Limited rural sites: Western Nebraska has fewer test dates; book early.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Nebraska? Most students finish training in 4–8 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
Can I challenge the Nebraska CNA exam without training? Generally no. DHHS requires graduation from a state-approved nurse aide training program.
How much is Nebraska CNA training? Plan $500–$1,200 for tuition plus $150–$200 for supplies, the state background check, and the exam fee.
Why is Nebraska's exam fee so low? The Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) subsidizes exam costs for CNAs entering the long-term care workforce in the state, keeping fees affordable for new entrants.
Practice for the Nebraska CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
