Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training & certification requirements vary considerably across the U.S. In some states, the requirements go beyond the federal minimum while in other states requirements are nearly identical to the federal standards.

This page displays New Mexico CNA Requirements as of February 2023.

To see requirements in other states, visit nursinghome411.org/cna-reqs.

New Mexico CNA Requirements

  • Eligibility/Screening Requirements
    • A NF must not employ individuals who have been convicted by the court of abuse or neglect of any NF residents or misappropriation of any NF residents’ property.
    • The following felony convictions disqualify an applicant, caregiver or hospital caregiver from employment or contractual services with a care provider:
      • homicide;
      • trafficking, or trafficking in controlled substances;
      • kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated assault, or aggravated battery;
      • rape, criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact, incest, indecent exposure, or other related felony sexual offenses;
      • crimes involving adult abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation;
      • crimes involving child abuse or neglect;
      • crimes involving robbery, larceny, extortion, burglary, fraud, forgery, embezzlement, credit card fraud, or receiving stolen property; or
      • an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy involving any of the felonies in this subsection.
    • Education & Training Requirement
      • Individuals must complete a state approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program.
    • Testing Requirement
      • Individuals must pass both a written and skills test.
    • Renewal & In-Service Requirements
      • Same as federal.
  • Hours
    • 75 clock hours of training; Including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training.
  • Curriculum
    • Same as federal.