Eligibility Criteria

This section explains: 

• What you need to do to become a nurse aide in Colorado
• What you need to do before you can take the NNAAP test

Eligibility for Employment as a Nurse Aide

All candidates applying to take the NNAAP examination in Colorado MUST complete an Application for Registration by Competency Examination online at https://www.credentia.com/test-takers/co/ . You must pass both parts of the examination within a time period to be a part of the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry

Eligibility Route

E1 - New Nurse Aide Candidates

You must have completed a state-approved training program. (you must pass the nurse aide exam within two (2) years (24 months) after Credentia receives your application.) If you do not take and pass the exam (written and skills) in that two-year period, the application will expire and a new application with required fees will have to be completed and paid again

E3 - 3 LPN, RN, LPT, Or Military Equivalent Student Who Has Never Been Licensed

You must have completed five (5) semester credits of nursing fundamentals in a Practical Nursing, Registered Nurse, or Psychiatric Technician program. (you must pass the nurse aide exam within two (2) years (24 months) after Credentia receives your application.)

E4 - LPN, RN, OR LPT with an Active or Expired License From Any U.S. State Or Territory:

You must attach a copy of your license or transcript proving that you completed a RN, LPN, or LPT nursing program. (you must pass the nurse aide exam within two (2) years (24 months) after Credentia receives your application.)

E5 - Nurse Who Was Trained Outside of the United States or U.S. Territories

You must provide translated transcript(s) demonstrating five (5) semester credits of nursing fundamentals or its equivalent in a Practical Nursing, Registered Nurse, or Psychiatric Technician program. (you must pass the nurse aide exam within two (2) years (24 months) after Credentia receives your application.)

E6 - Nurse Aide Who Was Trained in Another State and Does Not Hold a Current Nurse Aide Certificate

You must provide proof that you completed a state approved nurse aide training program. (you must pass the nurse aide exam within two (2) years (24 months) after Credentia receives your application.)

E7 - RN, LPN, or LPT with Active Discipline

You must attach a copy of your most recent nursing license. You must check “Yes” on the application that ask about discipline on the application and provide an explanation. Your application will require review by the Nurse Aide Advisory Committee. (you must pass the nurse aide exam within two (2) years (24 months) after Credentia receives your application.)

E8 - Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Whose License Was Revoked or Surrendered

There is a one-year waiting period after revocation and a two-year waiting period after surrendering a CNA certification before you can re-apply. 

You must complete re-training at an approved training program within two years prior to applying by examination and supply proof of training. You must check “yes” to Screening Questions 8 on the application and provide a written explanation.

You must submit a letter to the Board with your application requesting permission to re-test. Your application and supporting documentation will require review by the Nurse Aide Advisory Committee (NAAC) which will increase the application processing time. You must pass the nurse aide exam within two (2) years (24 months) after Credentia receives your application.

E11 - Nurse Aide Who is Reinstating By Examination But Has Not Worked as a Nurse Aide For Pay For at Least Eight (8) Hours in the Last 24 Months

You must attach a copy of your most recent nurse aide certificate or a copy of your Certificate of Completion from a state-approved training program.