How to Become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in New Mexico

Checked against New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), Certified Nurse Aide Registry · Verified 2026-10-14

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 2 years
State fee: See state office
Certified by: New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), Certified Nurse Aide Registry

Take the free CNA practice test →

Who can apply

You must complete an HCA-approved CNA training program of at least 75 clock hours.
You must pass the state competency evaluation (knowledge test and clinical skills test) given by Headmaster.
HCA lists a criminal background check and health screening (TB test, immunizations) as basic eligibility; minimum age (16 to 18) varies by training program.

Step by step

Complete an HCA-approved CNA training program (at least 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training in a nursing facility).
Your instructor creates your account in Headmaster's TMU system (nm.tmutest.com).
Pay the test fees online (or have a Medicaid-certified nursing facility employer pay through state funding) and schedule your exams.
Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the clinical skills test within 24 months of finishing training.
Headmaster places you on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, where your issue and expiration dates are shown.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: HCA requires a minimum of 75 clock hours, including theory, skills lab and at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training in a nursing facility. This equals the federal 75-hour minimum; HCA says New Mexico programs usually run 75 to 185 hours. HCA approves and oversees training programs.

Exam: Headmaster LLP gives the New Mexico exam. The knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes and needs 74% to pass; an oral (audio) version and Spanish are offered. The skills test has 3 or 4 randomly chosen tasks in 30 minutes. Fees: knowledge $40 (oral $45), skills $100. You get 3 attempts at each part within 24 months of finishing training; after 3 failures, or after 24 months, you must retrain.

Practice for the CNA written exam free — physical care skills, safety & infection control, and the nurse aide role →

What it costs in New Mexico

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Headmaster knowledge test (oral version $45)$40–$45
Headmaster clinical skills test$100
Criminal background check$
CNA training program tuition$

Estimated total in New Mexico$140–$145Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Headmaster test fees: knowledge $40 (oral/audio $45), clinical skills $100; $140 for both. The State pays test fees if a Medicaid-certified nursing facility employs you or has offered you a job and verifies it before you pay.
Criminal background check: HCA lists it as a requirement but does not state a fee.
Training tuition varies; HCA tells you to ask each program. Federal rule: if a nursing home employs you or has offered you a job when you start training, you cannot be charged for the training or its books.

Pay in New Mexico

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in New Mexico after taxes.

Starting out on an entry-level wage? Check the SNAP income limits in New Mexico by household size.

Staying on the registry

Renewal: Certification lasts 2 years. Renew in TMU from 30 days before to 30 days after expiration; your employer verifies at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nurse aide work in the past 24 months. The self-pay renewal fee is $25 plus a 4.875% New Mexico gross receipts tax (no fee through state-funded facilities). HCA also lists 12 hours of in-service training per year. After the 30-day grace period you must retest.

Online options: HCA says some mobile programs teach the didactic (classroom) hours online and hold clinical training at facilities. Headmaster offers a remotely proctored knowledge exam; the skills test is in person.

Good to know in New Mexico

Transferring from another state: Apply for reciprocity in TMU with a government photo ID, your Social Security card and your current out-of-state certification. There is no fee.

Agency change: On July 1, 2024 the registry moved from the Department of Health to the new Health Care Authority, and from Prometric to Headmaster. HCA no longer accepts applications by mail, fax or email.

Waivers: Nursing students, graduate nurses, foreign-trained nurses, military-trained applicants, and CNAs lapsed more than 24 months can apply for exam waivers in TMU.

Work that counts for renewal: Work as a private-duty aide, doctor's office aide, laboratory aide, or personal care home (assisted or residential living) aide does not count for recertification. Employment agencies cannot verify your hours; ask a facility where you worked through the agency. If you are not working as a nurse aide at renewal time, request verification from a facility where you previously worked.

Reinstating a lapsed certification: Lapsed less than 24 months: reinstate by retesting, with no retraining; ask Headmaster to enable reactivation by exam, and pass both parts within 24 months of your expiration date. Lapsed more than 24 months but working in a nursing-related field for at least 24 months: apply in TMU for Reactivation by Exam; after HCA approval you must finish testing within six months. Lapsed more than 24 months without nursing-related work: complete a state-approved training program and pass the exam.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), Certified Nurse Aide Registry before you apply.