CNA Certification
Initial Certification
FAQs Initial Certification
Q: How do I obtain an application form?
A: Application forms can be obtained by any of the following:
- calling the CNA Certification Program Processing Centre at 1-800-450-5206
- completing a Request for Information form available on the website
- downloading the application form and required related forms directly from the website
- completing the request form in the certification brochure
- online application available for the 2011 initial certification exam
Q: Where should I send my application?
A:All paper applications should be sent directly to the CNA Certification Program Processing Centre. The address is listed on the first page and the back cover of the application guide as well as at the bottom of the application form.
All inquiries about the processing of your application or any changes to your contact information (e.g., change of name/address, verification of status, withdrawal, refund questions) should be forwarded to CNA Certification Program Processing Centre personnel at 1-800-450-5206. Changes in contact information can also be sent by e-mail to certification@cna-aiic.ca.
However, if you have inquiries about the nursing profession, CNA projects, or questions about certification unrelated to the application process, contact the CNA Certification Program at 1-800-361-8404 or e-mail lvachon@cna-aiic.ca.
Q: In order to write the April 9, 2011 initial certification exam, can I send my application now?
A: Applications to write the certification exam on April 9, 2011, will be accepted at the CNA Certification Program Processing Centre between September 1 and October 15, 2010.
Q: What happens after I send in my General Application Form and all supporting documents?
A:Remember to put your address and a postage stamp on the confirmation card that is included with the guide and send it along with your application. CNA will return the card to you to confirm that the application has arrived. If information is missing from your application, the confirmation card will indicate this.
If you have downloaded the application and other required forms from the website and wish to have a confirmation card completed and returned to you, please include a postage stamp with your completed application. The confirmation card is not available online.
Online applicants will receive a notice of receipt by e-mail.
NOTE: The return of the confirmation card or the notice of receipt does not indicate approval of your application.
CNA certification personnel review every application to determine whether the applicant is eligible. If you meet all of the eligibility criteria and your application is complete, we will send you a letter confirming your eligibility within eight weeks of receiving your application. If you do not receive this confirmation within 10 weeks, call the CNA Certification Program Processing Centre.
Along with your letter of eligibility, you will also receive an access code to the online CNA exam prep guide for your specialty/area of nursing practice and a receipt.
To avoid delays and to receive an access code to the online CNA exam prep guide as soon as possible after you apply, it is very important that you double- check to make sure your application form is complete, all supporting documentation is attached and the payment fee is correct.
About one month before the exam date, CNA will send you information about your exam writing centre and about the exam.
If CNA determines that you are not eligible to write the exam because of a lack of nursing practice hours and/or continuous learning activities, you will be sent a written explanation of this decision.
Q: How do I find out if there are any last-minute changes to the certification exam administration?
A: Minor changes at specific writing centre locations can be addressed on exam day and candidates will be notified at that time (e.g., a room change will be posted at the writing centre location).
However, any major changes (e.g., postponement of the exam) are communicated directly to each candidate affected. Candidates will be contacted by mail (if time permits), phone and/or e-mail. CNA certification’s website is your best source of up-to-date information; therefore, we strongly recommend that you consult the website regularly during the weeks leading up to the exam date, and in particular, the week before the exam.
The CNA certification toll-free phone line will also have any updated exam administration information.
As you can see, all candidate information must be accurate for CNA to be able to respond to you quickly. Please notify the CNA Certification Program Processing Centre directly if there are any changes to your contact information.
Watch the website for changes: http://getcertified.cna-aiic.ca
CNA certification toll-free phone line: 1-800-450-5206
CNA certification e-mail: certification@cna-aiic.ca
Q: What if I can’t write the exam because of an emergency? What should I do?
A: The CNA Certification Program recognizes that unforeseen circumstances might prevent a
candidate from writing the exam. Policies regarding this situation are detailed in the
General Application Guide for Certification by Exam and can also be accessed from the
CNA certification website. You can also contact the CNA certification staff.
Q: How can I prepare for the exam?
A: The CNA certification exam is practice based, but you can improve your preparation by studying on your own or in study groups with others. You should refresh your knowledge in all areas of your specialty/area of nursing practice, especially those areas in which you have not been actively involved in recent months. A list of competencies and a bibliography for each specialty/area of nursing can be found on CNA certification’s website.
The CNA certification online prep guides are developed by the expert nurses who also develop the certification exam. The prep guide supplies you with information about the exam process and development and with suggestions on how to prepare for the exam. This reference is not intended to be the only source for preparing for the exam. It is an excellent complement to your other study resources – so do not wait to receive your access to the online prep guide to begin studying.
We also offer a practice test, which is an online, simulated certification exam in a shortened format for eligible candidates.
With your eligibility letter, you will be receiving an access code to access the practice test and your CNA certification prep guide online. If you have not received your code or experiencing problem in accessing them, please contact the CNA Certification Program Processing Centre immediately at 1-800-450-5206 or by sending an e-mail to certification@cna-aiic.ca. The CNA Certification Program does not conduct certification review courses or endorse specific courses or workshops. Be wary of any course or workshop that claims or implies direct knowledge of the contents of CNA certification exams.
The CNA Certification Program does not release exam questions, except for the sample questions published in the online prep guide and practice test. Candidates should remember that the CNA Certification Program cannot be responsible for errors in the content of any review course. Study groups will be listed on the certification web page when CNA is advised of them.
Q: What is a post-basic course?
A: Basic education is the education received in your entry-to-practice program to become a registered nurse. Education undertaken afterward is post-basic. Please note that you must have completed a post-basic course or program of at least 300 hours in your specialty/area of nursing practice or have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing in order to apply for option B.
Q: What is the fee to write the certification exam?
A: Certification fees can be found on the last page of the application form or by clicking on the 2010 Certification Fee Structure.
Q: Where does my certification fee go?
A: The individual fees are carefully determined to support the ongoing activities of the CNA Certification Program. Here are some of these activities:
- Developing and maintaining the CNA certification exams
- Item writing and revising questions with CNA-certified nurses from across the country
- Developing, revising and producing the CNA certification prep guide for each specialty/area of nursing practice
- Researching the role of the CNA-certified RN
- Maintaining the CNA certification office and personnel
- Reviewing and processing certification and renewal applications received each year
- Promoting the CNA Certification Program to nurses across Canada
- Maintaining relationships and participating in meetings with other certification-related organizations
- Booking writing centres and recruiting invigilators
As you can see, there are many costs associated with maintaining a high- quality Canadian certification program.
Q: When should I send the payment for certification fees – with the application or once I have received the eligibility letter?
A: Current, dated payments of the total fee(s) (by cheque, money order or credit card) must be submitted with your application. Applications will not be processed until full fees have been received. Please note that online applicants can only pay by credit card.
Q: When will I get my receipt?
A: We will send a receipt with the letter confirming your eligibility approximately eight weeks after your complete application is received by CNA.
Q: Is my certification/renewal fee tax-deductible?
A: Certification and renewal fees do not meet the requirements of the Income Tax Act and therefore do not qualify as a tax credit. CNA has appealed the decision with Revenue Canada but has been unsuccessful in reversing it. We will continue to monitor the situation.
Q: Where exactly will I write my exam?
A: The exact location within each advertised writing centre may not be finalized until six to eight weeks before the exam. At that time, we will mail you the exam address and admission letter. We cannot finalize the exam location until all of the applications are processed and we have a final count of candidates registered in each writing centre. That way, we can be sure the exam room is large enough to accommodate everyone.
Q: How long is the exam?
A: The exam is administered in one session of a 3.5-hour session. There are no scheduled breaks during the exam; however, candidates will be allowed to leave the room for short periods (e.g., for washroom breaks) as needed. The exam will take place between 09:30 and 13:00 hours. We strongly recommend that you arrive at least 45 minutes before the exam starts.
Next exam date: April 9, 2011
Q: What is the exam like?
A: The CNA certification exam is practice based. It is designed to test the knowledge and skills expected of a nurse with at least two years of full-time experience in the specialty/area of nursing practice.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that represent situations a nurse could encounter in daily nursing practice. Each question is made up of an introductory section (the stem), which presents a situation or problem. The question is followed by four possible answers. Each question has only one correct or clearly best answer. The CNA certification online prep guide sent to eligible candidates is an excellent resource because the questions in this document accurately reflect the types of questions you could find on the real exam.
Q: How are the exams scored?
A: You will record your answers on a scannable answer sheet that is then computer scored. You will receive one point for each correct answer. Do not put more than one answer per question, as double answers will not count. Answer each question to the best of your ability and do not leave any questions unanswered.
Q: When can I expect my results?
A: Your results will be mailed to you approximately six to eight weeks after you write the exam. Your results will be reported as pass or fail.
Q: Can I obtain my results electronically or verbally?
A: All results are mailed and cannot be given over the phone nor by e-mail. If you are still expecting your results nine weeks after writing the exam, please contact the CNA Certification Program at 1-800-361-8404.
Q: Why is the result a pass or fail and not a numerical mark?
A: The purpose of the certification exam is to determine whether a candidate has met the standards required to be certified, not to rank-order candidates. The questions are designed to best classify the candidates into two categories: pass or fail.
The exam committee for each specialty/area of nursing practice sets the pass mark using a modified Angoff method by rating each question according to its difficulty and the expected success rate of nurses with at least two years of full-time experience in the specialty/area of practice. As well, testing consultants use statistical information to ensure that the pass mark is fair and valid.
The pass mark is not published, and only a pass or fail grade is provided. The exam determines how well a candidate has mastered the nursing competencies required for a particular specialty/practice. A competency describes the integrated knowledge, skills, judgment and attributes required of a registered nurse to practise safely and ethically in a designated role and setting. (Attributes include, but are not limited to, attitudes, values and beliefs.)
Q: What do I receive when I am successful?
A: Once you pass the certification exam, you earn the privilege of using the CNA certification designation for your specialty/area of nursing practice for the next five years until you renew your certification. The designations are listed in the Introduction section (page 1 of the application guide) and on-line.
In recognition of your achievement, you will also receive a graduate portfolio containing the following:
- The official CNA certification pin for your specialty
- An 8" x 10" certificate of achievement with a gold seal
- A certification wallet card
Once certified, you will be formally recognized in the published official list of certified nurses sent to the provincial jurisdictions. Your name will also be sent to your national association for your specialty/area of practice if you have agreed to this on the application form. Once you have earned the certification credential, you may also participate in CNA exam development and administration activities.
Q: For how long is my certification valid?
A: Once you pass the exam, your certification credential is valid for five years. It is your professional responsibility to monitor the requirements needed to maintain your CNA certification and to plan for renewal. CNA certification will automatically send information about certification renewal to all candidates. The CNA website also has current information about certification renewal. Again, it is important to advise the CNA Certification Program Processing Centre of any change of address so that contact can be maintained.
Q: Can I obtain financial assistance?
A: There are various avenues that you may wish to investigate to obtain financial assistance. In addition to the information listed under the Financial Assistance portion of the website, you may wish to apply for the CNF Certification Award, or verify with your jurisdiction, provincial nursing association, specialty association and your employer whether they can provide assistance.
Q: I would like to set up a study group. Is there any documentation that would guide me through this process?
A: The manual Build on What You Know, which deals with information and suggestions for initiating and facilitating a study group, is available on the website in the Study Group section. The manual is also helpful for study group participants.
Q: I would like to join a study group, but there are none in my immediate area. What can I do? Are there other resources I can consult?
A: Build on What You Know provides useful information for nurses who do not have access to study groups in their region or place of employment. The manual can be found in the Study Group section of the website.
One option would be to contact the facilitator from an existing study group for your specialty/area of practice and discuss the feasibility of participating by telephone or e-mail. You may also wish to consult with a mentor from your specialty/area of practice. Their names are available on the website under Mentors.
Q: I have lost my certification pin. Can I obtain another one, and is there a cost associated?
A: CNA encourages you to wear your pin. We will gladly send you a replacement pin at no cost. Simply complete the Request for Replacement Pin form, call the CNA Certification Program Processing Centre or send an e-mail to certification@cna-aiic.ca.
Q: I have lost my receipt. Could I have another one issued as proof of payment of my certification fees?
A: Duplicate receipts can be issued upon request, subject to an administration charge. To obtain more information please call the CNA Certification Program at 1-800-450-5206.
Q: I am pursuing my studies in a post-RN program, and the university is granting me credits for my specialty/area of practice certification. How can I obtain confirmation of my certification?
A: More than twenty universities are now granting credits for specialty designation. To obtain a confirmation letter, you need to complete the Notification of Certification for University Credits form located under the University Credit section of the website or simply click on the above.
Requests will also be accepted by e-mail at certification@cna-aiic.ca. Please provide all of the following information: your name, certification number, address, home telephone number, work telephone number, e-mail address, program you are enrolled in, name of registrar, university, university’s mailing address and your student number.
Updated: June 2, 2010
