NNAAP (NCSBN) - National Nurse Aide Assessment Program

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is one of the largest nurse aide certification exams in the United States. It assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective care as a nurse aide. The NNAAP certification is widely recognized and required for nursing aides working in various healthcare settings.

Completion Time: 2 hours for the Written/Oral Exam; 30 minutes for Skills Evaluation

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

Completion of a state-approved nurse aide training program typically includes classroom instruction and clinical practice.

Some states have specific additional requirements or allow alternative pathways, such as equivalent military training or nursing education.

Exam Format

The NNAAP examination consists of two parts: a written (or oral) examination and a skills evaluation. 

The exam for nursing certification includes 70 multiple-choice questions that assess one's understanding of fundamental nursing concepts and patient care. If you have trouble reading English, you may choose to take an oral examination in either English or Spanish instead of the written exam. The oral exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 questions relating to reading comprehension and word recognition.

For the skills evaluation, you will be required to perform specific tasks in a simulated clinical environment. The evaluation will consist of five randomly selected tasks, which will be rated by a Nurse Evaluator based on your performance.

Exam Format

The NNAAP examination consists of two parts: a written (or oral) examination and a skills evaluation. 

The exam for nursing certification includes 70 multiple-choice questions that assess one's understanding of fundamental nursing concepts and patient care. If you have trouble reading English, you may choose to take an oral examination in either English or Spanish instead of the written exam. The oral exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 questions relating to reading comprehension and word recognition.

For the skills evaluation, you will be required to perform specific tasks in a simulated clinical environment. The evaluation will consist of five randomly selected tasks, which will be rated by a Nurse Evaluator based on your performance.

NNAAP certification generally requires renewal every 2 years, though this can vary by state.

Renewal usually requires proof of employment as a nurse aide and may involve continuing education.

Continuing education for nurse aides may include topics such as infection control, patient rights, communication skills, and updates in healthcare practices.

For specific information regarding the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, state-specific requirements, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with the respective state’s health or nursing board and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). These entities provide comprehensive information and standards for nurse aides.

Career Opportunities

NNAAP-certified nurse aides work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare settings.

Duties include assisting with patients' daily activities, monitoring health parameters, reporting health changes, and maintaining patient hygiene and comfort.

The NCSBN also offers the Medication Aide Certification Exam (MACE).

Other related certifications include:

• NCBAC Certified Alzheimer Caregiver (CAC)

• NHA Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)

• HPCC Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)