CNA expired... retaking test without retaking the class

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Hey all... it's been a while since I've posted on here. I've taken a little break from going to school for a while, and I finally think I'm ready to go back to it. However, one of the requirements for applying to NS is that my NA cert has to be up to date and it expired last September.

I took the class a couple of summers ago, I did 3 days of clinicals and I passed the skills/written exam. Do you think if I just reviewed my text book and practiced on my own I could pass the exam without retaking the course? I really don't want to have to re-take that class, but I don't want to fail the exam either.

Any ideas or advice would be appreciated. TIA!! :)

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Specializes in ICU.

You should check with your state's registry.

In my state, if you let your license expire, you have to retake a course, redo your clinicals, get your permission to test by completing your course, take your permission to test form in and make your appointment for the state CNA skills and written exam.

In my state, you have to re-start if your license expires. Some states may be different, you should call yours and ask!

If they let you attempt the test without taking a class, studying on your own will probably be sufficient. It's mostly common sense, anyway. :) Practice your skills on family members, and you should be fine.

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Thank you. I'm in Minnesota and you actually can work as a CNA if you just pass the test (even without taking the course and clinicals). I just don't see how you could pass it without it though (especially the skills portion... since it's so particular).

Minnesota must be more laxed as they also allow 2nd yr RN students to work as CNA's even if they aren't certified (which most have to be to be in the program anyway, but ynwim). I actually was hired as a CNA after my liscence expired and I explained this to the person that was hiring me and she said I didn't need to be current, just as long as I could prove I had passed it previously.

Even if I fail the skills and have to re-test that part, it's cheaper than retaking the course, so I suppose I should try.

Thanks again for your help. It feels good to be back here again!

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Specializes in ICU.

Oh, that's interesting about Minnesota's rules!

If I were you, I'd totally study on my own, practice a little bit, and then go for it! Like you said, even if you had to retest it would be cheaper - and chances are you'll be fine! If it comes to it, maybe you can invest in the class if/when it becomes apparent you need it. But I don't think you will. :) You can always watch YouTube videos of any skills you want to review by watching someone - there's tons out there.

Good luck!!!

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Oh, that's interesting about Minnesota's rules!

If I were you, I'd totally study on my own, practice a little bit, and then go for it! Like you said, even if you had to retest it would be cheaper - and chances are you'll be fine! If it comes to it, maybe you can invest in the class if/when it becomes apparent you need it. But I don't think you will. :) You can always watch YouTube videos of any skills you want to review by watching someone - there's tons out there.

Good luck!!!

Thank you! Great idea about YouTube! I never thought of that! I still have my textbook so I'm going to go through that, but I'd love to see someone make a bed with a patient in it again... I just can't remember all those little steps.

Thanks again for your encouragement. :) Have a nice weekend!

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