CNA Classes in Hawaii
Begin your healthcare journey in the Aloha State. Hawaii mandates that state-approved training programs consist of at least 100 hours of instruction. Candidates must pass the Prometric competency exam to be listed on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry. Our directory connects you with top programs in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, and Kapolei.
How to Become a CNA in Hawaii
Complete 100 Training Hours
Enroll in a program approved by the Hawaii State Board of Nursing. You must complete at least 100 hours, which includes 70 classroom theory hours and 30 clinical practice hours.
Pass the Prometric Exam
Register for the Hawaii Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric. You must pass both the 60-question written/oral knowledge test and the 5-task clinical skills evaluation.
Digital Fingerprinting
Submit to a mandatory criminal history record check. Your fingerprints are processed through the DCCA to verify eligibility for healthcare employment in Hawaii.
DCCA Registry Listing
Once you pass your exams and background check, the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL) adds you to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry.
Renew Every 24 Months
Keep your license active via the MyPVL portal by proving at least 8 hours of paid nursing work performed under supervision during the two-year period.
Hawaii CNA Salary
Certified Nurse Aides in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $43,440. Compensation is typically highest on Oahu (Honolulu County), where the concentration of large healthcare systems and a high cost of living drive competitive pay scales.
Exams & Clinical Skills
Hawaii utilizes the Prometric competency evaluation. You must demonstrate proficiency in 5 randomly selected clinical skills—such as radial pulse measurement and indirect care—to be successfully placed on the state registry.
Hawaii Certification Guide
🔄 Reciprocity & Transfers
To transfer a CNA license to Hawaii, you must apply for reciprocity via the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) division. Your original training program must have met or exceeded Hawaii's 100-hour requirement (70 theory/30 clinical).
📋 DCCA Background Check
Hawaii mandates digital fingerprinting and a criminal history search for all registry applicants. You must receive official clearance through the DCCA before you can be employed in a state-licensed long-term care facility.
⚠️ Lapsed or Expired Status
If your Hawaii CNA certification has been expired for more than 24 months, or if you failed to meet the work requirement, you must retake a state-approved training program and pass the Prometric exam again to regain active status.
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Hawaii CNA Frequently Asked Questions
Hawaii requires a minimum of 100 hours, consisting of 70 classroom theory hours and 30 hours of hands-on clinical practice.
The official state exam is administered by Prometric. You must pass both the written/oral test and the skills evaluation.
The average annual salary for a CNA in Hawaii is $43,440, with the highest pay scales usually found on the island of Oahu.
You must renew your license every 24 months through the DCCA MyPVL portal by proving 8 hours of paid nursing work.
Yes, hybrid programs are allowed for the 70 theory hours, but the 30 clinical hours must be completed in person.
Yes. All applicants must pass a criminal history record check and digital fingerprinting prior to official registry listing.
Hawaii allows three attempts to pass the Prometric exam within two years of completing your training program.
Yes. CNAs in good standing elsewhere can apply for reciprocity through the DCCA if their training met the 100-hour standard.
The total fee for both the written and clinical portions of the Prometric exam is approximately $200 to $250.
Under the 120-day rule, you can work in a licensed facility for 4 months while completing your certification requirements.
