Want to work in clients' homes? See what it takes to become a home health aide in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts home health aide →CNA Training in Massachusetts
Massachusetts currently follows the federal minimum of 75 hours of nurse aide training. The Department of Public Health (DPH) approves programs and runs the Nurse Aide Registry, and Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) runs the state exam.
DPH plans to raise the minimum to 87 hours, including 21 hours of supervised practical training, with a revised exam expected in early 2027. The exam is offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole. Below you'll find each step, pay, ways to train free, and approved programs statewide.
Training
75+ Hours
Median Pay
$22.44/hr
Exam Cost
$100
The 4 Steps to Certification in Massachusetts
Pick a State-Approved Program
DPH approves every nurse aide training program. Your options:
- Community colleges: including Bunker Hill, Bristol, Holyoke, Quinsigamond, and Springfield Technical.
- Nursing homes: many train people they hire. DPH approves clinical sites only at level II or III long-term care facilities.
- Private schools, Job Corps, and adult education: private schools set their own prices. Grafton Job Corps is free for eligible young adults.
Complete at Least 75 Hours
The minimum is set to rise. Day, evening, and weekend programs are listed below.
CNAs already in good standing on the Massachusetts registry will not need extra training when the new minimum starts.
Pass the Headmaster Exam
A knowledge test and a skills test. You can take the knowledge test up to 4 times and the skills test up to 3 times.
| Knowledge test | $30 |
| Skills test | $70 |
| Audio knowledge test | $40 |
| Retakes | Same price as the first attempt |
Stay Active
Renew online in the Health Professions Licensing System.
- Work at least 8 hours for pay as a nurse aide doing nursing-related duties within the past two years.
- Renew online through the DPH Health Professions Licensing System before your certification expires.
- Expired? If you have worked as a nurse aide with no break since before it expired, you may still renew. Otherwise you may need to retest.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free in Massachusetts
Get hired first, or use a free program.
Nursing Home Training
✨ Free When You're HiredJob Corps
✨ Free for Ages 16 to 24MassHire (WIOA)
✨ Grant-Funded, If You QualifyMassachusetts CNA Pay by Area
Massachusetts CNAs earn about $2.12 an hour more than the national median.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (statewide) | $22.44 | $46,680 | 38,130 |
| United States (national) | $20.32 | $42,260 | 1,505,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials.
What It Costs to Get Certified
Train through a nursing home that hires you and the main costs are covered.
$0 with employer
Free through a nursing home that employs you or through Job Corps. Colleges and private schools set their own prices.
$100
$30 knowledge plus $70 skills through Headmaster. The audio knowledge test is $40.
Same price
Each retake costs the same as the first attempt.
$35 fee
Refunds of testing fees are minus a $35 processing fee, if requested within 30 days of payment.
Moving to Massachusetts?
If you're a certified nurse aide in another state, reciprocity lets you get on the Massachusetts registry.
Active CNA in Another State
You must be certified in another state, current and in good standing, and never certified in Massachusetts. Apply through Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies).
Lapsed or Never Tested
If you're no longer active in another state, expect to train and test in Massachusetts.
Questions? Call
(617) 753-8144
DPH Nurse Aide Registry Program
CNA Schools in Massachusetts
DPH-approved nurse aide training programs across Massachusetts: community colleges, private schools, nursing homes, Job Corps, and adult evening programs. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by county.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advinia Care Northbridge85 Beaumont Drive, Northbridge, MA 01534 | Northbridge | Worcester | (508) 234-9771 |
| Agawam West Rehab And Nursing61 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA 01001 | Agawam | Hampden | (618) 562-4727 |
| Alliance Health At Baldwinville51 Hospital Road, Baldwinville, MA 01436 | Baldwinville | Worcester | (978) 939-2196 |
| Alternative Training Center703 Washington Street, Attleboro, MA 02703 | Attleboro | Bristol | (508) 639-5901 |
| Assabet After Dark215 Fitchburg Street, Marlborough, MA 01752Evening classes | Marlborough | Middlesex | (508) 263-9651 |
| B. Sullivan Nurse Assistant Training270 Communications Way, Hyannis, MA 02601Day and evening classes | Hyannis | Barnstable | (508) 827-7298 |
| Baypath Of Duxbury Nursing & Rehab Center308 Kingstown Way, Duxbury, MA 02332 | Duxbury | Plymouth | (781) 585-5561 |
| Berkshire Health Systems At Berkshire Community College1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 | Pittsfield | Berkshire | (413) 447-2165 |
| Boston Healthcare Institute340 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02124 | Dorchester | Suffolk | (617) 756-6840 |
| Boston Missionary Baptist Community Center, Inc239 North Cary Street, Brockton, MA 02302 | Brockton | Plymouth | (617) 756-4413 |
| Bristol Community College777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA 02720 | Fall River | Bristol | (774) 357-2663 |
| Broad Reach At Liberty Commons390 Orleans Road, North Chatham, MA 02650 | North Chatham | Barnstable | (508) 945-1611 |
| Bunker Hill Community College At Chelsea70 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150 | Chelsea | Suffolk | (617) 228-2473 |
| C&S Healthcare Training & Staffing891 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park, MA 02136 | Hyde Park | Suffolk | (617) 272-3676 |
| Cape Cod Community College/north Bldg2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668 | West Barnstable | Barnstable | (508) 362-2131 |
| Care One At Redstone135 Benton Drive, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 | East Longmeadow | Hampden | (978) 844-7288 |
| Care Path Training Academy110 Haverhill Road, Amesbury, MA 01913 | Amesbury | Essex | (978) 660-6916 |
| Catholic Charities At Boston275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 | Boston | Suffolk | (617) 464-8554 |
| Catholic Charities At Brockton169 Court Street, Brockton, MA 02302 | Brockton | Plymouth | (617) 464-8544 |
| Catholic Charities At Laboure Center275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 | Boston | Suffolk | (617) 464-8500 |
| Chelsea Jewish Lifecare165 Captains Row, Chelsea, MA 02150 | Chelsea | Suffolk | (203) 641-8680 |
| Coastal Career Academy At Fall River187 Plymouth Avenue, Fall River, MA 02721 | Fall River | Bristol | (774) 627-0116 |
| Divine Watch Training School LLC950 North Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368 | Randolph | Norfolk | (781) 885-2021 |
| Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School - Eveningninge565 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923Evening classes | Danvers | Essex | (978) 304-4700 ext. 7301 |
| Excel Training Institute Hybrid Program4 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095 | Wilbraham | Hampden | (413) 583-2005 ext. 316 |
| First Choice Academy187 High Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 | Holyoke | Hampden | (413) 998-3176 |
| Fitchburg Healthcare1199 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg, MA 01420 | Fitchburg | Worcester | (978) 345-0146 |
| Genesis Healthcare At Hawthorne Hill Center15 Kirkbride Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 | Danvers | Essex | (603) 498-1495 |
| Grafton Job Corps Career Academy100 Pine Street, North Grafton, MA 01536 | North Grafton | Worcester | (508) 887-7300 |
| Greenfield Community College1 College Drive, Greenfield, MA 01301 | Greenfield | Franklin | (413) 575-3558 |
| Habile Healthcare Training999 North Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368 | Randolph | Norfolk | (857) 340-1557 |
| Hands-On Community Care572 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821 | Billerica | Middlesex | (617) 386-9803 |
| Hannah B.G. Shaw Home299 Wareham Street, Middleboro, MA 02346 | Middleboro | Plymouth | (508) 947-0332 |
| Harbor House Nursing & Rehab Center11 Condito Road, Hingham, MA 02043 | Hingham | Plymouth | (617) 750-3116 |
| Health & Home Care Training Center Of Ma591 North Avenue, Wakefield, MA 01880 | Wakefield | Middlesex | (781) 222-5500 |
| Health & Home Care Training Of New England162 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301 | Brockton | Plymouth | (508) 846-2387 |
| Health & Home Care Training Of New England657 Quarry Street, Fall River, MA 02723 | Fall River | Bristol | (508) 846-2387 |
| Healthcare Training Centers Of America Inc.55 Middlesex Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824 | Chelmsford | Middlesex | (978) 455-9400 |
| Healthcare-Edu LLC793 Crescent Street, Brockton, MA 02302 | Brockton | Plymouth | (508) 593-0968 |
| Helping Hands To Cna At Blair House116 Houghton Street, Worcester, MA 01604 | Worcester | Worcester | (508) 791-5543 |
| Helping Hands To Cna At West Side House35 Fruit Street, Worcester, MA 01609 | Worcester | Worcester | (978) 992-7395 |
| Holyoke Community College - Jump Start Program303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040 | Holyoke | Hampden | (413) 552-2005 |
| Integritus Healthcare Blended NATP75 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 02489 | Pittsfield | Berkshire | (413) 395-7920 |
| International Health Care Training & Services2 2nd Street, Attleboro, MA 02703 | Attleboro | Bristol | (978) 655-3637 |
| International Health Training Center599 Canal Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 | Lawrence | Essex | (781) 913-8005 |
| Joseph P. Keefe Tech High School Evening750 Winter Street, Framingham, MA 01702Evening classes | Framingham | Middlesex | (508) 416-2265 |
| K & K Healthcare Training Center471 Prospect Street, Brockton, MA 02301 | Brockton | Plymouth | (508) 584-2805 |
| Laboure College Nurse Aide Training Program303 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186 | Milton | Norfolk | (617) 207-3630 |
| Lare Institute100 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150 | Chelsea | Suffolk | (978) 685-2151 ext. 6822 |
| Life Care Center Of Plymouth94 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | Plymouth | Plymouth | (508) 747-9800 |
| Lifestream Employment & Training Services444 Myrtle Street, New Bedford, MA 02746 | New Bedford | Bristol | (508) 991-4503 |
| Madison Park Tech Voc High School Dept Of Adult Ed75 Malcolm X Boulevard, Boston, MA 02120 | Boston | Suffolk | (617) 635-8970 |
| Martha's Vineyard Regional High School- Adult Education100 Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 | Oak Bluffs | Dukes | (503) 693-1033 |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College-Bridge19 Flagg Drive, Framingham, MA 01702 | Framingham | Middlesex | (508) 270-4103 |
| Medical Career Center-Lynn150 Market Street, Lynn, MA 01901 | Lynn | Essex | (781) 325-3427 |
| Metrowest Healthcare Academy At Framingham100 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702 | Framingham | Middlesex | (508) 872-5973 |
| Metrowest Healthcare Academy At Milford208 Main Street, Milford, MA 01757 | Milford | Worcester | (508) 872-5973 |
| Middlesex Community College - Eveningning33 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA 01852Evening classes | Lowell | Middlesex | (781) 861-6500 ext. 3723 |
| Minuteman Regional Vocational Tech School - Eveningning758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421 | Lexington | Middlesex | (978) 630-9363 |
| Mount Wachusett Community College444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 | Gardner | Worcester | (978) 630-9363 |
| Mount Wachusett Community College - Devens27 Jackson Street, Devens, MA | Devens | Worcester | (978) 630-9226 |
| Mount Wachusett Community College - Leominster Campus100 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453 | Leominster | Worcester | (978) 630-9226 |
| Multicultural Counseling Center Inc260 Milton Street, Dedham, MA 02026 | Dedham | Norfolk | Call school |
| NATP At Genesis At Sutton Hill1801 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845 | North Andover | Essex | Call school |
| Nextstep At Oakhill Healthcare76 North Street, Middleboro, MA 02346 | Middleboro | Plymouth | (978) 809-0603 |
| North Shore Community College - Lynn Campus - Eveningning300 Broad Street, Lynn, MA 01901Evening classes | Lynn | Essex | (978) 236-1235 |
| North Shore Community College At Beverly Hospital And Anchor Point Housing85 Herrick Street, Beverly, MA 01915 | Beverly | Essex | (978) 236-1235 |
| North Shore Community College NAT Danvers -Evening1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923Evening classes | Danvers | Essex | (978) 236-1235 |
| Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield, MA 01880 | Wakefield | Middlesex | (781) 246-0180 |
| Northern Essex Community College45 Franklin Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 | Lawrence | Essex | (603) 489-8907 |
| Notre Dame Education Center / ENAP (ESOL Nurse Aide Program)354 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843 | Lawrence | Essex | Call school |
| Open Door Healthcare Services Inc55 Mission Road, Chelmsford, MA 01863 | Chelmsford | Middlesex | (978) 226-8208 |
| Overlook Academy Inc842 Washington Street, Norwood, MA 02062 | Norwood | Norfolk | (781) 473-3662 |
| Peak Medical Academy38 Front Street, Worcester, MA 01608 | Worcester | Worcester | (508) 753-8302 |
| Quincy College ARLAB122 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116 | Boston | Suffolk | (617) 405-5961 |
| Quincy College At Plymouth Campus36 Cordae Park, Plymouth, MA 02360 | Plymouth | Plymouth | (617) 405-5961 |
| Quincy College NATP1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169 | Quincy | Norfolk | (617) 984-1754 |
| Quinsigamond Community College Training & Education Center25 Federal Street, Worcester, MA 01608 | Worcester | Worcester | (508) 854-2735 |
| Regis College- Blended235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493 | Weston | Middlesex | (781) 768-7291 |
| Restoration Health Institute617 Mill Street, Worcester, MA 01603 | Worcester | Worcester | (508) 304-0052 |
| Roxbury Community College1234 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02120 | Boston | Suffolk | (857) 701-1607 |
| Royal Health Braintree95 Commercial Street, Braintree, MA 02184 | Braintree | Norfolk | (508) 322-8679 |
| Royal Health Cape Cod NATP8 Lewis Point Road, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 | Buzzards Bay | Barnstable | (508) 322-8679 |
| Royal Health Care Institute At Framingham1291 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01701 | Framingham | Middlesex | (978) 224-2981 |
| Royal Health Care Institute At Salem84 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970 | Salem | Essex | (978) 224-2981 |
| Royal Healthcare Institute At Lowell981 Varnum Street, Lowell, MA 01850 | Lowell | Middlesex | (978) 224-2982 |
| Royal Megansett Nursing & Retirement Home209 County Road, Falmouth, MA 02556 | Falmouth | Barnstable | (508) 685-6329 |
| Salmon Health And Retirement Westborough5 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581 | Westborough | Worcester | (508) 244-2348 |
| Seacoast Nursing And Rehabilitation Center292 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 | Gloucester | Essex | Call school |
| Smith Vocational And Agricultural High School - Adult Education80 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01060 | Northampton | Hampshire | (413) 587-1414 ext. 3530 |
| South Cove Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Home288 Washington Street, Quincy, MA 02169 | Quincy | Norfolk | (617) 423-0590 |
| Southcoast Health At St. Luke's Hospital101 Page Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 | New Bedford | Bristol | (508) 973-5559 |
| Spectrum Healthcare Training Center Inc330 Lynn Way, Lynn, MA 01901 | Lynn | Essex | (781) 593-3900 |
| Springfield Technical Community College1 Armory Street, Springfield, MA 01105 | Springfield | Hampden | (413) 755-4522 |
| Springfield Technical Community College - Afternoon Program1 Armory Street, Springfield, MA 01102 | Springfield | Hampden | (413) 755-4522 |
| Springfield Technical Community College - Eveningning Program1 Armory Street, Springfield, MA 01102Evening classes | Springfield | Hampden | (413) 755-4522 |
| Springfield Technical Community College - Friday & Saturday Program1 Armory Street, Springfield, MA 01102Friday and Saturday classes | Springfield | Hampden | (413) 755-4522 |
| Springside Rehabilitation And Skilled Care Center255 Lebanon Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 | Pittsfield | Berkshire | (413) 499-2334 |
| Strive Healthcare Training Center47 Bedford Street, Middleboro, MA 02346 | Middleboro | Plymouth | Call school |
| The Fieldstone School At Orleans76 Summer Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 | Fitchburg | Worcester | (774) 253-0912 |
| The Fieldstone School At Worcester90 Madison Street, Worcester, MA 01608 | Worcester | Worcester | (774) 253-0912 |
| The Terraces In Orleans60 Daley Terrace, Orleans, MA 02653 | Orleans | Barnstable | Call school |
| Timberlyn Heights - PM Program320 Maple Avenue, Great Barrington, MA 01230Evening classes | Great Barrington | Berkshire | (413) 428-2650 |
| Tri-County Regional Vocational Tech High School - Eveningning147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA 02038Evening classes | Franklin | Norfolk | (508) 528-5400 |
| Universal Health Care Center27 Hunting Street, Malden, MA 02148 | Malden | Middlesex | (617) 571-4807 |
| Upper Cape Cod Tech School - Adult Ed220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532 | Bourne | Barnstable | (508) 432-4500 ext. 232 |
| Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School - Eveningning115 Amesbury Line Rd, Haverhill, MA 01830Evening classes | Haverhill | Essex | (978) 374-5700 |
| Woburn Rehab & Nursing Center/ Salter Hc18 Frances Street, Woburn, MA 01801 | Woburn | Middlesex | Call school |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All counties."
Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, CNA list of training locations (July 21, 2026). High school day programs are not included; adult and evening programs at vocational schools are. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Massachusetts CNA Questions, Answered
Who certifies CNAs in Massachusetts?
The Department of Public Health (DPH) Nurse Aide Registry Program approves training programs and runs the registry. Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) runs the state exam.
How long is CNA training in Massachusetts?
At least 75 hours today. DPH plans to raise the minimum to 87 hours, including 21 hours of supervised practical training.
How much does the CNA exam cost in Massachusetts?
$100: $30 for the knowledge test and $70 for the skills test. The audio knowledge test is $40.
Can I take the exam in Haitian Creole?
Yes. Since December 2, 2024, the Massachusetts exam is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole.
Can I get CNA training for free in Massachusetts?
Yes. A nursing home can't charge you for training if it employs you or has offered you a job. Grafton Job Corps is free for eligible young adults, and MassHire can help pay if you qualify.
How do I renew my CNA certification in Massachusetts?
Renew online in the DPH Health Professions Licensing System. You need at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work within the past two years.
Sources
- Mass.gov: Learn how to become a certified nurse aide in Massachusetts
- Mass.gov: CNA list of training locations (July 2026)
- Mass.gov: Renewal information for Massachusetts certified nurse aides
- EOHHS/DPH memo: New CNA Curriculum Framework (April 6, 2026)
- Headmaster: Massachusetts CNA Testing and Candidate Handbook
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. See something out of date? Report a correction.