CNA Training in New Mexico
New Mexico follows the federal standard of at least 75 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training. The New Mexico Health Care Authority approves programs and oversees the Certified Nurse Aide Registry, and Headmaster gives the state exam.
If you work for, or have a job offer from, a Medicaid-certified nursing home, the state pays your exam fees and the nursing home can't charge you for training. Below you'll find each step, pay by area, ways to train free, and approved programs statewide.
Training
75+ Hours
Median Pay
$18.94/hr
Exam Cost
$140
The 4 Steps to Certification in New Mexico
Pick a State-Approved Program
The New Mexico Health Care Authority approves every nurse aide program. Your options:
- Nursing homes and hospitals: many train people they hire, and they can't charge you for it.
- Colleges: including Central New Mexico Community College, San Juan College, and University of New Mexico branch campuses.
- Private trainers and home health agencies: set their own prices and schedules.
Complete at Least 75 Hours
New Mexico uses the federal minimum. Some programs run longer.
You must test within 24 months of finishing training, or train again.
Pass the Headmaster Exam
A knowledge test and a skills test. You get 3 tries at each.
| Knowledge test | $40 |
| Audio knowledge test | $45 |
| Skills test | $100 |
| Retakes | Same price |
Stay Active
Renew every 2 years to stay on the registry.
- Work for pay as a nurse aide for at least 8 hours during each 24-month period, under a nurse's supervision.
- Complete 12 hours of in-service training each year.
- Renew on time through Headmaster's online system, from 30 days before to 30 days after your expiration date. The fee is $25 plus tax. Miss that window and you'll have to retest.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free in New Mexico
Get hired first, get paid back after, or use a state program to cover the cost.
Nursing Home Training
✨ Free When You're HiredNew Mexico Opportunity Scholarship
✨ Free Tuition at Public CollegesNew Mexico Workforce Connection (WIOA)
✨ Grant-Funded, If You QualifyNew Mexico CNA Pay by Area
New Mexico CNAs earn about $1.38 an hour less than the national median. Santa Fe pays the most of the state's areas.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | $22.37 | $46,530 | 410 |
| Northern New Mexico (rural) | $20.90 | $43,470 | 550 |
| Albuquerque | $19.21 | $39,950 | 2,110 |
| Farmington | $18.94 | $39,390 | 330 |
| Eastern New Mexico (rural) | $18.21 | $37,870 | 900 |
| Las Cruces | $17.98 | $37,400 | 390 |
| New Mexico (statewide) | $18.94 | $39,390 | 4,750 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials. "Rural" rows are the BLS nonmetropolitan areas for northern and eastern New Mexico.
What It Costs to Get Certified
Train through a Medicaid-certified nursing home that hires you and the main costs are covered.
Varies
Free through a nursing home that employs you. Colleges and private trainers set their own prices.
$140
$40 knowledge test and $100 skills test, through Headmaster. The audio knowledge test is $45.
$40 / $100
Same price as the first try: $40 for knowledge ($45 audio), $100 for skills. Only retake the part you failed.
$25
Every 2 years, plus New Mexico gross receipts tax. Your employer can pay it for you.
Moving to New Mexico?
If you're a CNA in another state, you can transfer to New Mexico for free through Headmaster's online system.
Active CNA in Another State
Your certification must be current and in good standing. Fill out the Reciprocity Form online and have your photo ID, Social Security card, and current certification ready. There's no fee.
Lapsed or Never Tested
If your out-of-state certification has expired, or you trained but never passed the exam, expect to train and test in New Mexico.
Questions? Call
(888) 401-0462
Headmaster, New Mexico registry and testing
CNA Schools in New Mexico
State-approved nurse aide training programs across New Mexico: community colleges, universities, private trainers, home health agencies, nursing homes, and hospitals. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by county.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque Heights Healthcare105 Hospital Loop Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 | Albuquerque | Bernalillo | (505) 348-8300 |
| Belen Meadows Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center1831 Camino Del Llano, Belen, NM 87002 | Belen | Valencia | (505) 864-1600 |
| Casa Del Sol1005 Lujan Hill Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88005 | Las Cruces | Doña Ana | (575) 523-4573 |
| Central Desert CNA Program1525 N Renaissance Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 | Albuquerque | Bernalillo | (505) 243-3387 |
| Central New Mexico Community College525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 | Albuquerque | Bernalillo | (505) 224-3000 |
| Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center455 St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 | Santa Fe | Santa Fe | (505) 913-3361 |
| Clayton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center419 Harding Street, Clayton, NM 88415 | Clayton | Union | (575) 374-2353 |
| Clovis Community College417 Schepps Boulevard, Clovis, NM 88101 | Clovis | Curry | (575) 769-2811 |
| Desert Springs Healthcare1701 North Turner, Hobbs, NM 88240 | Hobbs | Lea | (575) 397-0870 |
| Doña Ana Community College, Espina Campus3400 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88003 | Las Cruces | Doña Ana | (575) 527-7500 |
| Doña Ana Community College, Sunland Park Campus3365 McNutt Rd, Sunland Park, NM 88063 | Sunland Park | Doña Ana | (575) 874-7780 |
| Eastern New Mexico University, RoswellPO Box 6000, Roswell, NM 88202 | Roswell | Chaves | (575) 624-7000 |
| Eastern New Mexico University, Ruidoso709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345 | Ruidoso | Lincoln | (575) 315-1120 |
| La Vita Bella Home Health Program1101 Golf Course Rd Ste 102, Rio Rancho, NM 87124Also offers a mobile program. | Rio Rancho | Sandoval | Call school |
| Lovington Healthcare1600 West Ave I, Lovington, NM 88260 | Lovington | Lea | (575) 396-5212 |
| Luna Community College366 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701 | Las Vegas | San Miguel | (505) 454-2500 |
| Mesalands Community College911 South 10th Street, Tucumcari, NM 88401 | Tucumcari | Quay | (575) 461-6600 |
| Navajo Technical UniversityPO Box 849, Crownpoint, NM 87313 | Crownpoint | McKinley | (505) 387-7401 |
| New Mexico Junior College1 Thunderbird Circle, Hobbs, NM 88240 | Hobbs | Lea | (575) 392-4510 |
| New Mexico State University, Alamogordo2400 N. Scenic Drive, Alamogordo, NM 88310 | Alamogordo | Otero | (575) 439-3600 |
| New Mexico State University, Grants1500 N Third Street, Grants, NM 87020 | Grants | Cibola | (505) 287-6678 |
| New Mexico State Veterans Home992 South Broadway, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 | Truth or Consequences | Sierra | (575) 894-4200 |
| Northern New Mexico College921 Paseo de Onate, Española, NM 87532 | Española | Rio Arriba | (505) 747-2100 |
| Northgate Unit of Lakeview Christian Home1905 West Pierce Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220 | Carlsbad | Eddy | (575) 887-3947 |
| OPCO CNA Training ProgramMultiple locations | Multiple locations | Call school | |
| Rural Western New Mexico Services21 Church Street, Quemado, NM 87829 | Quemado | Catron | Call school |
| Salud CNA Training Program5311 Blue Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701 | Las Vegas | San Miguel | Call school |
| San Juan College4601 College Boulevard, Farmington, NM 87402 | Farmington | San Juan | (505) 326-3311 |
| Santa Fe Community College6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87508 | Santa Fe | Santa Fe | (505) 428-1000 |
| Seven Wonders Education and Learning2340 Alamo Ave SE Ste 150, Albuquerque, NM 87106Also offers an online program. | Albuquerque | Bernalillo | (505) 916-5206 |
| Sierra Vista Hospital800 East 9th Avenue, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 | Truth or Consequences | Sierra | (575) 894-2111 |
| Southeast New Mexico College1500 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220 | Carlsbad | Eddy | (575) 234-9200 |
| Universal Care Home Health Agency2617 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Unit A, Albuquerque, NM 87112 | Albuquerque | Bernalillo | Call school |
| University of New Mexico, Gallup705 Gurley Ave, Gallup, NM 87301 | Gallup | McKinley | (505) 863-7500 |
| University of New Mexico, Los Alamos4000 University Drive, Los Alamos, NM 87544 | Los Alamos | Los Alamos | (505) 662-5919 |
| University of New Mexico, Taos1157 County Rd 110, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557 | Ranchos de Taos | Taos | (575) 737-6215 |
| University of New Mexico, Valencia280 La Entrada, Los Lunas, NM 87031 | Los Lunas | Valencia | (505) 925-8500 |
| Western New Mexico University, Deming Campus1360 W Florida St, Deming, NM 88030 | Deming | Luna | (575) 546-6556 |
| Western New Mexico University, Main Campus500 E 18th St, Silver City, NM 88061 | Silver City | Grant | (800) 872-9668 |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All counties."
Source: New Mexico Health Care Authority, List of CNA Training Programs (October 2026). High school programs are not included. Programs listed twice at the same address are shown once, with a note. The state list does not include phone numbers; phone numbers come from Google business listings. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
New Mexico CNA Questions, Answered
Who certifies CNAs in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Health Care Authority approves training programs and oversees the Certified Nurse Aide Registry. Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) gives the state exam and handles renewals online.
How long is CNA training in New Mexico?
At least 75 hours, the federal minimum, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training.
How much does the CNA exam cost in New Mexico?
$140: $40 for the knowledge test and $100 for the skills test. The audio knowledge test is $45. Retakes cost the same as the first try. The state pays if you work for, or have a job offer from, a Medicaid-certified nursing facility.
How many times can I take the exam?
You get 3 tries to pass each part within 24 months of finishing training. After 3 failed tries, you must complete an approved training program again.
Can I get CNA training for free in New Mexico?
Yes. A nursing home can't charge you for training if it employs you or has offered you a job, and if you're hired within 12 months of finishing, it must pay you back. The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship and Workforce Connection are other options.
How do I renew my CNA certification in New Mexico?
Every 2 years, through Headmaster's online system. You need at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work in the past 24 months, verified by your employer, plus 12 hours of in-service training each year. The fee is $25 plus tax.
Sources
- New Mexico Health Care Authority: Certified Nurse Aide Registry
- Headmaster: New Mexico CNA Testing and Candidate Handbook (effective October 1, 2026)
- New Mexico Public Education Department: Understanding New Mexico's Tuition-Free College Programs
- 42 CFR 483.152: Nurse aide training requirements
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. Test fees can change, so confirm with Headmaster when you register. See something out of date? Report a correction.