Free Practice Questions for Maine CNA

Maine uses its own CNA competency test, a two-part test with a written or oral examination and a skills demonstration test. You take it in connection with a Maine-approved training program; contact your training program for test dates. The Maine DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification runs the CNA Registry: (207) 624-7300 or (800) 791-4080.

Maine requires a minimum of 130 hours of state-approved CNA training: 70 hours of classroom theory, 20 hours of clinical laboratory work and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. This exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours. Training programs must be approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

Maine has specific minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios: 1:5 for day shift, 1:10 for evening shift, and 1:15 for night shift. These ratios include CNAs and are among the most stringent in the nation. Facilities must ensure 24/7 coverage with trained nursing personnel. Maine regulations are found in Code of Maine Regulations, Title 10-144, Chapter 110.

Maine DHHS does not publish a passing score for the CNA competency test. You must pass both the written or oral examination and the skills demonstration test, and your training program issues your Certificate of Training after you complete the program and the competency test.

Maine CNAs must renew their Registry listing every 24 months by submitting a completed renewal form with the required documents. To stay active, you must complete at least 8 hours of qualified employment every 24 months and have no disqualifying annotations. Your employer must complete the current Employment Verification Form. There is no fee: federal law bars Maine from charging a CNA to be listed on the Registry.

Maine nursing facilities must provide CNAs with no less than 12 hours per year of in-service education. This is a federal requirement that Maine enforces through the DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification. The facility is responsible for providing documentation of completed in-service education to the CNA. Keep these records with your important papers — you will need them when you renew your listing on the Registry.

CNA-M stands for Certified Nursing Assistant-Medications. It is an expanded scope certification unique to Maine that allows CNAs to administer certain medications under RN supervision. To become a CNA-M, you must hold an active Maine CNA certification, complete an approved medication course (Chapter 5), and pass the CNA-M exam. The Maine State Board of Nursing approves CNA-M training programs and maintains the registry.

Maine CNAs are mandatory reporters. Suspected abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property must be reported immediately to your supervisor and the nurse in charge. Maine Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of dependent adults. The Maine Registry also tracks substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Failure to report can result in annotation on the CNA Registry and loss of certification.