How to Become a CNA in Vermont (2026 Guide)

Q: How much does it cost to become a CNA in Vermont?

The state exam fee in Vermont is $200. Training program costs vary — community college programs typically run $500–$1,500, while nursing home-sponsored programs may be free in exchange for a work commitment.

Becoming a CNA in Vermont takes about 5–7 weeks. You'll complete 80 hours of approved training, pass a written and skills exam administered by Excel Testing, and get listed on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry. Starting pay averages $18.57/hr.

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Vermont CNA — At a Glance

80h

Training required

5–7 weeks

Program length

$200

State exam fee

$18.57/hr

Avg starting pay

Exam vendor: Excel TestingVermont Nurse Aide Registry →

How to Become a CNA in Vermont: Step by Step

Follow these five steps to earn your CNA certification in Vermont. Most candidates complete the process in 5–7 weeks.

1
Meet eligibility requirements
You must be at least 16 years old (18 for some employers), have a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and complete a health screening including TB test. Vermont uses the OBRA federal minimum standards as a baseline. Certain convictions are disqualifying — see our background check guide for details.
2
Complete 80 hours of state-approved training
Enroll in a state-approved CNA program — offered through community colleges, vocational schools, Red Cross chapters, and some nursing homes. Programs run 5–7 weeks and cover both classroom content and hands-on clinical hours. Hybrid programs (online classroom, in-person clinical) are available. Some long-term care facilities offer free training in exchange for a work commitment after you pass.
3
Pass the Excel Testing competency exam
After training, register with Excel Testing and pay the $200 exam fee. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation where you perform 4 randomly selected skills in front of an evaluator. Both parts must be passed — if you fail only one, you can typically retake just that section. May retake any portion you failed; must wait at least 1 day between attempts — the candidate guide states no overall attempt-count cap.
4
Get listed on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry
Once you pass both portions, Excel Testing reports your results to the state. Your name is added to the official Nurse Aide Registry, which employers verify before hiring. To keep your listing active, you must work at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related care during each 24-month renewal period. Your employer also provides 12 hours of annual in-service training.
5
Apply for your first CNA position
With your registry listing active, you can apply to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and adult day programs. Recent CNA grads are in high demand — most facilities post open positions year-round. Median pay for CNAs in Vermont is $18.57/hr.

CNA Training Programs in Vermont

Vermont requires a minimum of 80 training hours, split between classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Programs typically run 5–7 weeks full-time. Most approved programs include:

✓Community college programs — Usually $500–$1,500. Financial aid available. Daytime and evening options.
✓Vocational / career school programs — Accelerated format. Similar cost range.
✓Hospital & health system programs — May include job placement after passing the exam.
✓Nursing home-sponsored programs — Often free in exchange for a post-certification employment commitment.
✓American Red Cross programs — Available in many counties. Accepted by all states.

Find state-approved programs on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry →

The Vermont CNA Certification Exam

The competency evaluation is administered by Excel Testing and has two parts. You must pass both.

Written (Knowledge) Test

60 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes
Covers 5 content domains on Excel Testing's own Vermont test plan (not the standard NNAAP 6): Role of the Nursing Assistant 23%, Basic Nursing Skills 30%, Personal Care/ADLs 30%, Human Needs/Development 10%, Safety 7%
Minimum passing score required (varies by state)
Timed — check with Excel Testing for specifics

Clinical Skills Test

4 randomly selected skills
Evaluated by a trained observer
All critical steps must be performed
Handwashing and safety steps observed on every skill

Exam fee: $200 (both portions)

Retake policy: May retake any portion you failed; must wait at least 1 day between attempts — the candidate guide states no overall attempt-count cap

Free written practice test →Clinical skills checklists →

CNA Salary in Vermont

Full salary breakdown →

$18.57/hr

Median hourly

$39K

Median annual

+1.26/hr

vs national avg

4,190 CNAs employed in Vermont (BLS OEWS, May 2024). National median: $18.17/hr.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in Vermont?

Most CNA programs in Vermont take 5–7 weeks to complete. The state requires a minimum of 80 hours of approved training before you can sit for the certification exam.

How much does it cost to become a CNA in Vermont?

The state exam fee is $200. Training program costs vary widely — community college programs typically run $500–$1,500, while some nursing homes offer free training in exchange for a post-certification work commitment.

Who administers the CNA exam in Vermont?

The Vermont nurse aide competency exam is administered by Excel Testing. You register and schedule directly with them after completing your approved training program.

What happens if I fail the CNA exam in Vermont?

If you fail one portion, you typically only need to retake that section — not both. May retake any portion you failed; must wait at least 1 day between attempts — the candidate guide states no overall attempt-count cap. After exhausting your allowed attempts, most states require you to complete a new approved training program before testing again.