Texas CNA State Exam Registration Guide

Texas CNA State Exam Registration Guide

Instructions for DMS Care Training Center graduates registering for the Texas Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) state exam.

This guide explains how graduates of DMS Care Training Center can register for the Texas CNA state examination through the official Texas system.

Important Notice: Students must complete the CNA training program before registering for the state exam. After program completion, DMS Care Training Center will verify eligibility and notify Prometric that the student is ready to test.

Step 1. Create a TULIP Account

All Texas CNA exam registrations begin with the TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal). Students must create an account and complete the CNA exam application.

Go to the TULIP Login Page

When selecting the field "Name of Training Program Eligible Route", you must search for and select DMS Care Training Center.

Step 2. Watch the TULIP Tutorial

Before completing the registration, students are strongly encouraged to watch the official tutorial explaining how to create a TULIP account.

Watch the TULIP Account Creation Tutorial

The tutorial example may show another training program name, but DMS graduates must select DMS Care Training Center.

Step 3. Review the TULIP User Guide

Students who need additional help may review the official TULIP user guide.

Download the TULIP User Guide

  • Account setup: Pages 8–12
  • Application process: Pages 88 and 102
  • Exam registration instructions: Page 312

Step 4. School Verification

After submitting the TULIP application, DMS Care Training Center will verify that the student has completed the CNA program.

Once verification is complete, the school notifies Prometric that the student is eligible for the exam.

Students will then receive instructions by email to schedule their exam through the Prometric testing portal.

Step 5. Schedule the CNA Exam

After approval, students will receive login information for the Prometric IQT Testing portal.

Through the portal, students can:

  • Select a testing location
  • Schedule the exam date
  • Submit payment

Total exam fee: $125 (written + skills exam).

For assistance with TULIP login issues, contact the Texas TULIP support center:

TULIP Support: 512-438-2630

Items Required for the Skills Exam

  1. Prometric exam authorization letter (sent by email after scheduling)
  2. One valid government-issued photo ID
  3. One secondary ID (student ID, library card, etc.)
  4. Closed-toe, non-slip shoes
  5. Scrubs recommended (not required)
  6. A wristwatch with a second hand

Texas CNA Written Exam Format

The Texas CNA examination includes both a written (or oral) exam and a clinical skills exam.

  • 60 multiple-choice questions
  • Written exam time: 90 minutes
  • Oral exam option: 120 minutes

The clinical skills exam requires candidates to perform 3–5 CNA skills. Testing time for this portion is typically 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Texas CNA Exam Retake Policy

Students may take the CNA exam up to three attempts.

Both the written (or oral) exam and the clinical skills exam must be passed within those three attempts.

If the exam is not passed within three attempts, the CNA training program must be completed again before retesting.

Retesting Fees

  • Written exam retake: $35
  • Skills exam retake: $90