Find clear, step-by-step guidance to apply for, verify, renew, reinstate, or transfer your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license or certification, based on current requirements in every state.
Find Your StateA CNA license, more accurately referred to as CNA certification, is the state-authorized credential that qualifies you to work as a nurse aide in regulated healthcare settings. Certification is granted after you complete a state-approved training program, pass the CNA competency exam, and are listed in active status on your state’s Nurse Aide Registry. In many states, the registry entry itself, rather than a printed certificate, serves as the legal proof of your credential.
To qualify for certification, you must meet these requirements:
Meet your state’s basic eligibility criteria, which typically include minimum age, work authorization, background screening, and health clearance.
Complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) that includes both classroom and clinical instruction.
Pass both the written knowledge test and the hands-on skills exam to demonstrate competency.
Submit your application so your name can be added to your state’s Nurse Aide Registry as an active Certified Nursing Assistant.
Follow these steps to earn certification.
Finish a state-approved CNA training program that includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
Apply through your state portal or testing provider with proof of training, identification, and required processing documents.
Take and pass both the written knowledge exam and the hands-on skills test to demonstrate competency.
Once you meet all state requirements, your name is added to your state’s Nurse Aide Registry as an active CNA.
Follow these steps to verify certification.
Visit your state’s official nurse aide registry or online verification page.
Choose the appropriate nurse aide certification category for your state.
Provide the information requested to locate your certification record.
Complete any required security or verification steps.
Check your status, expiration date, and any notes included in your registry file.
Follow these steps to renew certification.
Ensure you meet your state’s renewal requirements, including recent CNA work in an approved healthcare setting.
Finish any required in-service or continuing education hours your state mandates for renewal.
Submit proof of recent CNA employment as required by your state’s renewal guidelines.
Apply online or by mail through your state’s official CNA renewal portal.
Include the required state renewal fee to complete the process.
Follow these steps to reinstate certification.
Check your reinstatement requirements through your state’s Nurse Aide Registry or licensing agency.
Complete your state’s reinstatement form and submit any required fees.
Submit the records your state requires, such as proof of work experience, training, or continuing education.
If needed, complete additional training or retake the CNA competency exams to meet state reinstatement rules.
Once your request is processed, your status is updated in the Nurse Aide Registry and you may resume work as an active CNA.
Follow these steps to transfer certification to another state through reciprocity.
Make sure your CNA certification is active, in good standing, and eligible for reciprocity in the receiving state.
Apply through the receiving state’s official reciprocity or endorsement process, typically online or via designated forms.
Submit the required processing fee to start the transfer request.
Send the documents your new state requires, which may include verification of your current certification and training.
The receiving state reviews your information and verifies your certification with your previous state.
Select your state for official licensing instructions:
Answers to common CNA licensing questions:
Your state Nurse Aide Registry assigns a unique identifier to your certification record. Some states display a separate registry or certificate number, while others use an ID tied to your personal information. Check your state’s online lookup tool to see which number applies.
Use your state’s official online verification tool, usually linked from the Nurse Aide Registry or board of nursing website, to check your status and expiration date. You can also follow our CNA license verification guide for step-by-step instructions.
Most states require CNA renewal every two years and expect recent paid CNA work in an approved healthcare setting during that time. Check your state’s rules and our CNA license renewal guide for specific renewal requirements.
If your certification is listed as expired or inactive, you may need reinstatement. This can involve submitting proof of recent CNA work, completing a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), and retaking the exam. Review your state’s instructions and our CNA license reinstatement guide.
Submit a change request to your state Nurse Aide Registry or licensing agency and include required legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate, court order, or updated ID. Many states allow online updates, and some may charge a small processing fee.
Contact your state Nurse Aide Registry or testing provider. Some states issue replacement paper or digital certificates, while others rely on the online registry record as official proof of your CNA status.
In many cases, yes. You will typically apply for reciprocity or endorsement in your new state, provide verification of your current certification, and complete any required background checks or paperwork. Start with the receiving state’s Nurse Aide Registry and our CNA license transfer guide.
If your CNA certification is suspended, you cannot work until you meet your state’s conditions for reinstatement. If it is revoked for abuse, neglect, or misappropriation that has been substantiated, federal law may permanently bar you from CNA employment nationwide, and this will appear on registry checks.
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