CNA Renewal Online: Requirements and Resources for Every State
Our state-by-state breakdown will equip you with the tools you need to effortlessly renew your CNA license and focus on what matters: providing quality care.
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- State Reciprocity
Working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) requires a licensure process that often involves graduating from an accredited training program and passing an exam. Receiving a CNA license isn’t a one-and-done experience, though, and most states require a CNA renewal online about every two years. Some states require CNA renewal online more frequently while others require continuing education credits or a certain number of paid work hours to renew. In other states, like Alabama, renewal happens automatically as long as your name is on the Certified Nurse Aide Registry, which is accomplished by working for pay in a hospital, home health agency, nursing home, or hospice center.
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the intricacies of CNA renewal online alone. This guide outlines the requirements in each state as well as initial CNA licensure requirements. It also dives into how to become licensed in a new state and how CNA reciprocity works.
CNA Reciprocity
When you complete your CNA renewal online, it’s usually for one state. For example, if you got your license in California and renewed it there. Now, say you’re moving to Florida for your partner’s job and want to become a licensed CNA there. Or maybe you took a traveling CNA job for the income boost and now need to work in another state. In either case, you can apply for reciprocity, a formal procedure where a state recognizes your license from another state. The reciprocity process in each state differs, though most involve filling out a form documenting your education, work experience, and license information. Some states also require CNAs from other states to pay a fee or take a continuing education course when applying for CNA reciprocity.
Before moving to another state, explore the state’s CNA reciprocity process as well as how easy it is to apply for CNA renewal online. Jot down any documents you may need, such as your diploma, and take them with you when you move.
Alabama
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Participate in 75+ hours of training (classroom & clinical work)
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)
Fees:
- Clinical Skills Test: $40
- Knowledge Test: $35
- Test Site Administration Fee: $40
Renewal Requirements
- Keep your name on the Certified Nurse Aide Registry by working in a hospital, hospice, home health agency, or nursing home.
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Alaska
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take Credentia exam
Regulating Body: Alaska Board of Nursing
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $30
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $30
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $30
Renewal Requirements
- Complete CNA renewal online through the state’s form
Fees: N/A
Resource: Alaska Credentia Guide
Arizona
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass state nursing assistant exam
- Pass background check
Regulating Body: Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
Fees:
- Exam fee: $50
- Fingerprint check: $50
Renewal Requirements
- Complete online renewal form
Fees: $50
Resource: State Guidelines via AZBN
Arkansas
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass state exam
- Complete a background check
Regulating Body: Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN)
Fees: Fees vary based on who administers test and background check
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the online renewal form
Fees: No fee, as long as the license hasn’t expired
California
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Complete Credentia Exam
- Pass background check
Regulating Body: California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $80
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $40
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $55
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the renewal form online
Fees: N/A
Resource: California Southern California Credentia Guide | California Northern California Credentia Guide
Colorado
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take Credentia exam
Regulating Body: Colorado Board of Nursing (CBN)
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $85
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $85
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $50
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the renewal form
Fees: N/A
Resource: Colorado Credentia Guide
Connecticut
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Complete application for the state’s nurse aide registry
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH)
Fees:
- Clinical Skills Test & Written Test: $118
- Clinical Skills Test & Oral Test: $128
Renewal Requirements
- Must have worked as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the last 24 months
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Delaware
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Delaware Board of Nursing (DBN)
Fees:
- Clinical Skills Test & Written Test: $115
- Clinical Skills Test & Oral Test: $115
Renewal Requirements
- Must have worked at least 64 hours in the past 24 months
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Florida
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Florida Board of Nursing (FBN)
Fees:
- Clinical Skills & Written Test: $155
Renewal Requirements
- Complete a form stating you have worked for pay after being certified
Fees: $25
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Georgia
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take Credentia exam
Regulating Body: Georgia Board of Nursing (GBN)
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $95
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $35
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $35
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the online application
Fees: N/A
Resource: Credentia Georiga Guidelines
Hawaii
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Board of Nursing (BON)
Fees:
- Clinical Skills Test: $40
- Knowledge Test: $35
- Test Site Administration Fee: $40
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the registry renewal form
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Idaho
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Idaho Board of Nursing
Fees:
- Written Exam: $29 + testing site fees
- Oral Exam: $39 + testing site fees
Renewal Requirements
- You or your employer must fill out the CNA license renewal form
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Illinois
Licensing Requirements
- Does not license CNAs
Regulating Body: Illinois Department of Finance & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- N/A
Fees: N/A
Resource: Illinois Nurses License Renewals
Indiana
Licensing Requirements
- Does not license CNAs
Regulating Body: Nursing Board of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- N/A
Fees: N/A
Resource: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Iowa
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the state’s written and skills exam
- Apply to be placed on the state’s CNA registry
Regulating Body: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Fees:
- Written exam: $60
- Skills exam: $115
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal if you’ve worked as a CNA in the last two years
Fees: N/A
Resource: Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry
Kansas
Licensing Requirements
- Kansas does not license CNAs
Regulating Body: Kansas Board of Nursing (KBON)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- N/A
Fees: N/A
Resource: State Guidelines via KBON
Kentucky
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Apply online to be added to the state registry
Regulating Body: Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBON)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Complete the online renewal form before the license expiration
Fees: N/A
Resource: State Guidelines via KBON
Louisiana
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN)
Fees:
- Written & Clinical Skills: $125
- Oral & Clinical Skills: $125
Renewal Requirements
- Must have worked for pay within the last 24 months
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Maine
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Fill out the online form
Regulating Body: Maine State Board of Nursing (MSBON)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- The state will send out a renewal form that must be completed and mailed back 45 days before the license expires.
Fees: Mailing costs vary
Maryland
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take Credentia Exam
Regulating Body: Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $85
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $45
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $45
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the online renewal form
Fees: N/A
Resource: Maryland Credentia Guide
Massachusetts
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take the state licensing exam
- Pass a background check
Regulating Body: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Fees: Varies by background check provider and test administrator
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the online renewal form
Fees: N/A
Resource: Massachusetts State Guidelines
Michigan
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass state exam
- Fill out the form to be added to the state’s CNA registry
Regulating Body: Michigan Board of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
Fees: $175
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the renewal form before expiration
Fees: $40
Resource: Michigan Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
Minnesota
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Apply to be added to the state’s CNA registry
Regulating Body: Minnesota Board of Nursing (MBON)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal if still working two years later
Fees: N/A
Resource: Minnesota Department of Health
Mississippi
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take Credentia Exam
Regulating Body: Mississippi Board of Nursing (MBON)
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $69
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $32
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $32
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out an online renewal application
Fees: $26
Resource: Credentia Missippi Guide
Missouri
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass a background check
Regulating Body: Board of Nursing of the Missouri Division of Professional Registration
Fees: Background check fees vary by provider.
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out an online form for renewal
Fees: N/A
Montana
Licensing Requirements
- Does not regulate or license CNAs
Regulating Body: Montana Board of Nursing (MBON)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- No license in this state
Fees: N/A
Resource: Montana Board of Nursing
Nebraska
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Complete 75 hours of clinical training
- Pass background check
- One hour of abuse/neglect/misappropriation training
- Pass state exam
Regulating Body: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal if employed
Fees: N/A
Nevada
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take Credentia Exam
Regulating Body: Nevada Board of Nursing (NBON)
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $90
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $50
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $50
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out an online renewal form
Fees: N/A
Resource: Nevada Credentia Guide
New Hampshire
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass state competency exam
Regulating Body: New Hampshire Board of Nursing
Fees: $63
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out online renewal application
Fees: $63
Resource: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure & Certification
New Jersey
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Complete state exam
- Pass a background check
Regulating Body: New Jersey Board of Nursing (NJBN)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal every two years if still working
Fees: N/A
Resource: NJ Health
New Mexico
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: New Mexico Board of Nursing (NMBN)
Fees:
- Clinical Skills & Written Test: $107.10
- Clinical Skills & Oral Test: $107.10
Renewal Requirements
- Must have worked for pay for at least eight hours within the last two years
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
New York
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions
Fees:
- Clinical Skills & Written Exams: $115
- Clinical Skills & Oral Exams: $135
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal if working at a CNA
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
North Carolina
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Must submit application
Regulating Body: North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON)
Fees: $24
Renewal Requirements
- Submit renewal form when prompted by state
Fees: $24
Resource: State Guidelines via NCBON
North Dakota
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Fill out the form to join the state’s CNA registry
Regulating Body: North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out a renewal form before license expires
Fees: N/A
Resource: North Dakota Health & Human Services
Ohio
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Fill out a form to be added to the CNA registry
Regulating Body: Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal by employer
Fees: N/A
Oklahoma
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN)
Fees:
- Clinical Skills Test: $40
- Knowledge Test: $35
- Test Site Administration Fee: $40
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal if still working as a CNA
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Oregon
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Fingerprint cards
- Approval for a state and federal background check
Regulating Body: Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the renewal application when prompted via an email
Fees: N/A
Resource: State Guidelines via OSBN
Pennsylvania
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take an exam through Credentia
Regulating Body: Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
Fees:
- Written Exam & Skills Evaluation: $135
- Oral Exam & Skills Evaluation: $135
Renewal Requirements
- Employer or nurse can submit a renewal application
Fees: N/A
Resource: Credentia Pennsylvania Guide
Rhode Island
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take an exam through Credentia
Regulating Body: State of Rhode Island Department of Health
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $110
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $55
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $55
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the online renewal form once the state sends a notification of expiration
Fees: $35
South Carolina
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass a state exam
- Complete a background check
Regulating Body: South Carolina Board of Nursing (SCBN)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal by employer
Fees: N/A
Resource: Labor Licensing Regulations
South Dakota
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Apply to the state registry
Regulating Body: South Dakota Board of Nursing (SDBON)
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Submit employment verification
Fees: N/A
Resource: South Dakota Registry
Tennessee
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass state competency exam
Regulating Body: Tennessee Board of Nursing (TBON)
Fees: $20
Renewal Requirements
- Proof of having worked at least eight hours in the last 24 months
Fees: N/A
Resource: TN Department of Health Guidelines
Texas
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Texas Board of Nursing (TBON)
Fees:
- Written & Clinical Skills: $125
- Oral & Clinical Skills: $135
Renewal Requirements
- Complete 24 hours of paid work
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education
Fees: N/A
Resource: Prometric CNA Examination Bulletin
Utah
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved training program
- Pass the MACE exam
- Complete a fingerprint card
Regulating Body: Utah Division of Professional Licensing’s Board of Nursing
Fees: $120 for exam; fingerprint card fees vary
Renewal Requirements
- Mail a renewal notice to the state government at least 60 days before the license expiration date
Fees: $20 or $50
Resource: Utah Division of Professional Licensing
Vermont
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved training program
- Pass the Medication Aide CertificationExamination (MACE)
Regulating Body: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Fees: $80
Renewal Requirements
- Renewal completed by employer
Fees: N/A
Resource: Vermont Secretary of State Nursing Applications & Renewals
Virginia
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Take the NNAAP® Nurse Aide Exam
Regulating Body: Virginia Board of Nursing
Fees:
- Nurse Aid Skills Exam: $95
- Nurse Aid Written Exam: $45
- Nurse Aid Oral Exam: $45
Renewal Requirements
- Automatic renewal so long as the CNA is employed
Fees: N/A
Resource: Credentia State Guide
Washington
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Complete the online or mail-in application
Regulating Body: Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON)
Fees: $25
Renewal Requirements
- Employer endorsement for renewal
- Documentation of continued education
Fees: $10
Resource: Washington Department of Health Licensing Information
West Virginia
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Apply to be added to the nurse aide registry
Regulating Body: West Virginia Department of Health
Fees: N/A
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out the online application
Fees: N/A
Wisconsin
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) exam
Regulating Body: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Board of Nursing
Fees: $10
Renewal Requirements
- Fill out a renewal form, logging worked hours and continuing education credits
Fees: $10
Resource: Wisconsin DSPS License
Wyoming
Licensing Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Complete background check and fingerprint cards
Regulating Body: Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN)
Fees: $25
Renewal Requirements
- Complete either 400 paid working hours or 200 paid working hours and 15 continuing education hours
Fees: N/A
Resource: WSBN Licensing Guidelines
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