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CNA Renewal Online: Requirements and Resources for Every State

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Author: Bernard Grant, MFA, PhD
Editor: Mikalee Byerman

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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A smiling healthcare professional wearing a blue uniform and stethoscope engages in a video call on a laptop. She is seated in a bright room with potted plants on the windowsill and shelves in the background, discussing CNA renewal requirements for every state.

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

Resource: Arkansas Department of Health ASBN Renewal

California

Licensing Requirements

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

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

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

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

Resource: Main Department of Health & Human Services

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

Resource: Missouri Division of Professional Registration

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

Resource: Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services

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

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

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

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

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

Resource: Ohio Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry

Oklahoma

Licensing Requirements

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

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

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

Resource: State of Rhode Island Department of Health

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

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

Resource: West Virginia Department of Health Handout

Wisconsin

Licensing Requirements

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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A man with glasses reads from a paper at a microphone on a dimly lit stage, wearing a sweater vest over a shirt.

Bernard Grant, MFA, PhD AUTHOR

Bernard Grant covers higher education, work and labor issues, arts and culture, and (neuro)diversity and inclusion. A dedicated inclusionist, Bernard serves as a board member of NeuroGuides and a life coach at Autism Personal Coach. Bernard holds a Ph.D. in creative writing and literature from the University of Cincinnati. They also hold an MFA in creative writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a BA in film studies and literature from The Evergreen State College. Bernard works as a fiction editor at Tahoma Literary Review.

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Mikalee Byerman

Mikalee Byerman EDITOR

Mikalee Byerman (which rhymes with “prickly fireman,” though she claims to be neither grumpy nor adept at fire suppression) is a freelance writer/editor, marketing coach, humor strategist, keynote speaker, and author of “100 Things to Do in Reno Before You Die.” She holds a master’s degree in journalism, and her writing has been featured in Ladies’ Home Journal, Southwest Spirit Magazine, and Alaska Airlines Magazine, as well as on the Huffington Post. She was named “Best Creative Writer” and “Best Local Author” in the Best of Nevada awards. 

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