{"id":7174,"date":"2024-06-17T18:00:09","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T18:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=7174"},"modified":"2024-06-28T04:36:43","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T04:36:43","slug":"cna-reciprocity-and-certification-requirements-by-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/cna-reciprocity-and-certification-requirements-by-state\/","title":{"rendered":"CNA Reciprocity and Certification Requirements by State"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you long for a career that combines compassion with healthcare skills and positively impacts people\u2019s lives but you don\u2019t want to spend years in medical school, an entry-level <\/span>certified nursing assistant job<\/span><\/a> (CNA) might be the answer. Get ready to <\/span>explore a rewarding CNA career<\/span><\/a> where care meets opportunity and dedication leads to an expanding career path.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you want to practice in sunny California, bustling New York or picturesque Colorado, this guide dives into what it takes to become a CNA in every corner of the nation. For those not ready to put down roots, it also provides valuable details on reciprocity agreements that allow you to travel across states and explore the country in <\/span>travel CNA roles<\/span><\/a>. Keep reading to embark on a state-by-state exploration of a career that offers boundless opportunities for personal and professional growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Find Top Paying CNA Jobs<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Steps to Becoming a CNA<\/h3>\n

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Some states call CNAs something else, such as licensed nursing assistants, and a few have two levels of certified nursing assistants. The steps to becoming a CNA are similar in most states, but some may have unique regulations and requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prospective CNAs must usually complete a state-approved training program at an accredited institution. Training programs may last between 1 and 4 months, but accelerated programs allow you to finish in 4 weeks. Programs typically include classroom and clinical training hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Each state usually provides a list of approved <\/span>CNA training programs<\/span><\/a> but often accepts training programs completed in other states if they meet their standard requirements. CNA programs typically require prospective students to possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and current immunizations, including the Hepatitis B series and a TB skin test. Some programs may require students to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you complete a training program, you must pass a state competency exam. These tests involve a written or oral exam and a skills evaluation exam, and applicants must pass both before the state adds them to its CNA Registry. You must pass your CNA certification exams within a set period following CNA program completion, usually within 24 months. Some states allow you to challenge the certification exam without completing a state-approved training program if you meet specific qualifications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN,) is the largest nurse aide certification examination program in the United States. As of early March 2024, <\/span>18 NCSBN jurisdictions<\/span><\/a> used the NNAAP exam for testing CNAs, including 13 states (California counts as two jurisdictions), three U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nearly all states require some version of a CNA certification application, but not all charge an application fee. Many require fingerprinting for a background check, which usually requires a fee, even if the application process doesn\u2019t require one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might pay a testing fee, but federal and\/or state laws may require certain employers to cover this cost. If you\u2019re already employed or have been offered a travel, staff, <\/span>per diem<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>local contract CNA job<\/span><\/a>, confirm whether the employer is responsible for testing and retesting charges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Certification typically lasts for 2 years. Before expiration, you must follow the state\u2019s requirements for renewal. If you\u2019ve earned reciprocal certification in another state, you must also renew this to continue traveling to and working in any state you have reciprocity.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Find the Best Travel CNA Jobs<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

State-by-State CNA Certification & Reciprocity<\/b><\/h3>\n

Each state has similar certification and reciprocity guidelines, but some details may vary. When a state offers reciprocity, it agrees to allow a CNA certified in good standing in another state to practice without further training or testing requirements. However, it may charge an application fee and may or may not have additional requirements. Learn more about each state\u2019s specific certification and reciprocity requirements in the guidelines below. We’ve also added downloadable PDF checklists with specific CNA certification requirements within each state to make it easy to track your progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Click on your state below to learn the certification and reciprocity requirements for CNAs.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Alabama<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nAlaska<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nArizona<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nArkansas<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
California<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nColorado<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nConnecticut<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nDelaware<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
District of Columbia<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nFlorida<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nGeorgia<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nHawaii<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Idaho<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nIllinois<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nIndiana<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nIowa<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kansas<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nKentucky<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nLouisiana<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMaine<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maryland<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMassachusetts<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMichigan<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMinnesota<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mississippi<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMissouri<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMontana<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nNebraska<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nevada<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nNew Hampshire<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nNew Jersey<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nNew Mexico<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New York<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nNorth Carolina<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nNorth Dakota<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nOhio<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oklahoma<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nOregon<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nPennsylvania<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nRhode Island<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South Carolina<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nSouth Dakota<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nTennessee<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nTexas<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Utah<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nVermont<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nVirginia<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nWashington<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
West Virginia<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nWisconsin<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nWyoming<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Alabama<\/b><\/h3>\n

CNA Certification Requirements<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Download Alabama CNA Certification Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n