You can't earn a CNA license entirely online, because approved training includes supervised hands-on hours and the exam includes an in-person skills test, but you can look up, verify and, in most states, renew your CNA certification online through your state's nurse aide registry. Every state must keep a nurse aide registry that is "sufficiently accessible to meet the needs of the public and health care providers promptly" (42 CFR 483.156), so most offer an online search. The table below links each state's registry search and its renewal route.

Certified, registered or licensed?

Most states certify nursing assistants and list them on a registry, which is why "CNA license" usually means your registry listing. A few states use other titles: New Hampshire and Vermont license Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs), and Kentucky lists State Registered Nurse Aides (SRNAs). Either way, employers check the registry: a nursing home must verify your registry status before you work as a nurse aide (42 CFR 483.35(d)(4)).

Look up, verify and renew a CNA license by state

The registry search, who keeps the registry, and how renewal works in each state, from each state's registry or rules. Some searches ask for a certification number or the last digits of a Social Security number.

StateWho keeps the registryLook up or verifyHow to renew
AlabamaAlabama Department of Public Health - Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry (Division of Health Care Facilities / Provider Services)Search the registryNothing to file; qualifying work keeps you active. No work for over 24 months: retrain and retest (ADPH Nurse Aide Registry FAQ)
AlaskaAlaska Board of Nursing - Nurse Aide Registry (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing)Search the registryForm 08-4188 or online through MyAlaska/MY LICENSE; no grace period (Renewal form 08-4188 (PDF))
ArizonaArizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) - CNA RegistryNot statedNot stated (Headmaster Arizona candidate handbook (PDF))
ArkansasArkansas DHS Certified Nursing Assistant/Employment Clearance Registry (Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry, ARNAR), run for DHS by D&SDT-HeadmasterSearch the registryOnline in your TMU account at ar.tmutest.com; employer verifies by email. Out-of-state work: separate $25 form (Arkansas TMU registry site)
CaliforniaCalifornia Department of Public Health (CDPH), Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section (HPCTS)Search the registryForm CDPH 283C or fully online through OASYS (Renewal form CDPH 283C (PDF))
ColoradoColorado State Board of Nursing / Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) - Colorado Nurse Aide RegistrySearch the registryOnline through DPO Online Services; expired more than 2 years: pass the competency evaluation again (DPO Nursing FAQ (renewal))
ConnecticutConnecticut Department of Public Health - Connecticut Nurse's Aide Registry (online search hosted by Prometric)Search the registryEmployment Verification Form (you and employer) sent to the registry by fax, email or mail; no fee (DPH nurse aide renewal requirements)
DelawareDelaware DHSS Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) - Delaware CNA Registry (managed by Prometric)Search the registryOnline through the RELIAS portal with the z64 work-hours form; $25 fee (DHCQ CNA Registry (recertification))
FloridaFlorida Board of Nursing / Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA)Search the registryOnline at flhealthsource.gov; $55 fee before expiration (Board of Nursing CNA renewal page)
GeorgiaGeorgia Department of Community Health - Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, run by the State Contractor Alliant Health Solutions (portal: careconnect.georgia.gov)Search the registryOnline renewal form at careconnect.georgia.gov with proof of employment uploaded; no fee (Georgia Nurse Aide Program forms (renewal form))
HawaiiHawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing; registry operated by Prometric under contractSearch the registryRenewal form (facility-signed for Medicare/Medicaid nursing facilities) mailed to Prometric (DCCA Nurse Aide licensing page)
IdahoIdaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Nurse Aide Program / Idaho CNA Registry (Bureau of Facility Standards); online registry hosted by contractor PrometricSearch the registryRenewal form to the Idaho Nurse Aide Program by email ([email protected]), fax or mail; no fee (IDHW CNA Registry (links renewal form))
IllinoisIllinois Department of Public Health, Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR)Search the registryNothing to file; employers report work to the HCWR at least annually. Lapsed: SIUC recertification + test (IDPH CNA Facts (Health Care Worker Registry))
IndianaIndiana Department of Health, Indiana Aides Registry (certifications managed in the MyLicenseOne system)Search the registryOnline through MyLicenseOne; free (you can print your card there) (IDOH CNA certification and recertification)
IowaIowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), Iowa Direct Care Worker (DCW) RegistrySearch the registryNo application: employer reports your hours (electronically or by attestation letter); no self-reporting (DIAL: staying active on the DCW Registry)
KansasKDADS Health Occupations Credentialing, Kansas Nurse Aide RegistrySearch the registryEmployer completes and submits the Employment Verification form (mail, email or fax) (KDADS Nurse Aide FAQs (PDF))
KentuckyKentucky Board of Nursing (KBN), Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, under an interagency agreement with the Department for Medicaid ServicesSearch the registryOnline in the KBN Nurse Portal with proof (paystub, W-2 or facility letter); private duty: notarized form (KBN: How to renew your SRNA certification)
LouisianaLouisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section, Louisiana Certified Nurse Aide Registry (LCNAR)Search the registryApproved employers report your work (eNAT-7 in LARS, NAT-7 form, or letter); CNAs cannot self-report (LDH CNA Registry)
MaineMaine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification, Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and Direct Care WorkersSearch the registryRenewal form + employer-completed CNA Employment Verification Form, by mail or online portal; no fee (Maine CNA Registry (DHHS))
MarylandMaryland Board of Nursing (certification and registry; online system CHART)Search the registryBoard renewal application and fee (plus criminal history check when scheduled), online in MBON's CHART (MBON Nursing Assistant Certification (CHART))
MassachusettsMassachusetts Department of Public Health, Nurse Aide Registry Program (Bureau of Health Professions Licensure), 67 Forest Street, Marlborough, MASearch the registryOnline through the DPH Health Profession Licensing System (healthprofessionlicensing.mass.gov) (DPH renewal information for CNAs)
MichiganMichigan LARA, Bureau of Community and Health Systems (took over the registry from Headmaster on July 26, 2023; system: MI-NATES)Search the registryOnline in MI-NATES with attestations; $40 fee (LARA Nurse Aide Registry)
MinnesotaMinnesota Department of Health, Nurse Aide Registry (Health Regulation Division)Search the registryOnline Renewal Application in the MDH Nurse Aide Registry system (nar.web.health.state.mn.us) (MDH renewal application tutorial (PDF))
MississippiMississippi State Department of Health (registry operated for MSDH by Headmaster/TMU)Search the registryOnline in TMU (ms.tmutest.com): list hours and employer, who confirms by email link (MSDH CNA Certification and Training)
MissouriMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Education Unit (registry records and renewals run through D&SDT-Headmaster's Missouri TMU)Search the registryUpload proof (pay stubs, W-2s or employer letters) and pay the renewal fee in your TMU profile (DHSS CNA Registry (renew in TMU))
MontanaMontana DPHHS, Office of Inspector General, Certification Bureau (Montana Nurse Aide Registry; BOUNDS portal)Search the registryOnline only through the DPHHS BOUNDS portal (mt-reports.com); no email renewals (Montana Nurse Aide Registry (DPHHS))
NebraskaNebraska DHHS, Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit (Office of Nursing Support) - Nebraska Nurse Aide RegistrySearch the registryNothing to file; employers report hires/terminations. Lapsed: retake the written/oral and clinical exams (Nebraska DHHS Nurse Aide page)
NevadaNevada State Board of Nursing (certifies CNAs and keeps the Nevada Nursing Assistant Registry)Search the registryOnline via the Nevada Nurse Portal with attestation; $50 fee; random audits (NSBN CNA Renewal FAQs (PDF))
New HampshireNew Hampshire Board of Nursing / Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), which keeps the nursing assistant registry (Nur 703.01)Search the registryOnline only through the OPLC renewal portal (CE tracked in CE Broker); expired licenses can't renew there (OPLC Applications for LNA (renewal))
New JerseyNew Jersey Department of Health (Certification Program); the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry is maintained for DOH by PSISearch the registryEmployer completes and signs the renewal form; $36 fee; background check updated; walk-in at PSI NJ test sites (NJ DOH: Renew or Replace a Certificate)
New MexicoNew Mexico Health Care Authority (NMHCA) Nurse Aide Registry; registry services operated by Headmaster (TMU) since July 1, 2024Search the registryOnline in TMU (nm.tmutest.com); employer verifies; $25 fee (+4.875% NM gross receipts tax) (NMHCA Certified Nurse Aide Registry)
New YorkNYS Department of Health (Nursing Home Nurse Aide Registry), managed by Prometric under contractSearch the registryYour employer submits the NYS NAR Recertification Form and pays the $40 fee; aides may not be charged (NYS DOH CNA recertification requirements (PDF))
North CarolinaN.C. DHHS Division of Health Service Regulation, Health Care Personnel Education and Credentialing Section (N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry)Search the registryYou complete the Online Renewal Form; the RN completes the Online Employment Verification Form (NC Nurse Aide I Registry renewal)
North DakotaNorth Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Facilities Unit - Nurse Aide RegistrySearch the registryOnline renewal application with employment verification (services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/renew/); no fee (ND Nurse Aide Registry online services (renew))
OhioOhio Department of Health, Bureau of Regulatory Operations, Nurse Aide RegistrySearch the registryFacilities submit Nurse Aide Registration Form HEA 7713; otherwise you send employer or nurse documentation (ODH Nurse Aide Registry requirements)
OklahomaOklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Nurse Aide RegistrySearch the registryLong Term Care Digital Application or ODH Form 717 (PDF) with a sworn statement; no fee for LTC aides (Renewal application ODH Form 717 (PDF))
OregonOregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) - CNA certification (license verification portal also links the OBRA Federal CNA Registry and CNA Abuse Registry)Search the registryOnline through the OSBN licensing portal with the renewal form and fee, by 11:59 p.m. on the expiration date (OSBN rule-change advisory (PDF))
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Department of Health (oversight), with day-to-day registry management contracted to CredentiaSearch the registryOnline through the Credentia Platform; private duty/self-employment doesn't count (PA DOH Nurse Aide Testing (continued enrollment))
Rhode IslandRhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) - nursing assistant licensing / Nursing Assistant RegistrySearch the registryOnline renewal form with employment attestation, plus fee; subject to audit (keep proof 3 years) (216-RICR-40-05-22 (RI renewal rule))
South CarolinaSCDHHS (South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry), maintained through its contracted agent CredentiaSearch the registryOnline 'Continued Enrollment' application in the Credentia Platform (Credentia South Carolina (continued enrollment))
South DakotaSouth Dakota Board of Nursing (Certified Nurse Aide and Medication Aide Registry)Search the registryOnline Renewal Application (sduap.org/CNA/renew/) (SD Board of Nursing CNA renewal)
TennesseeTennessee Health Facilities Commission (Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry); registry management and renewals handled by Credentia since June 1, 2026Search the registryOnline in the Credentia Platform via credentia.com/test-takers/tn/, with proof (pay stub or attestation) (TN HFC Nurse Aide page (renewal instructions))
TexasTexas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Nurse Aide Registry; applications and renewals are handled through TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal)Search the registryIn TULIP: CNA Renewal Application or employer-filed Facility Staff Renewal; work verified on Form 5506 (HHSC: Renew a Nurse Aide Certificate)
UtahUtah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR), Kaysville, UTSearch the registryRenewal Notice Form (from TMU) signed by a nurse, HR rep or administrator, submitted to UNAR; $40 late fee (UNAR Common Questions (renewal))
VermontVermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (Board of Nursing), which licenses LNAsSearch the registryOnline through OPR's Online Services System; proof of hours only if audited (OPR LNA Renewal Instructions (PDF))
VirginiaVirginia Board of Nursing, Department of Health Professions (Virginia Nurse Aide Registry)Search the registryOnline at dhp.virginia.gov with attestation; $30 annual renewal fee (18VAC90-25-80 (renewal regulation))
WashingtonTwo bodies: the Washington State Board of Nursing / Department of Health issues and renews the NAC credential, and DSHS (ALTSA Residential Care Services) keeps the federal OBRA Nurse Aide Registry, with facility inquiries by form DSHS 16-193.Search the registryOnline through the HELMS portal; $95 renewal fee (WABON: Renew or Reactivate a License)
West VirginiaOHFLAC Nurse Aide Program (West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry)Search the registryOnline Registration Renewal Application (OHFLAC); independent private-duty work doesn't count (OHFLAC Nurse Aide Program (online renewal))
WisconsinWisconsin Department of Health Services (DQA) Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, hosted by Headmaster in TestMaster Universe (TMU)Search the registryIn TMU, add your employer, who approves it (extends 24 months); employers not in TMU use form F-03211 (WI DHS: Maintaining Registry Status)
WyomingWyoming State Board of Nursing certifies CNAs and verifies certification. The Wyoming Department of Health (HLS) maintains the 'Wyoming CNA Registry' of WSBN-certified aides for nursing homes and swing beds, at https://cnaregistry.health.wyo.gov.Search the registryOnline through the WSBN Nurse Portal with evidence of continuing competency (WSBN Licensing (Nurse Portal))

Where official sources disagree or a detail couldn't be confirmed:

  • Alabama: ADPH says there is no renewal process; its testing vendor's handbook says aides must renew. Either way, the 8-hour work rule applies.
  • Arizona: The renewal period and work-hour rule are set in Arizona Board of Nursing rules that could not be confirmed; check azbn.gov.
  • Colorado: The renewal cycle length and expiration date aren't on an official page; the rule leaves the schedule to the DPO director.
  • Delaware: The regulation requires supervision by a nurse; the DHCQ registry page says a nurse or physician.
  • Georgia: The testing vendor's handbook says the work must be supervised by a nurse; the state program manual says a Registered Nurse.
  • Hawaii: The state rule requires one full day of paid work in 24 months; the testing vendor's 2017 bulletin says at least eight hours.
  • Idaho: IDHW (2026) sets expiration 24 months from your last day worked; an older 2013 vendor bulletin counts from the prior expiration.
  • Louisiana: A 2020 vendor bulletin says the work must be under a licensed RN; LDH's current page and rule don't include that condition.
  • Maryland: Changes to these rules (COMAR 10.39.01) were published November 9, 2026 and are not reflected here.
  • Massachusetts: The testing vendor's handbook says the 8 hours must be consecutive; the DPH page says at least eight hours.
  • Minnesota: An older MDH page (2022) describes mailing an update form; MDH's newer tutorial describes renewing online.
  • Missouri: DHSS asks for at least 8 hours of work per 24 months; the testing vendor's handbook says 8 consecutive hours.
  • Montana: DPHHS pages don't state the certificate period or a paid-work requirement for renewal.
  • New Hampshire: OPLC says licenses expire 2 years from issue, at the end of the issue month; an older Board rule still says renew by your birthday.
  • New Mexico: NMHCA's page also lists 12 hours of in-service/CE a year; the testing vendor's handbook lists only the 8-hour work rule.
  • Oregon: Oregon dropped its 400-hour work rule January 1, 2026; OSBN doesn't say if the federal 24-month work check still applies in nursing homes.
  • Pennsylvania: PA DOH says at least eight hours; its registry contractor says one documented day of 8 consecutive hours.
  • Virginia: The regulation requires annual renewal ($30 fee); the testing vendor's handbook says initial certification lasts two years.
  • West Virginia: Renewal rules come from OHFLAC's May 2016 policy manual; no newer official statement was found.
  • Wyoming: The Board's rule (effective 12/17/2025) allows 400 work hours, 40 CE hours or passing the NATCEP; a 2024 handbook lists other options.

Get Your CNA License

Keeping your certification active

Federal rules set one floor for every state: if you go 24 consecutive months without providing nursing or nursing-related services for pay, you must complete a new training and competency evaluation program or a new competency evaluation before working as a nurse aide again (42 CFR 483.35(d)(6)), and states must determine which aides no longer qualify to stay on the registry for that reason (483.156(b)(3)). States add their own rules, such as a minimum number of paid hours or in-service training; the table shows them.

If your certification has lapsed, you'll need to retest or retrain, depending on your state. If you're moving, apply to your new state's registry rather than renewing in the old one.

Getting your CNA license in the first place

  1. Finish a state-approved nurse aide training program: at least 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training, under federal rules (42 CFR 483.152); many states require more. Classroom parts may be online where the state allows; the practical training is in person.
  2. Pass the competency evaluation: a written or oral exam and a skills demonstration (42 CFR 483.154). Registration and scheduling are often online.
  3. Get listed on your state's registry, then look yourself up to confirm it.

See how to become a CNA online for each step.

Request More Information

Sources

Last reviewed November 2026. ThinkCNA doesn't run courses; the form matches you with schools near you.