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License Verification
 

Nurse Aide Registry.

Nurse Aide Certification Status

A Nurse Aide Registry inquiry is a search of state-specific databases that contain information on an individual’s licenses. It contains crucial information about individuals who have completed a state-approved nursing assistant training program and have passed the state's competency evaluation to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The registry ensures that CNAs meet the requirements and are in good standing to provide safe and competent care to patients.

Understanding Nurse Aide Registry Information


When conducting a registry search, you're able to verify an applicant's license number and see if any disciplinary action has been taken against that individual. All reports of misconduct, abuse, neglect, and mistreatment will be stored and obtained through the Nurse Aide Registry. The information available typically includes certification date, expiration date, and the current status of the certification.

State Registry Requirements


Each state maintains its own Nurse Aide Registry with specific requirements and access methods. For example, New York State requires employers to verify certification status before hiring and every 12 months thereafter. California mandates verification through its online system and requires employers to maintain documentation of all verifications. Florida's registry includes additional endorsements and specializations that CNAs may have obtained. It’s best to use a background screening provider if you have employees in multiple states.

Importance for Healthcare Employers


There are strict state and federal regulations that exclude individuals with adverse nurse aide history from working at nursing homes in the future. If your residential care facility is found to have hired an individual with an adverse history, there are severe penalties that can be enforced. These penalties may include:

  • Substantial monetary fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 per violation

  • Suspension of facility licenses

  • Mandatory corrective action plans

  • Enhanced monitoring and oversight

Comprehensive Verification Process


The Nurse Aide Registry is separate from an OIG exclusion or GSA exclusion search. A complete verification process should include multiple database checks:

  • State Nurse Aide Registry Verification

  • OIG/GSA exclusion list screening

  • State-specific disciplinary database checks

  • Professional license verification

  • Healthcare sanctions search through Health Care Comply Plus™


With the stakes so high, it is imperative for your hiring team to trust a professional background screening provider with the task of finding all available information. Utilizing a Nurse Aide Registry search, together with CI's combined healthcare sanctions search, Health Care Comply Plus, will significantly increase the amount of information your hiring teams can use to base their decision on.

Our Nurse Aide Registry Search empowers you to hire with confidence, ensuring that your nursing assistants are qualified, certified, and dedicated to providing exceptional care.

Learn More About All 50 State Nurse Aide Registries.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) maintains Alabama's Nurse Aide Registry through its Division of Health Care Facilities. In Alabama, individuals become eligible for the registry after completing a state-approved training program and passing a competency evaluation. Unlike many other health professions in the state, Alabama does not require CNAs to obtain a formal license; instead, inclusion on the registry serves as the authorization to practice. Employers are mandated to verify a nurse aide's status before employment and must check the registry at least once every 12 months. The registry also tracks substantiated findings of resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property, which results in a permanent disqualification from working in Alabama nursing homes.
The Alaska Board of Nursing, under the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, oversees the certification of nurse aides and the maintenance of Alaska’s abuse registry. Alaska requires CNAs to renew their certification biennially, necessitating proof of at least 160 hours of compensated nursing-related services and 24 hours of continuing education. The registry is integrated with the "MY LICENSE" portal, allowing for real-time verification by employers and the public. A unique aspect of Alaska's system is its focus on maintaining standards across remote and rural healthcare settings, with the Board taking direct disciplinary action against aides who violate state healthcare laws or are found to have engaged in patient abuse.
The Arizona State Board of Nursing manages two distinct categories for nursing assistants: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA). While both are listed on the state registry, LNAs must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check for the Board, whereas CNAs only require state-approved training and testing. Employers must use the Board’s "Verify a License" tool to check for active credentials and any disciplinary history. Arizona requires 24 hours of in-service training every two years for renewal. The Board’s primary mission is public safety, and the registry serves as a critical tool for identifying individuals with a history of professional misconduct or patient harm.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), through the Office of Long-Term Care, is responsible for Arkansas' Nurse Aide Registry. Arkansas partners with third-party vendors like D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) to manage testing and registry data. To remain active, a CNA must work at least eight hours in a nursing-related capacity every 24 months. Arkansas law requires all long-term care facilities to query the registry before hiring any individual to ensure they are in good standing and do not have a record of abuse or neglect. Disciplinary findings on the registry are permanent and prohibit employment in DHS-licensed facilities.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) manages California's Nurse Aide Registry through its Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section. California has rigorous standards, requiring 48 hours of continuing education (CEUs) for biennial renewal, with at least 12 of those hours completed in each year of the cycle. The registry also tracks Home Health Aides (HHA) and Hemodialysis Technicians. Employers can access the "L&C Verification" search portal to check certificate validity and view any administrative actions or substantiated findings of abuse. Failure to maintain an active status or a finding of misconduct on the registry immediately disqualifies an individual from providing care in California's skilled nursing facilities.
The Colorado State Board of Nursing, part of the Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), oversees Colorado's Nurse Aide Registry. Colorado requires all Nurse Aides to be certified (CNA) to practice in any healthcare facility. The registry is part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and provides a comprehensive online portal for license verification, renewals, and tracking of disciplinary history. To maintain an active status, CNAs must renew their certification biennially and demonstrate at least eight hours of paid nursing-related services during that period. Employers are legally required to verify a CNA's status through the DORA portal prior to employment. The registry also serves as the primary record for any substantiated findings of resident abuse or neglect, which results in permanent disqualification from the registry.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) in partnership with Prometric, the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry maintains the credentials of all individuals authorized to work as nursing assistants in the state. Connecticut requires all long-term care facilities to search the registry and obtain a specific "confirmation number" before hiring an individual. To remain active, aides must prove at least eight hours of employment in a qualifying nursing role every 24 months. The registry is a critical compliance tool that tracks administrative actions and findings of patient abuse or misappropriation of property. In cases where a certification has lapsed for more than two years, the individual must undergo retraining and pass a new competency exam to be reinstated.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), through its Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ), is responsible for Delaware's Nurse Aide Registry. Delaware has a rigorous certification process that includes mandatory background checks and drug screening for all registry applicants. The DHCQ manages the registry via a central Background Check Center (BCC), which integrates the Nurse Aide Registry with the Adult Abuse Registry and other state disciplinary databases. Employers must use this system to verify that a candidate is in good standing and free of any substantiated abuse findings. Renewal requires proof of 24 hours of continuing education every two years, ensuring that all active CNAs remain current with state healthcare standards.
The District of Columbia Board of Nursing, under DC Health, governs the certification and registration of nurse aides within the District. The registry is currently managed through the Credentia (CNA365) system, providing real-time access for employers to verify certifications and disciplinary status. DC requires applicants to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) and undergo a criminal background check. For renewal, CNAs must demonstrate at least eight hours of nursing service within the preceding 24 months. The Board takes a proactive role in public safety by maintaining records of any professional misconduct or patient harm, which are accessible to facility administrators during the pre-employment screening process.
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, maintains Florida's Nurse Aide Registry through the Florida Board of Nursing. Florida utilizes the "FL HealthSource" portal, a robust online verification system that allows employers to search for CNA licenses, review disciplinary records, and monitor expiration dates. A unique feature of Florida's system is its electronic tracking of continuing education; at the time of renewal, the registry automatically checks that the CNA has met all training requirements. To remain eligible to work, CNAs must complete 24 hours of in-service training every two years. Employers are mandated to confirm that all contracted or employed aides are active on the registry and have no disqualifying findings of abuse or fraud.
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) manages Georgia’s Nurse Aide Registry through its contractor, Alliant Health Solutions. Georgia requires a minimum of 85 hours of state-approved training, including at least 24 hours of clinical experience in a nursing home. To remain in "active" status, CNAs must renew every two years by providing proof of at least eight hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The registry tracks substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property; such findings result in a permanent bar from employment in Medicaid/Medicare-certified facilities. Employers must verify a candidate’s status and adverse findings via the Georgia MMIS portal prior to hiring.
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, oversees the certification of nurse aides in Hawaii. The registry, managed in collaboration with Prometric, serves as the primary verification source for healthcare facilities. Hawaii requires CNAs to renew their certification by June 30 of every odd-numbered year. For renewal, aides must demonstrate continued competency, often through evidence of employment in a nursing-related capacity. The DCCA’s "MyPVL" portal allows for real-time verification of license status and disciplinary history. Hawaii also maintains strict background check requirements, ensuring that any individual with a history of patient harm or criminal misconduct is flagged and ineligible for registry inclusion.
Managed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), Bureau of Facility Standards, the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry ensures all CNAs meet federal OBRA standards. Idaho requires 120 hours of state-approved training and the successful completion of a competency exam. The registry serves as the official record for identifying individuals authorized to use the "CNA" title. To maintain an active status, a nurse aide must work at least eight hours in a nursing-related role every 24 months. Idaho utilizes the Prometric testing system for data management and provides a public lookup tool for employers to check for current certification and any administrative findings of abuse or neglect, which are recorded permanently on the registry.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) maintains the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry, which is more comprehensive than a standard nurse aide list, as it includes multiple types of unlicensed healthcare workers. For CNAs, Illinois requires the completion of a state-approved training program and a written competency test administered by Southern Illinois University. A unique feature is the "Health Care Worker Background Check Act," which mandates criminal history record checks for all individuals on the registry. Employers must verify that a candidate has no "disqualifying convictions" or administrative findings of abuse. Certification remains active as long as the aide has not had a break in nursing employment for 24 consecutive months.
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) oversees the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry, which tracks Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs). Indiana mandates that all CNAs work under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and complete a state-approved training program followed by a competency evaluation. To remain active, aides must provide proof of employment (at least eight hours) every two years. The registry is the central hub for reporting and tracking complaints of patient mistreatment or misappropriation. Indiana’s system is primarily digital, with the IDOH "Search and Verify" tool serving as the primary source for employers to ensure compliance and view any substantiated findings of misconduct.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry tracks Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other direct care professionals. Iowa requires candidates to complete a 75-hour state-approved training program and pass both written and skills competency exams at an Iowa community college. To maintain "active" status, CNAs must work at least one eight-hour shift of nursing-related duties every 24 months. While registry inclusion is federally mandated for employment in long-term care facilities (nursing homes and skilled nursing units), Iowa does not require registry status for other settings like assisted living. The registry serves as the official record for substantiated findings of resident abuse or misappropriation, which renders an individual ineligible for employment in licensed facilities.
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) maintains Kansas' Nurse Aide Registry through its Health Occupations Credentialing (HOC) division. Kansas provides real-time "primary source verification" through its online portal, which is the legal standard for employers to verify a CNA's status. To remain active, CNAs must provide proof of employment in a nursing-related capacity within the last 24 months; otherwise, they must complete a refresher course or retake the competency exam. The registry also integrates records for Home Health Aides (HHA) and Medication Aides (CMA). Kansas law mandates that the registry include any administrative findings of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and employers are strictly prohibited from hiring individuals with such findings on their record.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) oversees the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, where individuals are designated as State Registered Nurse Aides (SRNAs). Kentucky recently transitioned to the "ORBS" cloud-based system, requiring all aides to maintain a digital Nurse Portal account for renewals and status updates. To stay on the active registry, an SRNA must perform at least eight hours of nursing-related functions for compensation every 24 months. Kentucky utilizes the community and technical college system (KCTCS) as its sole testing provider. The registry is a critical tool for public safety, as it maintains a permanent list of aides who have been found to have abused or neglected residents in healthcare facilities, preventing their re-employment in the industry.
Managed by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry tracks all CNAs authorized to work in the state. Louisiana requires a minimum of 80 hours of training, with a unique 50/50 split between classroom theory and supervised clinical practice. The state utilizes an "automatic renewal" system where licensed employers (nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies) report qualifying work hours directly to the LDH, eliminating the need for individual renewal applications. To remain active, a CNA must work at least eight hours every two years. The registry is integrated with the Louisiana Registration System (LARS), allowing employers to verify certifications and check for disqualifying findings of abuse or criminal convictions that bar individuals from caregiving roles.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) manages a comprehensive registry that includes both Certified Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers (DCWs). Maine has some of the highest training standards in the country, requiring 130 to 180 hours of approved instruction. Registry status is mandatory for all CNAs practicing in the state, and renewal is required every 24 months. Uniquely, Maine’s registry also lists non-certified Direct Care Workers who have substantiated findings of abuse or misappropriation, ensuring a broader layer of protection for patients in all care settings. Employers are required to conduct a "Registry Look-up" prior to hiring to ensure the candidate is active and has no annotations for misconduct or neglect.
The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) oversees Maryland’s Nurse Aide Registry, which designates qualifying individuals as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA). In Maryland, a GNA is a CNA who has passed a specific competency evaluation to work in licensed long-term care facilities. MBON does not issue paper certificates; the online registry serves as the official primary source verification. Certification expires on the 28th day of the aide's birth month every two years. To renew, aides must have performed at least 16 hours of nursing-related services for pay and may be required to undergo a new criminal history records check (CHRC) if one is not on file. The registry is a vital compliance tool that tracks disciplinary actions and substantiated findings of resident abuse or neglect.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) maintains the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry to ensure that individuals working in long-term care facilities and home health agencies meet federal competency standards. Massachusetts requires CNAs to renew their certification biennially through the eLicensing system, affirming at least eight hours of paid nursing service within the prior 24 months. Employers are legally mandated to use the Nurse Aide Registry Inquiry System (NARIS) prior to hiring to verify a candidate's status and check for any "adjudicated findings" of patient abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property. Massachusetts allows a 120-day "grace period" for new hires to complete their testing, but they must be listed as active on the registry to continue employment beyond that window.
Managed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry utilizes the MI-NATES (Michigan Nurse Aide Training and Enforcement System) platform for all certification and renewal activities. Michigan requires CNAs to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. To maintain an active status, aides must renew every two years, pay a $20 fee, and attest to completing 24 hours of continuing education and 40 hours of nursing-related work. LARA maintains a public search portal that allows facilities and the public to verify current registration status. The registry also serves as the official repository for administrative findings of misconduct, which permanently disqualifies an individual from working in a Michigan nursing home or high-complexity care setting.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) maintains the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry to track individuals who have met state and federal standards for employment in nursing homes and certified boarding care homes. Minnesota's system is entirely online and does not charge a fee for registration or renewal. To remain active on the registry, a nursing assistant must work at least eight hours in a nursing-related role every 24 months. If an aide's status lapses, they must retake the competency evaluation. The registry is a critical public safety tool as it includes a "publicly accessible" list of substantiated findings of resident abuse, neglect, or theft. Employers are required to verify the certificate number of every applicant through the MDH portal before allowing them to provide direct patient care.
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) manages the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry in partnership with D&SDT-Headmaster, utilizing the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. Mississippi requires 75 hours of state-approved training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. To keep their certification active, CNAs must perform at least eight hours of nursing-related duties for pay every 24 months. The registry is the central record for tracking certification status, training history, and any substantiated findings of abuse or misappropriation of property. Employers are mandated to verify a candidate's standing in TMU prior to hiring. If an individual has been out of the workforce for more than two years, they must undergo "Reactivation by Examination" to return to active status on the registry.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) maintains Missouri’s registry, which tracks Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Medication Technicians (CMTs), and Insulin Administrators (IAs). Missouri requires CNAs to complete a 75-hour classroom course followed by 100 hours of on-the-job training. To stay "Active," CNAs must provide proof of nursing-related services to the DHSS every 24 months via the TMU (TestMaster Universe) system. If an individual fails to perform nursing services for five consecutive years, their status becomes "Expired," requiring them to retake the entire course. The registry also records "Federal Indicators" for findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation; individuals with such indicators are permanently barred from working in certified long-term care facilities.
Managed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) through its Certification Bureau, the Montana Nurse Aide Registry is fully digitized via the BOUNDS portal. All applications, including initial certification by exam and interstate endorsements, must be submitted through this online system. To maintain a current certificate, CNAs must renew biennially by demonstrating at least 8 hours of paid nursing employment during the two-year cycle. Montana also offers a Home Health Aide (HHA) endorsement for active CNAs who complete additional state-approved training. The registry serves as the official source for employers to verify eligibility and check for any disciplinary actions or findings of misconduct that would disqualify an aide from practice.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees the Nebraska registry, which is a list of individuals who have met state training and testing requirements. Nebraska is unique in requiring all aides moving from another state to complete a specific one-hour Nebraska-specific in-service on reporting abuse, neglect, and misappropriation. To remain "Active," an aide must have worked for pay as a nurse aide within the last 24 months. If the status lapses, the individual must retake both the written and clinical exams. Nebraska does not issue physical license cards; instead, it provides a "Generate Wallet Card" feature on its public search website for digital verification. The registry also tracks "Ineligible" status for those with disqualifying convictions or administrative findings.
The Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN) manages the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry, requiring all CNAs to maintain an account in the Nevada Nurse Portal for renewals and personal information updates. Nevada law mandates that CNAs practice in a nursing-related capacity for at least 40 hours within the 24 months preceding their renewal to stay active. A significant requirement for Nevada renewal is the completion of 24 hours of continuing education, which must now include at least 4 hours of cultural competency training. Employers must use the Board’s online "License and Certificate Lookup" to verify active status. The registry also serves as the primary record for reporting and tracking professional discipline and substantiated findings of patient abuse or neglect.
In New Hampshire, the Board of Nursing, under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), regulates Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs). Unlike states where "CNA" is the standard title, New Hampshire utilizes "LNA" to reflect its mandatory licensing law; no person may practice or even attend orientation without a valid license. To maintain licensure, LNAs must renew every two years, which requires proof of 24 hours of continuing education and 200 hours of practice within the renewal period. The registry tracks the status of all LNA licenses and records any Board actions or findings of resident mistreatment. Employers are required to verify the authenticity and standing of an LNA license through the OPLC verification portal before hiring.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) oversees New Jersey’s registry through its Certification Program, with PSI Services LLC handling examination and registry data management. New Jersey requires a 90-hour training program (50 classroom/40 clinical) and a criminal background check for all applicants. To maintain an active status, CNAs must renew their certification every two years; this requires proof of at least 7 hours of nursing-related work for pay within the 24-month period. Employers are mandated to verify an aide's standing through the NJDOH portal or the PSI search tool. The registry serves as the official record for substantiated findings of resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation, which results in permanent disqualification from working in New Jersey's licensed long-term care facilities.
Managed by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), the New Mexico registry recently transitioned to the Headmaster TMU platform for tracking and verification. New Mexico requires a minimum of 75 training hours and the successful completion of a state competency evaluation. To remain active, CNAs must demonstrate at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work within the previous 24 months. A notable requirement in New Mexico is the mandate for 12 hours of in-service training or continuing education each year (24 hours total per renewal cycle). The registry tracks certification status and records any administrative findings of abuse or misconduct. Employers must conduct a registry search for all prospective hires to ensure they are in good standing and have no disqualifying indicators.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) maintains the New York State registry in collaboration with Prometric. NYSDOH requires all nursing home nurse aides to be listed on the registry to be eligible for employment. To stay active, aides must complete at least one shift (7-8 hours) of nursing-related service every 24 months. If an aide goes 24 consecutive months without qualifying work, their status lapses, and they must retrain and retest. The registry is a critical tool for identifying individuals with substantiated findings or criminal convictions related to resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Federal and state laws strictly prohibit nursing facilities from employing any individual in any capacity if they have such a documented finding listed on the registry.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Health Service Regulation, manages the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry. North Carolina distinguishes between Nurse Aide I (unlicensed assistive personnel) and Nurse Aide II (governed by the Board of Nursing). To maintain a listing on the Nurse Aide I Registry, individuals must renew every 24 months by performing at least 8 hours of qualified work for pay, supervised by a Registered Nurse. DHSR does not send renewal notices; it is the aide's responsibility to renew online. The registry includes all substantiated findings of resident abuse or neglect in nursing homes. Employers must verify candidates against this list, as individuals with "findings" are legally barred from working in nursing home settings.
Managed by North Dakota Health and Human Services (NDHHS), the North Dakota registry tracks Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Nurse Aides (NAs), and Home Health Aides. North Dakota requires 75 hours of state-approved training and a competency exam. To remain active, registrants must renew every two years via the online portal, showing proof of qualifying work. The registry serves to verify that individuals have met the minimal training and testing requirements to accept tasks delegated by a licensed nurse. It also acts as the repository for incident reports and substantiated findings of abuse or misappropriation. Employers are required to use the "Verify a Registration" tool to check for active status and ensure there are no legal or ethical disqualifiers before hiring.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) maintains the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, where qualified individuals are listed as State Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs). Ohio requires 75 hours of state-approved training (59 classroom/16 clinical) and successful completion of a competency exam administered by Headmaster. To remain "Active," STNAs must work at least 7.5 consecutive hours (or 8 hours in a 48-hour period) of paid nursing-related services every 24 months. The registry is the official source for primary verification and includes records of substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Notably, Ohio allows facilities to query the registry via a voice-automated system or web portal, and any individual with a "finding" on the registry is legally barred from employment in long-term care settings.
Managed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the Oklahoma registry subdivides nurse aides into six specialties, including Long-Term Care (LTC), Home Health Aide (HHA), and Certified Medication Aide (CMA). Oklahoma requires 75 training hours and a competency exam with a unique scoring threshold: at least 70% on the written portion and 80% on the skills test. To maintain certification, CNAs must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing service within a 24-month period. The registry tracks certification status and criminal background results, and it includes notations for abuse or neglect. Employers must report new hires to the registry within 30 days and are prohibited from hiring individuals with disqualifying notations or specific criminal convictions.
The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) oversees the Oregon registry, tracking CNA 1 and CNA 2 certifications. Oregon has high standards, requiring 155 training hours (including 75 clinical hours) and a fingerprint-based criminal background check that may take up to 8 weeks to process. To renew biennially, CNAs must prove at least 400 hours of paid nursing-related work; unlike many states, no continuing education is currently required for standard renewal. The registry is a centralized digital record for certification status, exam results, and findings of resident abuse or misappropriation. Employers must verify an individual's active status through the OSBN Nurse Portal before they can perform authorized CNA duties.
Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in partnership with Credentia, the Pennsylvania registry tracks all nurse aides authorized to work in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania requires completion of a 75-hour state-approved program and passing the NNAAP exam. To stay listed as "Active," aides must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) for pay in an approved facility every 24 months. The registry is a critical tool for public safety, recording any "denial of renewal" due to employment lapses or administrative findings of resident mistreatment. Employers are legally required to verify a candidate's status through the online search tool, as individuals without a current, active registration cannot be employed as nurse aides.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) regulates Nursing Assistants, requiring 120 training hours (with at least 40 hours of practical clinical experience) and a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check. Rhode Island is unique in that it issues a formal "certificate of registration" that must be renewed every 24 months. To be eligible for renewal, CNAs must have worked a minimum of 8 hours within the cycle. The registry is a public record of all registered individuals and any disciplinary actions or findings of misconduct. New graduates may receive a 120-day temporary permit to practice while awaiting their exam results, but they must be fully registered to continue working beyond that period.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) oversees South Carolina’s registry, managed in partnership with Credentia. South Carolina strictly adheres to federal regulations, mandating that all direct care staff in Medicaid-certified nursing facilities be listed on the registry. To remain "Active," CNAs must perform at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of nursing-related service for pay under the supervision of an RN or LPN every 24 months. The registry is a critical tool for public safety, as it maintains permanent records of substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Possession of a physical certification card is not considered proof of status; employers are legally required to perform a primary source verification through the Credentia/CNA365 portal before hiring.
The South Dakota Board of Nursing maintains a comprehensive registry for all Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, including Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) and Medication Aides. South Dakota requires candidates to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency evaluation to be placed on the registry. To maintain active status, CNAs must renew biennially, demonstrating that they have worked for pay in a nursing-related capacity during the renewal cycle. The registry serves as the official record for tracking disciplinary history and ensuring that individuals meet the minimal training and testing requirements. Employers must use the Board’s "Registration Verification" tool, which provides real-time data, to confirm a candidate's standing and check for any disqualifying findings of misconduct.
Managed by the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee registry tracks all individuals who have completed an approved nurse aide training program and competency evaluation. Tennessee requires 75 hours of training, with an additional 40 hours of specialized instruction required for those working in Alzheimer’s or dementia care units. To keep certification active, an aide must provide verification of at least 8 hours of nursing-related work for pay every 24 months via the TMU (TestMaster Universe) system. Tennessee uniquely does not accept reciprocity from Florida; individuals from that state must retrain and retest. The registry is the central hub for tracking findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation, and employers are mandated to check this list to prevent the employment of individuals with derogatory information.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) oversees the Texas Nurse Aide Registry and the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Texas requires 100 hours of training (60 classroom/40 clinical) and a criminal background check through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). A significant requirement in Texas is the mandate for 24 hours of in-service education every two years to renew certification, which must include specific training in geriatrics and dementia care. All registry functions, including renewals and reciprocity applications, are managed through the Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP). Employers must verify that candidates are active on the registry and are not listed on the Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR) before offering employment.
The Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR), overseen by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, is the central authority for CNA certification in the state. Utah requires 100 hours of training in an approved program and the successful completion of state competency evaluations (passing with 75% on knowledge and 80% on skills). To maintain certification, CNAs must submit signed verification of at least 200 hours of paid nursing-related services every 24 months—a higher work requirement than many other states. UNAR maintains a permanent record of all certified individuals and any substantiated findings of misconduct, such as client abuse or neglect. Employers are required to use the UNAR portal to verify that a CNA's certification is unencumbered and current prior to the start of employment.
In Vermont, the Board of Nursing, under the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), regulates Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs). Like New Hampshire, Vermont utilizes the "LNA" title to signify that individuals are formally licensed rather than just registered. To obtain a license, candidates must complete an 80-hour state-approved program and pass the NNAAP examination. To maintain an active license, LNAs must renew every two years and certify that they have practiced at least 400 hours within the preceding two-year period—one of the highest work requirements in the country. The OPR maintains an online portal for primary source verification, which also lists any disciplinary actions or substantiated findings of resident abuse or misappropriation of property.
The Virginia Board of Nursing, a division of the Department of Health Professions, oversees Virginia's Nurse Aide Registry. Virginia requires a minimum of 120 hours of training and the successful completion of the competency evaluation managed by Credentia. Certification is valid for two years and expires on the last day of the aide's birth month. To renew, an aide must attest to having provided nursing-related services for pay within the previous 24 months. If an aide fails to meet this requirement, they must retake the NNAAP exam to demonstrate continued competency. The registry serves as the official repository for identifying individuals with "findings" of abuse or neglect, and employers are mandated to verify all certifications through the Board's License Lookup tool before hire.
Managed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), Washington tracks Nursing Assistants-Certified (NAC). Washington has rigorous standards, requiring 85 hours of training and mandatory HIV/AIDS education. To stay on the active registry, NACs must renew their license annually on their birthday and demonstrate at least 8 hours of employment in a nursing-related role every two years. A unique feature in Washington is the "OBRA Registry" inquiry process, where skilled nursing facilities must submit a specific form (DSHS 16-193) to the registry to verify a candidate's status and check for substantiated findings of abuse or neglect, which result in permanent disqualification from working in long-term care.
The West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) manages West Virginia’s Nurse Aide Registry. West Virginia requires a minimum of 120 hours of state-approved training and the successful completion of the competency exam. To maintain active status, a nurse aide must work at least one 8-hour shift in a nursing-related capacity every 24 months. OHFLAC utilizes an online verification system that allows employers to search by name or certificate number to confirm an aide is in good standing. The registry also tracks substantiated findings of resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property; by law, any individual with such a finding is permanently prohibited from working as a nurse aide in any Medicare or Medicaid-certified facility in the state.
Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) in partnership with Headmaster (TMU), the Wisconsin registry tracks all state-certified nurse aides. Wisconsin requires 75 hours of training and a competency evaluation. To maintain federal eligibility for employment in nursing homes and home health agencies, CNAs must work at least 8 hours in a nursing-related role every 24 months. Wisconsin no longer issues physical certification cards; the TMU online portal serves as the sole source of primary verification. The registry includes detailed records of any substantiated findings of abuse or neglect of a client, or misappropriation of property. Employers are required to conduct a "Caregiver Background Check," which includes a search of this registry, for all prospective employees.
The Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN) oversees the certification of nurse aides and the maintenance of Wyoming's registry. Wyoming requires a minimum of 75 hours of training and successful completion of the state competency exam managed by Headmaster. To remain "Active," CNAs must renew their certification biennially and demonstrate at least 16 hours of paid nursing services within the last two years. The registry is integrated with the WSBN Nurse Portal, which provides real-time verification for employers. Wyoming also maintains strict reporting requirements; any substantiated findings of resident abuse or neglect must be recorded on the registry, which then serves as a permanent bar to employment in long-term care facilities. Employers must verify all certifications through the WSBN portal prior to hiring.

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