Alabama Certified Nursing Assistant License
Alabama Department of Public Health
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Social Security Number — A valid SSN is required for the application and serves as your certification ID in Alabama.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — Required for identification at the testing center (e.g., Driver's License).
- Proof of Training Completion — Certificate or transcript from an ADPH-approved nurse aide training program.
How to Apply
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Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), consisting of at least 75 hours of instruction.
View Training Info -
Create a Credentia Account ▾Register for an account on the Credentia Platform to begin the examination application process.
Create Credentia Account -
Submit Examination Application ▾Complete the online application for the NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam through the Credentia portal and pay the required testing fees.
Apply for Exam -
Schedule and Pass Exams ▾Schedule and successfully pass both the Written (or Oral) and Skills Evaluation components of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).
Schedule Exam -
Verify Registry Placement ▾Once both exams are passed, your results are automatically sent to the ADPH. Verify your active status on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry using your Social Security Number.
Verify Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Health for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Secure Employment in Alabama ▾Apply for and obtain a job offer from a licensed Alabama healthcare facility (e.g., a nursing home).
-
Employer Verification ▾Provide your out-of-state certification details to your Alabama employer. The employer must verify that your certification is active and in good standing in the other state.
-
Employer-Initiated Registry Request ▾The Alabama employer must contact the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry directly to request that your name be added to the registry via reciprocity.
Registry Contact Info
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Alabama Department of Public Health
Keeping Your License Active
Alabama Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
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Slow Downs
Incomplete Training Documentation
▾
Failure to provide accurate proof of completing the required 75-hour training program can delay exam eligibility.
SSN Discrepancies
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Errors in entering your Social Security Number on the Credentia portal will prevent the ADPH from matching your exam results to the registry.
Employer Inaction
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For reciprocity, delays often occur if the Alabama employer does not promptly contact the registry to initiate the transfer.
Questions
How do I renew my Alabama CNA certification?
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Alabama does not have a formal renewal application or fee. To remain active, you must perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under RN supervision every 24 months.
Does Alabama issue a physical CNA license?
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No. Alabama does not issue physical certificates or wallet cards. Your Social Security Number is used to verify your status on the official online registry.
Can I transfer my CNA license to Alabama myself?
▾
No. Alabama does not have an individual reciprocity application. The process must be initiated by an Alabama healthcare employer after they hire you.
What are the continuing education requirements?
▾
There are no state-mandated continuing education (CE) hours for CNAs in Alabama to maintain registry status, other than the 8-hour work requirement.
Board Info
Alabama Department of Public Health (Nurse Aide Registry)
Phone(334) 206-5169
Emailnar@adph.state.al.us