Arizona — Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant License

Arizona State Board of Nursing

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
6 to 9 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Certificate of Completion — Official certificate from an Arizona Board-approved 120-hour training program.
  • Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Presence — A copy of a valid U.S. Passport, birth certificate, or other document listed under A.R.S. § 41-1080.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, unexpired driver's license or state-issued identification card.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Approved Training ▾
    Complete an Arizona Board of Nursing approved nursing assistant training program consisting of at least 120 hours (80 hours classroom/lab and 40 hours clinical).
  2. Register for the State Exam ▾
    Create an account in the Headmaster/D&S Diversified Technologies (TMU) system to schedule your written and skills competency exams.
    Register for Exam
  3. Pass Competency Exams ▾
    Successfully pass both the knowledge (written or audio) and manual skills portions of the Arizona nursing assistant competency exam.
  4. Create Nurse Portal Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Arizona Nurse Portal to begin your official application for the CNA registry.
    Create Portal Account
  5. Submit CNA by Exam Application ▾
    Log in to the portal and select 'Apply for License' then 'CNA by Exam'. There is no application fee for the CNA registry (unlike the LNA license).
    Apply Now
  6. Upload Required Documents ▾
    Upload your training certificate of completion and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence directly to your portal application.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
6 to 9 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State Status ▾
    Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in another state or territory.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the Arizona Nurse Portal by selecting 'CNA by Endorsement'. The application fee is $50.
    Start Endorsement
  3. Provide Training Proof ▾
    Submit proof of completing a 120-hour program or a 75-hour program plus 45 hours of work experience.
  4. Verify Work Experience ▾
    If your training was more than 2 years ago, you must provide proof of at least 160 hours of nursing assistant work in the last 2 years.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arizona State Board of Nursing

Keeping Your License Active

Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

Slow Downs

Incomplete Citizenship Documents ▾
Failure to upload clear, legible copies of citizenship or lawful presence documents is the most frequent cause of delays.
Name Discrepancies ▾
If the name on your training certificate or ID does not exactly match your application, processing will be paused until legal name change documents are provided.
Missing Work Verification ▾
Endorsement applicants often forget to have their employer complete the required work hour verification form if their training is over 2 years old.

Questions

What is the difference between a CNA and an LNA in Arizona? ▾
A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is listed on a registry and has no application or renewal fees. An LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) is a licensed professional who must pay fees and submit fingerprints for a background check.
Are fingerprints required for a CNA in Arizona? ▾
No, fingerprints are not required for the CNA registry. They are only required for the LNA license.
How much does it cost to apply for a CNA? ▾
The Board of Nursing charges $0 for the CNA application and renewal. However, you must pay exam fees (approx. $130) directly to the testing vendor, Headmaster.
What are the renewal requirements for a CNA? ▾
You must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing assistant duties within the last 24 months to remain active on the registry.

Board Info

Arizona State Board of Nursing
Phone602.771.7800
Sources