California Certified Nursing Assistant License
California Dept of Public Health
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- CDPH 283 B — Initial Application for Certified Nurse Assistant.
- BCIA 8016 — Request for Live Scan Service for background clearance.
- Proof of Training — Training program completion certificate or official transcripts.
- Government-Issued ID — A valid, unexpired photo ID (e.g., Driver's License or Passport) for the exam and Live Scan.
How to Apply
-
Enroll in an Approved Training Program ▾Complete a California-approved CNA training program consisting of at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training.
-
Submit Initial Application ▾Complete the CDPH 283 B form. You can submit this through the OASYS online portal or via mail when you enroll in your training program.
Apply via OASYS -
Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting ▾Download and complete the Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form. Visit a Live Scan site in California to have your fingerprints electronically submitted to the DOJ and FBI.
-
Register for the Competency Evaluation ▾Once your training is complete and your application is processed, register for the state exam through an approved vendor like Credentia or Headmaster.
-
Pass the State Exam ▾Successfully pass both the written (or oral) and skills components of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).
-
Receive Certification ▾After passing the exam and clearing the background check, the CDPH will issue your CNA certificate via mail. You can verify your status online.
Verify License Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the California Dept of Public Health for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure your current CNA license is active and in good standing on your home state's registry.
-
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Complete the CDPH 283 E (Equivalency/Reciprocity) form and submit it to the CDPH.
-
Submit Verification Form ▾Complete Part I of the CDPH 931 form and send it to your current state's registry for them to complete Part II and return to CDPH.
-
Complete California Live Scan ▾Even if you were fingerprinted in another state, you must complete a California Live Scan (BCIA 8016).
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
California Dept of Public Health
Keeping Your License Active
California Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the California Dept of Public Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Incomplete Live Scan Information
▾
Missing the ORI code or using the wrong form for CNAs can prevent the CDPH from receiving your background results. Always use the official BCIA 8016 provided for CNAs.
Missing Signatures
▾
Applications submitted without a handwritten or verified electronic signature will be rejected. Ensure all sections of the CDPH 283 B/C/E are signed.
Multiple Submissions
▾
Submitting documents in separate uploads or emails can lead to rejection. All required documents for a single application must be submitted in one package or one PDF upload.
Processing Backlogs
▾
Standard processing time is 30-45 days. Contacting the board before 30 days have passed often results in further delays as staff must divert from processing to answer inquiries.
Questions
What are the fees for a California CNA license?
▾
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) does not charge a fee for the CNA application or renewal. However, you must pay for the state exam (approx. $100-$120) and Live Scan fingerprinting (rolling fee plus DOJ/FBI fees).
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
CNAs must complete 48 hours of continuing education or in-service training every two years. At least 12 hours must be completed in each year of the cycle, and a maximum of 24 hours can be taken online.
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
▾
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can reactivate it by passing the Competency Evaluation exam. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must retake an entire approved training program.
Is there a work requirement for CNA renewal in California?
▾
Yes, you must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed health professional within the 2-year certification period.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes