Colorado Certified Nursing Assistant License
Colorado Board of Nursing
Total Fee
$30
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training Completion — Certificate or transcript from a Board-approved nurse aide training program.
- Fingerprint Background Check — Electronic submission of fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP) — A mandatory online profile detailing your professional background and history. HPPP Portal
- Valid Government-Issued ID — Required for exam entry and fingerprinting (e.g., Driver's License or Passport).
How to Apply
-
Complete a State-Approved Training Program ▾Enroll in and complete a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing, consisting of at least 75 hours of instruction.
-
Register for the Competency Exam ▾Create an account on the Credentia CNA365 platform to apply for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.
Register with Credentia -
Pass the Knowledge and Skills Exams ▾Schedule and pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the competency evaluation within 24 months of completing your training.
Schedule Exam -
Submit Fingerprints for Background Check ▾Schedule a fingerprinting appointment through an approved vendor (IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting) using the required service code.
-
Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP) ▾Log into the DPO Online Services portal to create and submit your mandatory Healthcare Professions Profile.
Complete HPPP -
Apply for Certification ▾Once exam results are processed, log into the DPO Online Services portal to submit your formal application for a Certified Nurse Aide certificate.
Total Fee
$30
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure your current CNA license in another state is active and in good standing. Request verification from your original state board.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply through the DPO Online Services portal under the 'Certification by Endorsement' route.
-
Complete Fingerprinting ▾Submit fingerprints for a Colorado-specific background check even if you were fingerprinted in another state.
-
Complete Healthcare Professions Profile ▾Fill out the mandatory HPPP questionnaire in the DPO portal.
Complete Profile
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Colorado Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
Colorado Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $30 |
| Endorsement application | $30 |
Slow Downs
Premature Fingerprinting
▾
Submitting fingerprints more than 60 days before the application is received by the Board can lead to expiration and the need for resubmission.
Incomplete HPPP
▾
Failure to complete or update the Healthcare Professions Profile will hold up the issuance of the certificate.
Out-of-State Verification Lags
▾
Delays in receiving official verification from other state registries can stall endorsement applications.
Questions
How often must I renew my Colorado CNA certificate?
▾
CNA certificates must be renewed every two years. The renewal window typically opens 4-6 weeks before the expiration date.
What are the work requirements for renewal?
▾
You must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work under the supervision of a licensed nurse within the past 24 months.
What is the fee for CNA renewal?
▾
The standard renewal fee is $25, payable online through the DORA portal.
Who is the official testing vendor for Colorado CNAs?
▾
Credentia is the official vendor for the NNAAP competency examination in Colorado.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes