Nevada — Red Rock Canyon at golden hour

Nevada Certified Nursing Assistant License

Nevada State Board of Nursing

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Certificate of Completion — Official certificate from a state-approved CNA training program or a transcript showing completion of 'nursing fundamentals'.
  • Fingerprint Submission Form/Receipt — A completed fingerprint submission form or a receipt from an electronic livescan vendor.
  • Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Presence — Copy of a valid Social Security card or ITIN and a government-issued photo ID.

How to Apply

  1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program
    Enroll in and complete a Nevada-approved Nursing Assistant Training Program (NATP) consisting of at least 75 hours (60 hours theory/lab and 16 hours clinical).
    View Approved Programs
  2. Create a Nevada Nurse Portal Account
    Register for an account on the official Nevada Nurse Portal to begin your application process.
  3. Submit CNA by Examination Application
    Log into the portal and submit the 'CNA by Examination' application along with the $50 non-refundable fee.
  4. Complete Fingerprinting
    Follow the Board's instructions to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. Electronic submission is preferred if you are in Nevada.
  5. Register for the NNAAP Exam
    Once the Board approves your eligibility, create an account with Credentia to schedule and pay for your written and skills exams.
    Register for Exam
  6. Pass the Competency Evaluation
    Successfully pass both the written (or oral) and skills components of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.
    Exam Details
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

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

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Submit Endorsement Application
    Apply through the Nevada Nurse Portal for 'CNA by Endorsement' and pay the $50 fee.
  2. Request Verification from Original State
    Download the Nevada CNA Endorsement Form and send it to the state where you were first certified to verify your credentials.
    Download Endorsement Form
  3. Provide Proof of Employment
    Submit a copy of a W-2, pay stub, or a letter from your employer verifying you have practiced as a CNA within the last two years.
  4. Submit Fingerprints
    Complete the background check process as required for all initial Nevada certifications.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Nevada State Board of Nursing

Keeping Your License Active

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

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

Slow Downs

Fingerprint Processing
Background check results from the FBI and DPS can take up to 4 months to be received by the Board.
Incomplete Employment Verification
Failing to provide a pay stub or employer letter that clearly states your role as a CNA can stall endorsement or renewal.
Missing Out-of-State Verification
Delays often occur when the original state of certification does not promptly return the endorsement form to Nevada.

Questions

How many continuing education hours do I need for renewal?
You must complete 24 hours of CNA-related continuing education and have practiced at least 40 hours as a CNA within the 24 months preceding your renewal.
Does Nevada issue physical CNA license cards?
No, Nevada is a 'paperless' state and does not issue physical cards. Verification must be done online through the Board's lookup tool.
What is the fee for the CNA exam?
The fee is typically $50 for the written exam and $50 for the skills evaluation, payable directly to Credentia.
How often must I renew my Nevada CNA certificate?
CNA certificates expire every two years on the certificate holder's birthday.

Board Info

Nevada State Board of Nursing
Sources
State statutes