Ohio Certified Nursing Assistant License
Ohio Dept of Health
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Training Completion Certificate — Proof of completing the 75-hour NATCEP program, issued by your training provider.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, non-expired driver's license or state ID required for exam admission.
- Social Security Card — Original Social Security card required for identity verification at the testing site.
How to Apply
-
Complete an Approved Training Program ▾Enroll in and complete an Ohio Department of Health (ODH) approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), which consists of at least 75 hours of training (59 classroom/lab and 16 clinical).
Find Approved Training -
Activate TMU Account ▾Your training provider will upload your completion records to the Headmaster TMU (TestMaster Universe) system. You must log in to activate your account and complete your profile.
Login to TMU -
Schedule and Pay for Exams ▾Select your test site and date through the TMU portal. You must pay the exam fees (approximately $104 for both parts) unless your employer or training program is covering the cost.
Schedule Exam -
Pass the State Competency Exam ▾Successfully pass both the Knowledge Test (79 multiple-choice questions) and the Skills Test (demonstration of 3-4 randomly selected skills).
Candidate Handbook -
Automatic Registry Placement ▾Upon passing both exam components, your results are automatically reported to the Ohio Department of Health, and you will be added to the Nurse Aide Registry.
Verify Your Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Ohio Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active, in-good-standing CNA license in another state that meets federal training requirements.
-
Complete Reciprocity Form ▾Download and complete Section I of the 'Nurse Aide Request for Reciprocity' form.
Download Reciprocity Form -
Submit to Home State ▾Send the form to your current state's Nurse Aide Registry for them to complete Section II and verify your certification.
-
Submit to Ohio Registry ▾Once Section II is completed by your home state, the form must be submitted to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry via email (NAR@odh.ohio.gov), fax, or mail.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (Work requirement)
Compact
No
Board
Ohio Dept of Health
Keeping Your License Active
Ohio Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (Work requirement). Contact the Ohio Dept of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Incomplete TMU Profile
▾
Candidates often forget to log in and complete their demographic information in TMU after their training provider creates the account, which prevents exam scheduling.
Name Discrepancies
▾
The name on your ID must exactly match the name in the TMU system and on your Social Security card. Discrepancies will result in being turned away from the test site.
Lapsed Employment Verification
▾
Renewal delays occur if an employer fails to submit the HEA 7713 form or if the aide cannot prove 8 hours of paid work within the 24-month window.
Questions
Who administers the Ohio CNA/STNA exam?
▾
The Ohio nurse aide exam is administered by D&S Headmaster. Contact them at (877) 851-2355 or visit hdmaster.com.
How do I transfer my CNA to Ohio?
▾
Submit Form HEA 6907 (Reciprocity Request) by mail, fax (614-564-2461), or email (NAR@odh.ohio.gov). There is no fee for Ohio CNA reciprocity.
Is Ohio calling it CNA or STNA?
▾
Ohio is transitioning from 'STNA' (State Tested Nursing Assistant) to 'CNA' terminology as of October 24, 2024. Some forms may still use STNA.
How do I verify an Ohio CNA?
▾
Use the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry Inquiry at nurseaideinquiry.odh.ohio.gov or call (800) 582-5908.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes