Pennsylvania Certified Nursing Assistant License
Pennsylvania DOH
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
10 to 14 Business Days
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Training Completion Certificate — Proof of completing a PDE-approved 80-hour nurse aide training program.
- PATCH Background Check — Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) report. Request PATCH
- FBI Fingerprint Report — Required only if the applicant has resided in Pennsylvania for less than the last two consecutive years. Schedule Fingerprinting
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, non-expired driver's license or state ID card.
- Social Security Card — Original Social Security card required for exam day identification.
How to Apply
-
Complete State-Approved Training ▾Complete a nurse aide training program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), consisting of at least 80 hours (including 37.5 clinical hours).
Find Approved Training Programs -
Obtain Criminal Background Check ▾Request a Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) report. If you have lived in PA for less than two consecutive years, you must also obtain an FBI fingerprint-based background check.
Request PATCH Report -
Create a Credentia CNA365 Account ▾Register for an account on the Credentia CNA365 platform to manage your application, testing, and registry status.
Create CNA365 Account -
Submit Exam Application ▾Log in to CNA365 and submit an application for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. You must upload proof of training completion.
Apply for Exam -
Schedule and Pass Exams ▾Schedule and pass both the Written (or Oral) and Skills Evaluation components of the NNAAP exam within 24 months of completing training.
Exam Scheduling Info -
Verify Registry Status ▾Once you pass both exams, your name will be added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Verify your active status online.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
10 to 14 Business Days
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Pennsylvania DOH for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Status ▾Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in your current state with no findings of abuse or neglect.
-
Create CNA365 Account ▾Register on the Pennsylvania Credentia CNA365 platform.
Sign Up -
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Select the 'Reciprocity' application type within the CNA365 portal and provide your current certification details.
Apply for Reciprocity -
Upload Required Documents ▾Upload a copy of your current out-of-state CNA certificate and required identification documents.
-
Wait for Verification ▾Credentia will verify your status with the other state's registry. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Pennsylvania DOH
Keeping Your License Active
Pennsylvania Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Pennsylvania DOH for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
FBI fingerprint results can take several weeks. Ensure you start this process early if you are a new resident.
Incomplete Training Records
▾
Delays occur if the training program fails to report completion to the state or if the certificate uploaded is illegible.
Name Discrepancies
▾
Ensure the name on your application exactly matches your Social Security card and photo ID to avoid exam day rejection.
Out-of-State Verification
▾
For reciprocity, delays often occur if the previous state's registry is slow to respond to verification requests.
Questions
How long is my Pennsylvania CNA certification valid?
▾
Certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issuance.
What are the requirements for CNA renewal in PA?
▾
You must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) for pay in an approved facility during the 24-month period. There is no renewal fee.
How much does the CNA exam cost?
▾
The fee for both the Written (or Oral) and Skills Evaluation is $135. Retest fees are $50 for Written/Oral and $85 for Skills.
What happens if my CNA certification lapses?
▾
If you have not worked the required hours in 24 months, you must retake the competency evaluation (both parts) to be reinstated.
Can I work as a nurse aide before being on the registry?
▾
A non-registered individual may be employed as a nurse aide for up to 120 days while working toward registration, provided they are enrolled in an approved program.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes