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Rhode Island Certified Nursing Assistant License

Rhode Island DOH

Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Nursing Assistant Application — The official RIDOH application form, completed and notarized.
  • Original BCI Check — Background check from the RI Attorney General's Office dated within 4 months.
  • Passport Photograph — One 2x3 inch passport-type photograph taken within the last year.
  • Training Certificate — Proof of completion of a 120-hour state-approved training program.
  • Application Fee — $35 check or money order made payable to 'RI General Treasurer'.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Training ▾
    Successfully complete a Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) approved nursing assistant training program consisting of at least 120 hours (80 classroom and 40 clinical).
    View Training Info
  2. Obtain BCI Background Check ▾
    Request an original Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. It must be dated within 4 months of your application and bear the official stamp and seal.
  3. Submit Application to RIDOH ▾
    Complete the paper application and mail it to RIDOH with a $35 non-refundable fee (check or money order payable to 'RI General Treasurer'), a 2x3 passport photo, and your BCI check.
  4. Receive Temporary Permit ▾
    Once RIDOH approves your application, you may be issued a 120-day temporary permit allowing you to work while waiting to take the exam.
  5. Register for NNAAP Exam ▾
    Create an account on the Credentia CNA365 platform to schedule your written/oral and skills examinations.
    Register for Exam
  6. Pass Examinations ▾
    Successfully pass both the written (or oral) and skills components of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) within one year of completing your training.
  7. Verify Licensure ▾
    After passing the exam, Credentia notifies RIDOH. Your license will be issued, and you can verify your status on the RI Nurse Aide Registry.
    Verify License
Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Rhode Island DOH for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you hold an active CNA license in good standing in another state and have completed 100 training hours or worked full-time for 3 months in the past year.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Complete the 'By Endorsement' section of the Nursing Assistant Application and mail it to RIDOH with the $35 fee.
  3. Request Interstate Verification ▾
    Complete the top portion of the Interstate Verification Form (included in the application packet) and send it to your current state's registry for them to mail directly to RIDOH.
  4. Provide Background Check ▾
    Submit an original RI BCI check dated within 4 months of the application.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Rhode Island DOH

Keeping Your License Active

Rhode Island Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Rhode Island DOH for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$35
Endorsement application$35

Slow Downs

Outdated BCI Check ▾
The BCI background check must be dated within 4 months of the application date. Older checks will result in application rejection.
Missing Notarization ▾
The paper application requires a notary's signature and seal; failing to include this will delay processing.
Incomplete Verification ▾
For endorsement applicants, delays often occur when other state boards are slow to return the Interstate Verification Form.
Incorrect Fee Payment ▾
Fees must be paid by check or money order to the 'RI General Treasurer'. Personal checks are often not accepted or can cause delays.

Questions

Can I work while waiting to take my CNA exam? ▾
Yes, RIDOH may issue a 120-day temporary permit once your application is approved, allowing you to work while you schedule and pass your exams.
Is the Rhode Island CNA exam available in Spanish? ▾
Yes, the oral version of the NNAAP exam is available in both English and Spanish. You must request this when registering through Credentia.
How do I renew my Rhode Island CNA license? ▾
Licenses must be renewed every two years. You can renew online through the RIDOH e-licensing portal if you have worked at least 8 hours as a CNA in the past 24 months.
What is the total cost for initial CNA licensure? ▾
The total cost includes a $35 application fee to RIDOH and $165 in exam fees to Credentia ($55 for written/oral and $110 for skills).

Board Info

Rhode Island DOH
Phone(401) 222-5960
Sources
State statutes