{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"cna@cdph.ca.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"California Dept of Public Health","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"(916) 327-2445","board_physical_address":null,"board_source_url":null,"board_url":null,"canonical_url":null,"ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"Missing the ORI code or using the wrong form for CNAs can prevent the CDPH from receiving your background results. Always use the official BCIA 8016 provided for CNAs.","title":"Incomplete Live Scan Information"},{"description":"Applications submitted without a handwritten or verified electronic signature will be rejected. Ensure all sections of the CDPH 283 B/C/E are signed.","title":"Missing Signatures"},{"description":"Submitting documents in separate uploads or emails can lead to rejection. All required documents for a single application must be submitted in one package or one PDF upload.","title":"Multiple Submissions"},{"description":"Standard processing time is 30-45 days. Contacting the board before 30 days have passed often results in further delays as staff must divert from processing to answer inquiries.","title":"Processing Backlogs"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:10:33.711308+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Ensure your current CNA license is active and in good standing on your home state's registry.","title":"Verify Out-of-State License","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Complete the CDPH 283 E (Equivalency/Reciprocity) form and submit it to the CDPH.","title":"Submit Reciprocity Application","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Complete Part I of the CDPH 931 form and send it to your current state's registry for them to complete Part II and return to CDPH.","title":"Submit Verification Form","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Even if you were fingerprinted in another state, you must complete a California Live Scan (BCIA 8016).","title":"Complete California Live Scan","url":null,"url_label":null}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) does not charge a fee for the CNA application or renewal. However, you must pay for the state exam (approx. $100-$120) and Live Scan fingerprinting (rolling fee plus DOJ/FBI fees).","question":"What are the fees for a California CNA license?"},{"answer":"CNAs must complete 48 hours of continuing education or in-service training every two years. At least 12 hours must be completed in each year of the cycle, and a maximum of 24 hours can be taken online.","question":"How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?"},{"answer":"If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can reactivate it by passing the Competency Evaluation exam. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must retake an entire approved training program.","question":"Can I renew my license if it has already expired?"},{"answer":"Yes, you must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed health professional within the 2-year certification period.","question":"Is there a work requirement for CNA renewal in California?"}],"fee_payment_url":null,"fingerprint_delay_weeks":null,"fingerprint_fee":null,"fingerprint_method_in_state":null,"fingerprint_method_out_of_state":null,"fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":null,"fingerprint_vendor":null,"fingerprint_vendor_url":null,"initial_fee_amount":0.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"4 to 6 Weeks","profession":"Certified Nursing Assistant","provisional_info":null,"reciprocity_info":null,"renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years","renewal_fee_amount":null,"renewal_portal_url":null,"required_documents":[{"description":"Initial Application for Certified Nurse Assistant.","name":"CDPH 283 B","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Request for Live Scan Service for background clearance.","name":"BCIA 8016","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Training program completion certificate or official transcripts.","name":"Proof of Training","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"A valid, unexpired photo ID (e.g., Driver's License or Passport) for the exam and Live Scan.","name":"Government-Issued ID","url":null,"url_label":null}],"slug":"california-cna","state_name":"California","state_slug":"california","statutes_url":"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&division=2.&title=&part=&chapter=2.&article=9.","steps":[{"description":"Complete a California-approved CNA training program consisting of at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training.","title":"Enroll in an Approved Training Program","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Complete the CDPH 283 B form. You can submit this through the OASYS online portal or via mail when you enroll in your training program.","title":"Submit Initial Application","url":"https://oasys.cdph.ca.gov/","url_label":"Apply via OASYS"},{"description":"Download and complete the Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form. Visit a Live Scan site in California to have your fingerprints electronically submitted to the DOJ and FBI.","title":"Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Once your training is complete and your application is processed, register for the state exam through an approved vendor like Credentia or Headmaster.","title":"Register for the Competency Evaluation","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Successfully pass both the written (or oral) and skills components of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).","title":"Pass the State Exam","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"After passing the exam and clearing the background check, the CDPH will issue your CNA certificate via mail. You can verify your status online.","title":"Receive Certification","url":"https://cvl.cdph.ca.gov/SearchPage.aspx","url_label":"Verify License Status"}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-05-03T08:58:39.999916+00:00","verify_license_url":"https://cvl.cdph.ca.gov/SearchPage.aspx"}