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Vermont Certified Nursing Assistant License

Vermont Secretary of State

Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
4 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Criminal Background Check Release Form — Must be signed and notarized before being uploaded to the OPR portal. Download Form
  • Verification of Education — Must be sent directly from your nursing assistant school to OPR (sos.oprlicensing1@vermont.gov).
  • Fingerprint Receipt — Required only if applying for a 90-day provisional license.
  • Authorization to Test (ATT) — Issued by OPR after application approval; required to register for exams.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Approved Training ▾
    Complete a Vermont-approved Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) consisting of at least 80 hours (including 30 clinical hours).
    View Approved Programs
  2. Submit OPR Application ▾
    Create an account on the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) Online Services Portal and submit the 'Licensed Nursing Assistant by Examination' application with the $20 fee.
    Apply Online
  3. Obtain Authorization to Test (ATT) ▾
    Once OPR verifies your education, they will issue an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email.
  4. Register for Exams ▾
    Register for the written and skills competency exams through Excel Testing. You must upload your ATT to the Excel portal.
    Register for Exam
  5. Complete Background Check ▾
    Download, notarize, and upload the Criminal Background Check Release Form. OPR will then email a Fingerprint Authorization Certificate (FAC) for your fingerprinting appointment.
    Background Check Info
  6. Request Provisional License (Optional) ▾
    If you wish to work while your background check is pending, upload your fingerprint receipt to the OPR portal to receive a 90-day provisional license.
  7. Final Licensure ▾
    After passing both exam components and clearing the background check, your full LNA license will be issued and listed on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry.
    Verify License Status
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
4 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Vermont Secretary of State for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you hold an active CNA/LNA license in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Log into the OPR portal and select 'Licensed Nursing Assistant by Endorsement'. The fee is $25.
    Start Endorsement
  3. Request License Verification ▾
    Request verification from your original state of licensure and your most recent state of employment via Nursys or the state's official form.
    Nursys Verification
  4. Document Work Experience ▾
    Provide proof of at least 400 hours (50 days) of paid LNA work within the last two years.
  5. Complete Background Check ▾
    Follow the same fingerprinting and notarized release form process as initial applicants.
    Background Check Steps
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years, by September 30th of odd-numbered years
Compact
No
Board
Vermont Secretary of State

Keeping Your License Active

Vermont Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years, by September 30th of odd-numbered years. Contact the Vermont Secretary of State for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$25
Endorsement application$25

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
FBI background checks can take 6-12 weeks. Apply for a provisional license to start working sooner.
Missing Education Verification ▾
Applications remain 'pending' until the school sends the Verification of Education form directly to OPR.
Notary Errors ▾
The Background Check Release Form must be notarized; failure to do so will result in application rejection.
Browser Incompatibility ▾
The OPR portal is only supported on Google Chrome (desktop/laptop). Safari and mobile devices often cause submission errors.

Questions

What is the difference between a CNA and an LNA in Vermont? ▾
They are the same role. Vermont uses the title 'Licensed Nursing Assistant' (LNA) instead of 'Certified Nursing Assistant' (CNA).
How many hours are required for LNA license renewal? ▾
You must document at least 400 hours (50 days) of paid LNA work within the two-year renewal cycle.
Can I work while my background check is being processed? ▾
Yes, you can apply for a 90-day provisional license once you have uploaded your fingerprint receipt to your OPR account.
Who administers the LNA competency exam in Vermont? ▾
Excel Testing is the official vendor for both the written and skills portions of the LNA exam.
What is the 'Fast Track' endorsement? ▾
If you have been licensed in another state for 3 or more years, you may qualify for an accelerated 'Fast Track' endorsement process.

Board Info

Vermont Secretary of State
Phone(802) 828-2363
Emailsos.opr@vermont.gov
Sources
State statutes