The desire to maintain a career while moving between states often raises questions about the transferability of professional credentials. For Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), moving a license across state lines is generally possible through endorsement or reciprocity. This mechanism allows a CNA certified in one state to apply for certification in a new state without repeating the initial training and examination. The process is not automatic and requires meeting specific requirements set by the receiving state’s governing body.
The Foundation: Federal Rules Governing CNA Mobility
The ability for a CNA to transfer certification stems from federal legislation passed decades ago to standardize care across the nation. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 87) established minimum training and competency standards for nurse aides working in facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. This act mandated that states create and maintain a Nurse Aide Registry to track all certified individuals.
Federal law requires that nurse aide training programs include a minimum of 75 hours of instruction, incorporating both classroom and practical clinical experience. Successful completion of this training and a competency evaluation exam are required for a CNA to be listed on a state’s registry. Because this federal framework established a baseline for training and testing, states are able to recognize the certification granted by other states, enabling reciprocity.
Determining Eligibility for License Transfer
Before beginning any application, a CNA must confirm they meet the eligibility requirements for licensure by endorsement in the new state. The current certification must be active and in good standing on the original state’s Nurse Aide Registry. This means the applicant must have no substantiated findings of patient abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property recorded against their name.
An applicant must also demonstrate that they have maintained competency by meeting the new state’s minimum work hour requirements. Many states require the CNA to have worked a certain number of paid hours performing nursing-related duties, typically 8 to 400 hours, under the supervision of a licensed nurse within the last 24 months. If the certification has been inactive for a prolonged period, usually two consecutive years without paid work, they will generally be ineligible for endorsement and may need to re-train or re-test.
The applicant must also provide proof of successfully completing a state-approved training program that met the federal OBRA standards. This documentation verifies that the training hours and curriculum meet the minimum requirements. Providing the official certificate of completion or an academic transcript is necessary to confirm the educational foundation of the certification.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
The process for transferring a CNA certification begins with locating the new state’s Nurse Aide Registry or Board of Nursing website, as this entity manages the endorsement application. Applicants must download and accurately complete the official application form for reciprocity, sometimes called “endorsement” or “listing by reciprocity.” This form requires personal identification details, information about the current certification, and documentation of the original training program.
A procedural step is arranging for the original state to verify the license directly to the new state’s registry. This verification, completed by the originating state, confirms the CNA’s active status and lack of disciplinary action. Some states require the applicant to submit proof of recent employment, such as a pay stub, W-2 form, or a notarized letter from a previous employer, to verify the required work hours.
Applications must be submitted with all required documentation and the associated application fees, which vary between states. The processing timeline can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the state’s administrative capacity and the speed of verification. Applicants must be aware that any discrepancy or missing documentation will delay the process, often requiring the application to be sent back with a deficiency letter.
Navigating State-Specific Variations and Exceptions
While reciprocity is practiced, states maintain the authority to impose specific requirements. Nearly all states mandate a new criminal background check, which often involves submitting fingerprints and paying a separate fee, regardless of any background check completed in the previous state. The results of this check must be cleared before the new certification is granted, and processing times for the FBI and state-level checks can extend the application timeline.
In some cases, states may require a CNA to pass the local competency examination, even if the applicant holds a current certification from another state. Retesting may be required if the original training program did not meet a specific hour threshold or if the CNA has not actively worked for a certain period. Applicants moving to states that use different terminology for the CNA role, such as Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) or State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA), must ensure they are applying for the correct credential.
If a CNA’s certification has expired or has been inactive for more than the designated period, typically 24 months, the individual is usually required to complete a new state-approved training program and pass the written and skills competency exams. Furthermore, any confirmed finding of patient abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property on any state’s registry will permanently disqualify an individual from receiving certification by endorsement in the new state.
Temporary Practice Permits and Immediate Employment
Some states offer temporary work permits, allowing a CNA to begin working immediately under supervision while the official endorsement application is processed. These permits are generally issued after the complete application has been submitted and are valid for a limited period, often ranging from 90 to 120 days.
Not all states offer this option, and requirements vary. Some states may only grant a temporary license to those newly graduated from a local training program rather than those applying for endorsement from out-of-state. CNAs seeking immediate employment must contact the new state’s registry to confirm availability and ensure their application packet is complete and active before starting work.