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Healthcare license portability
Certified Nursing Assistant license reciprocity by state
Certified Nursing Assistant licenses are broadly portable across the US — 46 of the 50 states and DC offer direct recognition or licensure by endorsement, though endorsement often still depends on a national registry credential or a state law (jurisprudence) exam. Each row below links to the state's official licensing board and lists the specific reciprocal states where we have them.
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46 via endorsement
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5 require exam
Reciprocity tier legend
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Recognized
Existing license or national cert accepted directly.
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Endorsement
Apply for a new license — paperwork, fees, no re-exam.
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Exam required
Must retake the state exam or complete state-specific training.
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Not recognized
No reciprocity pathway. Satisfy state requirements from scratch.
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No license required
State does not license this profession.
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Check with board
The state publishes no clear transfer rule. Contact the licensing board.
All 50 states + DC
Each row shows the destination state's reciprocity tier, the board's own language behind it, and a link to the official state licensing board.
| State | Reciprocity tier | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Alabama does not have a direct reciprocity application process. CNAs certified in other states must be hired by an Alabama nursing facility, which then verifies their active certification and submits their name to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. There is no fee for this process. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Alaska | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Alaska offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active, unencumbered certification from another U.S. state, territory, or Canadian province/territory, provided their training meets Alaska's minimum standards. A background check and verification of certification and training are required. The reciprocity application fee is $275, which includes application, certification, and fingerprint processing fees. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Arizona | edit_note Exam required | Arizona offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification from other states, provided they meet Arizona's training requirements (120 hours or 75 hours with 45 hours of work experience). A $50 endorsement fee is required for CNA reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must also pass the Arizona state nursing assistant written and manual skills competency exams if they have not worked as a CNA in the past two years. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Arkansas | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Arkansas offers reciprocity for CNAs in good standing from other states. There is a $25 processing fee and applicants must submit Form 9110AR. Official state board arrow_outward |
| California | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | California offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active certification from another state, provided they meet eligibility requirements including a criminal background check. Proof of work within the last two years may be required if the initial out-of-state certification was obtained over two years ago. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Colorado | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Colorado offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active, unencumbered license from another state. An application fee and background check are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Connecticut | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Connecticut offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certifications in other U.S. states, territories, or the District of Columbia, provided their training included at least 100 hours. A reciprocity application and a $55 fee are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Delaware | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Delaware offers reciprocity to CNAs with an active, unencumbered license from another state, provided they completed a training program equivalent to or exceeding Delaware's 150-hour requirement or have 3 months (420 hours) of full-time experience. A $30 fee applies. Official state board arrow_outward |
| District of Columbia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | The District of Columbia recognizes CNA reciprocity. Applicants must be at least 18, have current unencumbered certification in another jurisdiction, provide proof of a substantially equivalent training program, and undergo a criminal background check. An application fee of $15 is required for endorsement. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Florida | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Florida offers reciprocity for CNAs currently certified in another state and listed on that state's registry, provided they have no findings of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Electronic fingerprinting and a background check are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Georgia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Georgia offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, provided they are in good standing and have worked at least 8 hours for pay as a CNA under nurse supervision within the past two years. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Hawaii | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Hawaii offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active certification in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. An application and $25 fee are required. If the out-of-state certification is not current, the competency evaluation may be required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Idaho | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Idaho offers reciprocity to CNAs with active certification in another state, provided they have a job offer in Idaho or reside in Idaho, and meet specific training and good standing requirements. No fee for reciprocity application. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Illinois | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Illinois accepts reciprocity for CNAs from other states who are in good standing on their state's registry, have no administrative findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property, and meet federal competency standards. A $25 fee applies for reciprocity applications. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Indiana | edit_note Exam required | Indiana offers reciprocity. Out-of-state CNAs must be in good standing on another state's registry, complete an application, submit required documentation, and take the written portion of the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam. A letter from an employer indicating at least 8 hours of work in the past 24 months may be required if the out-of-state certification was issued more than two years prior. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Iowa | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Iowa offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in another state. No fee is required, but an online application must be submitted, and employment must be verifiable. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Kansas | edit_note Exam required | Kansas offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants must pass the Kansas CNA state exam in one attempt and pay a $20 fee. A background check and proof of recent work experience may also be required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Kentucky | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Kentucky offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active certification in another state. Applicants must create an account on the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal and submit a SRNA reciprocity application, along with copies of their social security card, current driver's license, and current SRNA certification. Additional documentation may be requested. If an applicant does not have an active status in another state, they must complete an approved training course and the competency evaluation in Kentucky. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Louisiana | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Louisiana offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active, unencumbered certification in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants must submit proof of current certification, a $35 administrative fee, and identification. No additional state-specific testing, fingerprinting, or background checks are routinely required for reciprocity. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Maine | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Maine offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states. Applicants must complete an online or paper application, provide a copy of a current photo ID, and verification from all states where they hold or have held CNA certification. There is no fee for reciprocity. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Maryland | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Maryland offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. The application process requires submitting an endorsement application, proof of current out-of-state certification, a criminal background check, a passport-size photo, and a $20 application fee. Some sources specifically mention Virginia, Maine, Delaware, New York, Illinois, West Virginia, Idaho, Florida, Oregon, and Kansas as states for which endorsement is usually offered, with other applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Massachusetts | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Reciprocity is available for CNAs certified in another state, whose certification is current and in good standing, and who have never been certified in Massachusetts. Specific instructions apply for California, Colorado, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Michigan | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Michigan grants reciprocity to CNAs with active certification in good standing from other U.S. states, territories, or the District of Columbia. Some states may not be eligible; a list of approved states is available on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry page. An application fee of $40 is required for reciprocity. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Minnesota | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Minnesota offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active certification in good standing from another U.S. state. Applicants must have worked at least 8 hours as a paid CNA in the past 24 months. There is no fee for reciprocity. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Mississippi | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Reciprocity is available for CNAs with an active certification in good standing from another state, provided the training and examination program met OBRA '87 requirements. Proof of paid work experience (at least 8 hours in the past 24 months) is required unless registry status was earned in the prior 24 months. A $26 reciprocity fee applies. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Missouri | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Missouri offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, allowing them to transfer their license without re-taking the Missouri CNA exam if their certification is active and in good standing. Proof of recent paid CNA work may be required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Montana | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Montana offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in any U.S. state or territory, provided they are in good standing and have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. The application is free. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Nebraska | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Requires active status in the originating state, completion of a minimum 75-hour training program, passing scores on written and clinical exams, and nurse aide employment in the last 24 months (if not tested in the last 24 months). All reciprocity applicants must complete a minimum one hour of Nebraska Abuse/Neglect/Misappropriation Training. Application processing can take up to 30 days. No application fee for reciprocity. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Nevada | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Nevada allows reciprocity for CNAs with an active certification in good standing from another state, provided they meet specific state requirements, including verification from their original state's nurse aide registry and passing a criminal background check if required. An application fee of $50 is required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Hampshire | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | New Hampshire offers reciprocity for CNAs (referred to as LNAs) from other states with active, in-good-standing licenses and substantially similar licensing requirements. A criminal background check with fingerprinting is required, along with verification of original training and certification. Applicants must also provide proof of 200 hours of nursing-related activities under the supervision of a licensed nurse within the past two years, or successful completion of a nursing assistant competency test within two years prior to the application date. The reciprocity application fee is $28. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Jersey | edit_note Exam required | New Jersey offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states or U.S. territories. Applicants must have a current, valid certificate, no criminal convictions or findings of abuse/neglect/misappropriation, and meet one of two routes: 1) 24 hours of approved continuing education (12 in Alzheimer's/dementia, 12 in resident rights, infection control, pharmacy, emergency procedures, neglect/abuse/misappropriation) in the past 24 months, OR 2) 24 months of full-time employment (at least 35 hours/week) in a nursing home performing nursing-related services under supervision, and pass the New Jersey clinical skills and written/oral competency exams. A $30 reciprocity fee applies. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Mexico | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | New Mexico offers reciprocity for CNAs in good standing from other states. There is no fee for reciprocity. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New York | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | New York offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. A $50 application fee is required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| North Carolina | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | North Carolina offers reciprocity for CNAs from other states. Applicants must have an active, unencumbered license in good standing, submit an online endorsement application, pay a fee of $188, and complete a fingerprint-based background check by both the State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. Verification of certification from the original state's registry is also mandatory. There are two pathways for reciprocity, with one specifically for candidates from Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia who are North Carolina residents. Official state board arrow_outward |
| North Dakota | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | North Dakota offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing. Verification of current certification and/or employment history from the home state may be required. Out-of-state employer verification is not accepted for renewal. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Ohio | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Ohio offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided their certification is active and in good standing. The process involves submitting a 'Nurse Aide Registry Request for Reciprocity' form, along with proof of identity and social security card. There are no processing fees for reciprocity. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Oklahoma | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Oklahoma offers reciprocity for CNAs with active, in-good-standing certifications from other states. The application process differs for Long-Term Care (LTC) and Home Health Aide (HHA) certifications. There is no fee for LTC reciprocity, but a $15 fee for HHA applications. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Oregon | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Oregon offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided they have an active, in-good-standing certification, completed an OBRA-approved training program (at least 75 hours), and if the training was over two years ago, have worked at least 400 hours as a CNA in the past two years. A cultural competency education of two hours within the past two years is also required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Pennsylvania | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Pennsylvania offers reciprocity for CNAs with active licenses in good standing from other states. Applicants must apply to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry via Credentia's CNA365 system and may need to provide documentation of their current certification. There is no fee for reciprocity application in Pennsylvania. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Rhode Island | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Rhode Island offers reciprocity for CNAs with active, in-good-standing licenses from other U.S. states, territories, or the District of Columbia. A $35 fee and an Interstate Verification Form are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| South Carolina | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | South Carolina offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in good standing from another state's nurse aide registry. The out-of-state program must have been at least 100 hours. Official state board arrow_outward |
| South Dakota | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | South Dakota offers reciprocity for CNAs actively registered in another state who have completed a training program of at least 75 hours and have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property. There is no fee for reciprocity, and applicants may work for up to 4 months while their application is processed. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Tennessee | edit_note Exam required | Tennessee accepts reciprocity from all states except Florida. CNAs from Florida must retrain and retest. CNAs from Georgia, Alabama, and Illinois may need to retake the competency exam. A $20 fee applies for reciprocity applications. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Texas | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Texas offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active certification from another state, provided they are in good standing and meet Texas's criminal background check requirements. There is no fee for reciprocity application. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Utah | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Utah offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in good standing from other U.S. states, territories, or the District of Columbia. An application and a $50 fee are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Vermont | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Vermont offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active, unencumbered license from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, provided they meet experience requirements (400 hours in the past two years). A background check and application fee are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Virginia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Virginia offers reciprocity for CNAs with active, unencumbered certification from other U.S. states, territories, or the District of Columbia, provided their training and examination standards are substantially equivalent to Virginia's. Specific requirements and limitations may apply for certain states or if certified before a particular date. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Washington | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Washington offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, provided their certification is in good standing. Applicants must complete an Out-of-State Credential Verification form and pass a criminal history check. There is an application fee of $25 for endorsement. Official state board arrow_outward |
| West Virginia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | West Virginia offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active, in-good-standing license from another state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. No fee is required for reciprocity application, and a background check or fingerprinting is not required for reciprocity applicants, though felony convictions must be disclosed. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Wisconsin | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Wisconsin offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active certification in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. An application, documentation of training/employment, and a fee are required. Some states may have additional requirements, such as employment verification for Alabama applicants if training was more than two years ago. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Wyoming | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Wyoming offers reciprocity for CNAs with an active, unencumbered certification in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants must create an account on the Nurse Portal, complete the CNA Endorsement Application, pay a fee, and submit FBI fingerprint cards for a criminal background check. Proof of graduation from a comparable nursing assistant program and being listed on another state's CNA registry are also required. Some sources indicate a $50 fee for reciprocity, while others state $120 total fee including fingerprinting. Official state board arrow_outward |
Certified Nursing Assistant reciprocity: common questions
Does a certified nursing assistant certification transfer to another state?
Certified Nursing Assistant licenses are broadly portable across the US — 46 of the 50 states and DC offer direct recognition or licensure by endorsement, though endorsement often still depends on a national registry credential or a state law (jurisprudence) exam. It depends on the destination state — see the state-by-state table above.
Which states license out-of-state certified nursing assistants by endorsement?
45 states and DC issue a new certification by endorsement — an application, fees and verification of your current credential, typically without retaking the main exam: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Confirm with the destination state's board before you move — rules change.
Which states make certified nursing assistants take an exam to transfer?
5 states require a state exam or state-specific training before licensing an out-of-state certified nursing assistant: Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey, Tennessee. Confirm with the destination state's board before you move — rules change.
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How this was compiled · Last updated 2026-10-15
Reciprocity tiers and summaries are compiled from each state's licensing board and department of professional regulation — linked per row above — and reviewed against public board guidance. Licensing rules change frequently and often depend on your license class (for example journeyman vs. master) and the specific states involved. Always confirm current requirements directly with the destination state's board before making a career or relocation decision. This page is informational and is not legal or licensing advice.
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