California Nurse Aide Registry
CNA/HHA/CHT Certification Unit
Licensing and Certification Program
1615 Capitol Avenue,
Sacramento, CA 95899
Phone: (916) 327-2445
How to Become a CNA in California
The California Nurse Aide Registry, or the California CNA Registry, requires individuals to complete a state-approved program of a minimum of 100 hours of supervised classes and 60 hours of classroom instruction in order to apply for certification to be a nurse assistant in California.
However, individuals who have received equivalent classes in another healthcare field may also qualify for certification as nurse assistants. For certification, individuals need to pass the NNAAP exam, which is administered by Credentia with test centers in Northern and Southern California.
- Nurse Assistant Certification Exam Registration Application
- Facility-based Nurse Assistant Programs
- CNA Programs
- Equivalency Application Forms
Online Verification of California Nurse Assistant Certification
The website of the California Department of Public Health allows you or an employer to verify CNA certifications. The site also allows you to lookup your California CNA number if you have lost or misplaced the number. View our California CNA license lookup and verification page for instructions.
Verification of Current Nurse Assistant Certification
Certification Renewal for California Nurse Assistants
The California CNA Registry renews CNA certificates every 24 months if the applicant:
- Has completed 48 hours of continuing education units during his/her most recent certification period.
- Has worked for monetary compensation within his/her most recent certification period.
However, if only one or none of the criteria aren’t met, the candidate must fill out the same application form and request the reactivation of their CNA certificate by retaking the competency evaluation.
Application for Certification Renewal and/or Reactivation
Out-of-state CNA Certification Transfer
Certified Nurse Assistants who are in good standing and hold an active certificate in another state may transfer their certificates to the California Nurse Aide Registry by reciprocity.
Reciprocity Application Forms for CNAs