Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
Pennsylvania Department of Health – Division of Nursing Care Facilities
Room 526, Health & Welfare Building, 7th and Forster Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (800) 852-0518 or (717) 787-1816
The online Nurse Aide Registry is managed by Credentia
Phone: (800) 852-0518
Create a CNA Account with Credentia
Nurse Aide Registry Search Site
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is responsible for the training and credentialing of nurse aides in Pennsylvania. The Nurse Aide Registry has been contracted to Credentia. Initial CNA certification entails the completion of a state-approved CNA program and passing the CNA test, i.e., the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination. The state of Pennsylvania requires that nurse aide programs are at least 80 hours long, including 37.5 hours of clinical learning under supervision.
Becoming a CNA by Testing in Pennsylvania
In order to become a certified nurse aide in the state of Pennsylvania by testing, individuals must be eligible for testing. The following individuals are eligible for testing in the state of Pennsylvania:
- Graduates of state approved CNA programs within the last 24 months
- Current student nurses
- Oregon nurse aides with lapsed certificate based on unemployment
- Out of state nurse aides with lapsed certificate based on unemployment
Candidates must register with Credentia, fill out and application, and schedule an exam. The names of those candidates who have passed both the written and skills evaluations will be placed on the Pennsylvania CNA Registry. The registry will issue a Registry Card, aka Notice of Enrollment, which will be mailed to successful candidates by Credentia
Online Verification & License Lookup
The state of Pennsylvania requires that facilities verify that the nurse aides they are considering employing or are employing be eligible to work as nurse aides. Candidates must have no record of neglect, resident abuse, or misappropriation of property. They must have an active status on the registry. Online verification is available.
Pennsylvania CNA license lookup & verification instructions
Nurse Aide Recertification in Pennsylvania
Certified nurse aides must work for a minimum of 8 consecutive hours providing paid nurse aide services in an approved facility each 24-month certification period in order to be eligible for certification renewal. Credentia mails a notification 90 days prior to the expiration date on the Notice of Enrollment. Only personal care homes, hospitals, nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and home health settings count towards acceptable approved facilities. Doctors’ offices, self-employment, or private duty jobs are not acceptable. A new Registry Card valid for the next 24 months will be issued once approved for renewal.
Reinstatement of a Lapsed Certificate
Failing to provide nurse aide services in 24 consecutive months results in denial of renewal or an inactive status on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Candidates are required to re-take the NNAAP examination and have only 1 (one) chance to pass it. Retraining is required to become eligible for retesting. A Recertification Test Registration Form is available with Credentia.
Certification Transfer for Out-of-State CNAs
Nurse aides who have current and in good standing certificate in another US state must contact the CNA registry in Pennsylvania for procedures.