CNA Certification by State

List of CNA Certification by State

If you’re interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant, we recommend researching the requirements and procedures in your state and finding a reputable training program to get started. With the right training and certification, you can play a valuable role in the healthcare industry and make a difference in the lives of patients in need.

We also recommend reading our complete guide to earning your CNA Certification for 2025 and our comprehensive Salary Report for CNAs.

List of CNA Certification by State

Alabama:
Certification in Alabama is overseen by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/nurseaide/index.html
Alaska:
In Alaska, certification is administered by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program and passing a competency evaluation. More information can be found at https://www.dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Nursing/Pages/CNA/default.aspx
Arizona:
The Arizona State Board of Nursing oversees certification in Arizona. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.azbn.gov/licensure-certification/certified-nursing-assistant
Arkansas:
Certification in Arkansas is administered by the Office of Long Term Care. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/cna-registry
California:
The California Department of Public Health oversees certification in California. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/CNA.aspx
Colorado:
Certification in Colorado is administered by the Colorado Board of Nursing. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/Nursing_CNA
Connecticut:
In Connecticut, certification is overseen by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing–Investigations/Nurse-Aide
Delaware:
The Delaware Division of Health Care Quality oversees certification in Delaware. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/cnareg.html
Florida:
Certification in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/certified-nursing-assistant/
Georgia:
In Georgia, certification is overseen by the Georgia Medical Care Foundation. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/portal/Default.aspx?tabid=29
Hawaii:
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs oversees certification in Hawaii. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing/certified-nurse-aide/
Idaho:
Certification in Idaho is administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/providers/med
Illinois:
In Illinois, certification is overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.idph.state.il.us/nar/cnafacts.htm
Indiana:
Certification in Indiana is administered by the Indiana State Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.in.gov/isdh/23270.htm
Iowa:
In Iowa, certification is overseen by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://dia.iowa.gov/nursing-assistant
Kansas:
Certification in Kansas is administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.kdads.ks.gov/certification-regulation/cna
Kentucky:
The Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry oversees certification in Kentucky. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://kbn.ky.gov/Pages/Certified-Nurse-Aides.aspx
Louisiana:
Certification in Louisiana is overseen by the Louisiana Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/637
Maine:
In Maine, certification is administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlrs/cna.shtml
Maryland:
Certification in Maryland is overseen by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/cna.aspx
Massachusetts:
In Massachusetts, certification is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.mass.gov/certified-nurse-aide-registry-cnar
Michigan:
Certification in Michigan is overseen by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_63294_27529_27541—,00.html
Minnesota:
In Minnesota, certification is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/hcw/cna.html
Mississippi:
Certification in Mississippi is overseen by the Mississippi State Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/41,0,225.html
Missouri:
In Missouri, certification is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://health.mo.gov/safety/cnaregistry/
Montana:
Certification in Montana is overseen by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://dphhs.mt.gov/certification/cna
Nebraska:
In Nebraska, certification is administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi?action=license&search_string=Nurse+Aide+Registry
Nevada:
Certification in Nevada is overseen by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at http://nevadanursingboard.org/licensure-and-certification/certified-nursing-assistant/
New Hampshire:
In New Hampshire, certification is administered by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.oplc.nh.gov/nursing/nursing-assistant.htm
New Jersey:
Certification in New Jersey is overseen by the New Jersey Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.nj.gov/health/healthfacilities/cnaregistry.shtml
New Mexico:
In New Mexico, certification is administered by the New Mexico Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/cdd/nurse-aide/
New York:
Certification in New York is overseen by the New York State Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/programs/cna.htm
North Carolina:
In North Carolina, certification is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/health-service-regulation/health-care-personnel-registry-section/nurse-aide-i
North Dakota:
Certification in North Dakota is overseen by the North Dakota Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.ndhealth.gov/nursing/registry/cna
Ohio:
In Ohio, certification is administered by the Ohio Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/nurse-aide-registry/nurse-aide-registry
Oklahoma:
Certification in Oklahoma is overseen by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.ok.gov/health/Protective_Health/Nurse_Aide_Registry/index.html
Oregon:
In Oregon, certification is administered by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://osbn.oregon.gov/OSBN/Pages/cna.aspx
Pennsylvania:
Certification in Pennsylvania is overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/nurseaides/Pages/Nurse-Aide-Registry.aspx
Rhode Island:
In Rhode Island, certification is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=232
South Carolina:
Certification in South Carolina is overseen by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.scdhec.gov/health-regulation/nurse-aides-personal-care-aides
South Dakota:
In South Dakota, certification is administered by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/CNA.aspx
Tennessee:
Certification in Tennessee is overseen by the Tennessee Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nurse-aides.html
Texas:
In Texas, certification is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/cna-registry
Utah:
Certification in Utah is overseen by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.utahcna.com/
Vermont:
In Vermont, certification is administered by the Vermont Secretary of State. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.sec.state.vt.us/professional-regulation/list-of-professions/nursing-assistant.aspx
Virginia:
Certification in Virginia is overseen by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/nursing_forms.htm#na
Washington:
In Washington, certification is administered by the Washington State Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/NursingEducation/CertifiedNursingAssistant
West Virginia:
Certification in West Virginia is overseen by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.wvdhhr.org/ohflac/NAR/CNA%20Home.asp
Wisconsin:
In Wisconsin, certification is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/cna.htm
Wyoming:
Certification in Wyoming is overseen by the Wyoming Department of Health. Requirements include completion of a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation, and passing a criminal background check. More information can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/healthcare-licensing-and-surveys/cna/

Each state may have different requirements and procedures for obtaining certification, so it’s always a good idea to check with the relevant state agency for the most up-to-date information.

Many CNAs choose to further their education and career by pursuing additional training or certifications. For example, some CNAs may choose to become certified medication aides, while others may pursue further education to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.

Working as a certified nursing assistant can be a fulfilling and rewarding career, offering opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families. If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, we encourage you to do your research and reach out to local training programs or state agencies for more information.