Free Guide to Moving Your CNA License Between States

Understanding State-by-State CNA License Differences

Certified Nursing Assistant licenses are regulated at the state level, which means each state sets its own rules about what CNAs can do, how long certifications last, and what steps are needed to work in that state. There is no single national CNA license. If you earned your CNA certification in one state and want to move to another, you'll need to understand how that new state handles the licenses it recognizes.

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Some states honor licenses from other states through a process called reciprocity or endorsement. Other states require you to take a new exam or complete additional training before recognizing your certification. The specific rules depend on factors like whether your original state uses the same testing organization, whether your certification is still active, and whether your training hours meet the new state's requirements.

For example, a CNA certified in Texas may be able to transfer to Oklahoma more easily than to California because neighboring states sometimes have more similar standards. However, even neighboring states can have different rules. California requires 16 hours of instruction, while some other states require 75 hours or more. These differences mean that moving states isn't always a simple process.

Before making any moves, you should contact the nursing board in the state where you want to work. They can tell you exactly what documents you need, what steps you must take, and whether your current license will be recognized. Most state boards have websites with contact information and forms for people moving from other states.

Practical takeaway: Write down the contact information for both your current state's nursing board and your future state's nursing board. Request their specific rules for out-of-state CNA licensing so you know what to expect before you move.

Reciprocity and Endorsement: How Licenses Transfer Between States

Reciprocity is a legal agreement between states to recognize licenses from each other. When two states have reciprocity, a CNA licensed in one state can often work in the other state without taking another exam. However, reciprocity is not automatic and not all states participate. Some states have reciprocity agreements with only a few other states, while some have agreements with many states.

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Endorsement is similar to reciprocity but works slightly differently. With endorsement, you submit your original license and training records to the new state's nursing board. The board reviews your documentation to confirm that your training and certification meet their standards. If they approve, they issue you a license in that state. This process typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly the board processes applications.

To find out if your state has reciprocity or endorsement agreements, start by checking the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website. The NCSBN doesn't control reciprocity directly, but it maintains information about which states recognize certifications from other states and under what conditions. You can also contact your new state's Board of Nursing directly and ask: "Do you recognize CNA licenses from [your current state]?"

Not all states use the same CNA exam. Some states use the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) exam, while others use different tests. States that use the same exam are more likely to have reciprocity agreements because the exam standards are consistent. If your current state and your new state use different exams, you may need to take a new exam even if they have some reciprocity agreement in place.

Practical takeaway: Look up whether your current state and your new state have a reciprocity agreement. If they do, find out what documents the new state needs from you. If they don't have reciprocity, ask whether endorsement is an option or whether you'll need to repeat the certification process.

Gathering Required Documents and Medical Records

When you move your CNA license to another state, you'll need to gather and submit several documents. The exact list varies by state, but most states ask for similar information. Having these documents ready before you contact the new state's nursing board will speed up the process.

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Most states require a certified copy of your current CNA license. You can request this from your original state's Board of Nursing. There is usually a small fee, and you may be able to request it online or by mail. Some states now offer digital verification, which is faster than waiting for a physical copy in the mail. You should request at least two or three certified copies in case one gets lost or additional copies are needed.

You'll also need your original training records or a transcript from the CNA program where you trained. This document shows the number of hours you completed, what subjects you studied, and the dates you completed the program. If you trained more than a few years ago, your school may not have these records easily available, so contact them as soon as possible. Some schools keep records for only five to seven years before destroying them.

Most states require a background check or want to know about any criminal history. You may need to provide fingerprints or authorize the new state's nursing board to request your criminal history directly from law enforcement agencies. Some states also ask about any disciplinary action taken against you in other states. Be honest about this information, as nursing boards share records with each other.

Medical records related to any communicable diseases, vaccinations, or health issues may be required, especially if you will be working with vulnerable populations. You may need to show proof of vaccinations like the flu shot, TB test results, or a general health screening. The specific requirements depend on the state and the facility where you plan to work.

Practical takeaway: Create a checklist of documents by contacting your new state's nursing board and asking for their specific list. Then contact your old school and nursing board to request certified copies of your training records and license. Gather everything before submitting anything to the new state.

Completing the License Transfer or Re-Certification Process

Once you've gathered your documents, the next step is to formally submit them to your new state's nursing board. Most states have a form specifically for people transferring licenses from other states. You can usually find this form on the board's website or request it by phone or email. Fill out the form completely and carefully, as incomplete forms will delay the process.

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You'll submit the form along with your certified license copy, training records, background check authorization, and any other documents the board requested. Some states allow you to submit everything online through a portal, while others require you to mail physical copies. Check the board's website to find out which method they use.

The board will review your documents to verify that your training and certification meet the state's standards. This review period typically takes four to eight weeks, though some states are faster and others slower. During this time, the board may contact you with questions or ask for additional documentation. Respond as quickly as possible when the board contacts you, as delays on your part will slow down the process.

Some states require you to take a new CNA exam even if you have a valid license from another state. This is more common in states that have very different training requirements or use a different exam than your original state. If the new state requires an exam, you'll need to register for it, study if necessary, and pay the exam fee. The exam fee typically ranges from $100 to $250.

Once the board approves your transfer or re-certification, you'll receive a new license from that state. This new license is separate from your original license and is valid only in that state. Keep your original license documentation even after you move, as some employers ask to see it and it may be useful if you ever move again.

Practical takeaway: Follow the new state's exact submission process and keep copies of everything you submit. Write down the reference number or application number the board gives you, and check on the status of your transfer every two to three weeks if you don't hear anything.

Understanding Timeline and Cost Considerations

Moving your CNA license between states takes time and money, and it's important to plan ahead so you're not rushed. The entire process can take anywhere from four weeks to several months, depending on how fast the new state's nursing board processes applications and whether they require you to take a new exam.

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The timeline breaks down roughly like this: gathering documents takes one to two weeks, submitting your application takes a few days, the board's review takes four to eight weeks, and if an exam is required, you may need another two to four weeks to register and take it. If everything goes smoothly and you don't need a new exam, the total time is usually six to ten weeks. If the