Obtaining CNA Certification
Renew Your Certification (Recertify)
Your initial CNA certification credential in your nursing specialty is valid for a five-year term.
Certification renewal can be obtained by continuous learning (CL) or by writing the certification exam again. Most nurses choose to renew by CL. If your goal is to renew by CL, it is important to plan and record your CL activities from the start of the five-year term. Forms and guidelines are available under the Continuous Learning Activities Guidelines and Forms section below.
All renewal candidates are asked to complete the Certification Renewal application form and associated forms required for the renewal option they choose. You can only renew in the specialty in which you are currently certified.
About six months before the end of your certification term, you will be notified by CNA that your certification term is nearing the five-year mark. You will then be sent a package with all of the information and forms necessary to renew your certification. For more details, refer to the Renew your Certification section below.
If you are unable to renew your certification because of personal or professional reasons, you may request, before your certification expires, that your certification status become inactive. Inactive status provides nurses with an additional three years to meet their renewal requirements. Refer to the inactive status section for more details and for an application form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renewing Your Certification
