Alabama — sunset over Mobile Bay

Alabama Certified Nursing Assistant License

Alabama Department of Public Health

Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Proof of Training — Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
  • State Competency Exam Results — Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
  • Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
  • Application fee — $125

How to Apply

  1. items
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Alabama Department of Public Health for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the Alabama Board of Nursing. The application fee is $125.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    Alabama requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
  3. Provide Proof of Training ▾
    Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
  4. Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾
    Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
  5. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾
    Alabama requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Alabama can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  6. Await Board Processing ▾
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 to 4 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization for CNAs during the endorsement process. Contact the state nurse aide registry directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Alabama Department of Public Health

Keeping Your License Active

Alabama Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Visit board site

Fees

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

Fingerprinting delays ▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents ▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors ▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.

Questions

How much does Alabama CNA endorsement cost? ▾
The endorsement application fee is $125. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required? ▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Alabama.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Alabama? ▾
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 8 Weeks.
Can I start working in Alabama while waiting? ▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.

Board Info

Alabama Department of Public Health (Nurse Aide Registry)
Phone(334) 206-5169
Webwww.alabamapublichealth.gov/providersta…
Emailnar@adph.state.al.us
Sources
Alabama Department of Public Health