Arizona — Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant License

Arizona State Board of Nursing

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
6 to 9 Weeks
Fingerprints
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.
  • Application fee — $50

How to Apply

  1. Complete Approved Training Program
    Successfully complete a Nursing Assistant Training Program approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing.
  2. Pass Competency Examination
    Register for and pass both the written and skills portions of the Arizona state CNA competency examination, which is administered by Credentia (credentia.org/cna/az).
  3. Create AZBN Nurse Portal Account and Apply
    Create an account on the AZBN Nurse Portal (azbn.glsuite.us) as a new applicant. Log in and select 'Apply for a New License', then choose 'Nursing Assistant by Exam' to start your application.
  4. Submit Fingerprint Background Check
    Complete the required fingerprint background check process as instructed during the online application on the AZBN Nurse Portal. This involves obtaining fingerprint cards and submitting them for processing.
  5. Pay Application Fee and Upload Documents
    Pay the non-refundable application fee of $50 and upload all necessary supporting documents, such as your training completion certificate and examination results, through the AZBN Nurse Portal.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
6 to 9 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application
    Apply through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The application fee is $50.
  2. Provide License Verification
    Arizona 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. Await Board Processing
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 6 to 9 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
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arizona State Board of Nursing

Keeping Your License Active

Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

Slow Downs

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 Arizona CNA endorsement cost?
The endorsement application fee is $50. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required?
Arizona requires a fingerprint-based background check for initial CNA certification. Contact the AZBN directly to confirm whether a new background check is required for endorsement applicants who already completed one in another state.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Arizona?
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 Weeks.
Can I start working in Arizona while waiting?
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.

Board Info

Arizona State Board of Nursing
Sources