Colorado Certified Nursing Assistant License
Colorado Board of Nursing
Total Fee
$30
Processing Time
1 to 2 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.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $30
How to Apply
-
Complete a State-Approved CNA Program ▾Successfully complete a Certified Nurse Aide training program approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.
-
Pass the Colorado CNA Competency Exam ▾Register for and pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Pearson VUE.
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Create a DORA Online Services Account ▾Register as a new user on the DORA Online Services portal (apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing) to begin your application.
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Submit Online Application and Pay Fee ▾Log in to DORA Online Services, select 'Apply for a new license', choose 'Certified Nurse Aide', complete the application, and pay the required application fee.
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Await Board Review and Licensure ▾The Colorado State Board of Nursing will review your application and exam results. Once approved, your CNA license will be issued and available for verification online.
Total Fee
$30
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Colorado Board of Nursing. The application fee is $30.
-
Provide License Verification ▾Colorado 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.
-
Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
-
Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
-
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Colorado 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 Colorado can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
-
Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 1 to 2 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
Colorado Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
Colorado Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $30 |
| Endorsement application | $30 |
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 Colorado CNA endorsement cost?
▾
The endorsement application fee is $30. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required?
▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Colorado.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Colorado?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 Weeks.
Can I start working in Colorado while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources