Hawaii — Na Pali coast from above

Hawaii Certified Nursing Assistant License

Hawaii Dept of Health

Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
2 to 3 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 — $25

How to Apply

  1. Review the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
    Access and thoroughly read the current Hawaii Nurse Aide Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) available on the Prometric Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry website for detailed instructions, eligibility requirements, and exam content.
  2. Submit an Online Application
    Visit the Prometric Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry website, navigate to the 'Online Application' section, create a candidate account, and complete and submit the application for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.
  3. Schedule the Competency Evaluation
    Once your application is processed and you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Prometric, schedule your written/oral and skills competency evaluation exams through the Prometric online system or by phone.
  4. Pass the Competency Evaluation Exams
    Successfully complete both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric.
  5. Placement on the Registry
    Upon successful completion of both exams, your name will be added to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry, and you will receive a certificate from Prometric. Your certification is then viewable via the DCCA PVL license search.
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Hawaii Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application
    Apply through the Hawaii Dept of Health. The application fee is $25.
  2. Provide License Verification
    Hawaii 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
    Hawaii 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 Hawaii can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  6. Await Board Processing
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 to 3 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
Hawaii Dept of Health

Keeping Your License Active

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

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$25
Endorsement application$25

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 Hawaii CNA endorsement cost?
The endorsement application fee is $25. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required?
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Hawaii.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Hawaii?
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 Weeks.
Can I start working in Hawaii while waiting?
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.

Board Info

Hawaii Dept of Health
Sources