Kentucky Certified Nursing Assistant License
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Total Fee
Contact board
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 — $0
How to Apply
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Complete Approved Training Program ▾Enroll in and successfully complete a Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP).
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Prepare for Competency Evaluation ▾Review the Credentia Kentucky Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook to prepare for both the knowledge and skills components of the Kentucky Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.
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Create Credentia Account and Register for Exam ▾Visit the Credentia Kentucky Nurse Aide Gateway, create an account, and register for the Kentucky Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (which includes both a knowledge test and a skills test).
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Pass the Competency Evaluation ▾Schedule and successfully pass both the knowledge and skills components of the Kentucky Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Credentia.
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Registry Placement ▾Upon successful completion of the exam, Credentia will automatically submit your results to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by the KBN.
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Verify Certification ▾Monitor your certification status and ensure your placement on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry by using the KBN License Verification Search after processing.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
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Provide License Verification ▾Kentucky 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.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
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Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Kentucky 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 Kentucky can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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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
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
Kentucky Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
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 Kentucky CNA endorsement cost?
▾
There is no application fee for CNA endorsement in Kentucky. However, background check fees may apply.
Is a background check required?
▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Kentucky.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Kentucky?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 Weeks.
Can I start working in Kentucky while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources