Louisiana Certified Nursing Assistant License
Louisiana Dept of Health
Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks after passing the competency exam
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 — $35
How to Apply
-
Complete an Approved Training Program ▾Enroll in and successfully complete a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Louisiana Department of Health. This program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
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Register for the Competency Exam with Pearson VUE ▾Visit the Pearson VUE - Louisiana Nurse Aide Testing website to create an account and register for the Nurse Aide Competency Exam (NACE). You will need to select both the written/oral and skills components of the exam.
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Schedule and Pass the Competency Exam ▾Schedule your NACE written/oral and skills exams at an approved testing center through your Pearson VUE account. You must pass both parts of the exam to be eligible for certification.
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Automatic Placement on the Nurse Aide Registry ▾Upon successful completion of both components of the NACE exam, your results will be automatically submitted to the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section. You will then be placed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry.
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Receive Confirmation of Certification ▾After placement on the registry, you may receive confirmation of your certification. You can also verify your status anytime using the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry search tool.
Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks after passing the competency exam
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Louisiana Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Louisiana Dept of Health. The application fee is $35.
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Provide License Verification ▾Louisiana 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 ▾Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 after passing the competency exam 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
Louisiana Dept of Health
Keeping Your License Active
Louisiana Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Louisiana Dept of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $35 |
| Endorsement application | $35 |
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 Louisiana CNA endorsement cost?
▾
The endorsement application fee is $35. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required?
▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Louisiana.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Louisiana?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 Weeks.
Can I start working in Louisiana while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources