New York — Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge

New York Certified Nursing Assistant License

New York State Dept of Health

Total Fee
$50
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 — $50

How to Apply

  1. Complete a State-Approved Nurse Aide Training Program ▾
    Enroll in and successfully complete a New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP). Your training program will provide you with the necessary application materials for the examination.
  2. Register for the Competency Examination ▾
    After completing your training, register for the New York State Nurse Aide Competency Examination through the Prometric New York State Nurse Aide Registry portal. You will need to submit your application and pay the required examination fee.
  3. Pass the Competency Examination ▾
    Successfully pass both the written (or oral) and clinical skills portions of the New York State Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The exam ensures you have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care.
  4. Get Listed on the Registry ▾
    Upon successful completion of both examination components, your name will be added to the New York State Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your status using the Nurse Aide Registry Search portal.
  5. Maintain Active Registry Status ▾
    To remain active on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry, you must work at least one day for pay as a nurse aide providing nursing or nursing-related services every 24 months, under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the New York State Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the New York State Dept of Health. The application fee is $50.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    New York 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 ▾
    New York 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 New York can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  6. 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 (based on documented work activity)
Compact
No
Board
New York State Dept of Health

Keeping Your License Active

New York Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (based on documented work activity). Contact the New York State Dept of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

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

Who administers the New York CNA exam? ▾
The NYS Nurse Aide exam is administered by Prometric. Register at prometric.com/nurseaide/ny.
How do I verify a New York CNA? ▾
Use the Prometric NY Nurse Aide Registry portal or call the 24/7 IVR line at 1-800-918-8818.
How do I transfer my CNA to New York? ▾
Contact Prometric at the NY Nurse Aide Portal to apply for reciprocity.
How long does New York CNA endorsement take? ▾
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 weeks. Contact the registry for current timelines.

Board Info

New York State Dept of Health
Phone800-829-6105
Sources