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North Dakota Certified Nursing Assistant License

North Dakota Board of Nursing

Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
2 to 4 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. Create NDBON Online Portal Account
    Register for a new user account on the NDBON Online Portal (ndbon.org/Portal) using your legal name and email address.
  2. Complete Online Application
    Log in to your NDBON Online Portal account, select the Nursing Assistant Application, and complete all required sections, including personal information and education/training details.
  3. Submit Required Documents & Fees
    Upload any necessary documentation (e.g., proof of training, identification) directly through the portal and pay the non-refundable application fee of $40.
  4. Register and Pass NNAAP Exam
    Register for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam through Prometric, complete both the written/oral and skills components, and achieve a passing score.
  5. Await Registry Listing
    Prometric will send your exam results to the NDBON. The Board will then review your application and exam results for compliance with state requirements.
  6. Verify Listing Status
    Monitor your application status via your NDBON Online Portal account and confirm your listing on the North Dakota Nursing Assistant Registry once approved.
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the North Dakota Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.

Steps

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

Keeping Your License Active

North Dakota Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Dakota Board of Nursing 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to North Dakota?
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 6 Weeks.
Can I start working in North Dakota while waiting?
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.

Board Info

North Dakota Board of Nursing
Sources