Ohio Certified Nursing Assistant License
Ohio Dept of Health
Total Fee
Contact board
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 — $0
How to Apply
-
Complete Approved Training ▾Successfully complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP).
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Pass Competency Exam ▾Pass both the written/oral and clinical skills portions of the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, typically administered by Prometric.
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Obtain Background Checks (if applicable) ▾If required due to specific circumstances (e.g., living out-of-state within the last 5 years, or if an applicant has a disqualifying offense, or hasn't worked as a CNA for over 1 year), obtain BCI&I and FBI background checks.
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Download and Complete Application Form ▾Access the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Nurse Aide Registry website and download the relevant application form, such as the 'Initial Application for Ohio Nurse Aide Registry Listing' (ODH 3004).
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Submit Application and Documentation ▾Mail or fax the completed application form (ODH 3004) along with any required supporting documentation (e.g., proof of training, exam scores, background check results) to the Ohio Department of Health, Nurse Aide Registry.
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Verify Registry Listing ▾After submission, regularly check the Ohio Department of Health's online Nurse Aide Registry search portal to confirm your listing.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Ohio Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Ohio Dept of Health.
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Provide License Verification ▾Ohio 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.
-
Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
-
Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
-
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Ohio 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 Ohio can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
-
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 (Work requirement)
Compact
No
Board
Ohio Dept of Health
Keeping Your License Active
Ohio Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (Work requirement). Contact the Ohio Dept of Health 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
Who administers the Ohio CNA/STNA exam?
▾
The Ohio nurse aide exam is administered by D&S Headmaster. Contact them at (877) 851-2355 or visit hdmaster.com.
How do I transfer my CNA to Ohio?
▾
Submit Form HEA 6907 (Reciprocity Request) by mail, fax (614-564-2461), or email (NAR@odh.ohio.gov). There is no fee for Ohio CNA reciprocity.
Is Ohio calling it CNA or STNA?
▾
Ohio is transitioning from 'STNA' (State Tested Nursing Assistant) to 'CNA' terminology as of October 24, 2024. Some forms may still use STNA.
How do I verify an Ohio CNA?
▾
Use the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry Inquiry at nurseaideinquiry.odh.ohio.gov or call (800) 582-5908.
Board Info
Sources