Pennsylvania Certified Nursing Assistant License
Pennsylvania DOH
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
10 to 14 Business Days
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.
- Application fee — $0
How to Apply
-
Complete an Approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) ▾Successfully complete a Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Your training program will provide information on how to register for the competency examination.
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Register for the Competency Examination ▾Register for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Examination through the Prometric Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry website. This involves creating a test candidate account with Prometric if you don't already have one.
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Pass the Competency Examination ▾Pass both the written (or oral) portion and the skills demonstration portion of the Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by Prometric.
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Automatic Placement on the Registry ▾Upon successful completion of both components of the Prometric Nurse Aide Competency Examination and meeting all state requirements, your name will be automatically added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry by Prometric.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
10 to 14 Business Days
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Pennsylvania DOH for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Pennsylvania DOH.
-
Provide License Verification ▾Pennsylvania 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.
-
Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 10 to 14 Business Days 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
Pennsylvania DOH
Keeping Your License Active
Pennsylvania Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Pennsylvania DOH for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
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Slow Downs
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 Pennsylvania CNA exam?
▾
The PA nurse aide competency exam is administered by Credentia. Register at credentia.com/test-takers/pa.
How do I transfer my CNA to Pennsylvania?
▾
Submit a reciprocity application through Credentia's CNA365 platform online, or mail the NNAAP Registration Application for Enrollment by Reciprocity to: Credentia – PA Nurse Aide Registry, PO Box 13785, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785.
Is PA CNA reciprocity free?
▾
Yes, Pennsylvania CNA reciprocity is free.
How do I verify a Pennsylvania CNA?
▾
Use the Credentia CNA365 platform or call Credentia support at (888) 204-6249. You can also call PA DOH at (800) 852-0518.
Board Info
Sources