Rhode Island — Newport harbor at dusk

Rhode Island Certified Nursing Assistant License

Rhode Island DOH

Total Fee
$35
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 — $35

How to Apply

  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements ▾
    Ensure you have successfully completed a Rhode Island Department of Health-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) or meet the requirements for endorsement/reciprocity from another state.
  2. Create a Credentia Account ▾
    Visit the Credentia Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry website (credentia.com/test-takers/rhode-island/) and click 'Create an Account' to establish your personal profile.
  3. Complete Online Application ▾
    Log in to your Credentia account and complete the appropriate online application for Nurse Aide certification, whether you are applying by examination or endorsement/reciprocity.
  4. Schedule and Pass Examination (If Applicable) ▾
    If applying by examination, schedule and pass both the written/oral and skills components of the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Examination through your Credentia account.
  5. Submit Required Documentation ▾
    Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as proof of training, background check results, or verification of licensure from another state, directly through your Credentia account.
  6. Receive Certification ▾
    Once all requirements are met and processed by Credentia, your Rhode Island Nurse Aide certification will be issued, and your name will be added to the state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Rhode Island DOH for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the Rhode Island DOH. The application fee is $35.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    Rhode Island 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 ▾
    Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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
Rhode Island DOH

Keeping Your License Active

Rhode Island Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Rhode Island DOH for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Rhode Island? ▾
Most endorsement applications take 6 to 8 Weeks.
Can I start working in Rhode Island while waiting? ▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.

Board Info

Rhode Island DOH
Phone(401) 222-5960
Sources