The license renewal for a CNA is discussed after this overview of the licensing process. In order to become a certified nursing assistant, you will need to enroll in and complete a training course. After passing the training course and completing all requirements, you will need to take the certification exam. There are two portions of this exam, both of which must be passed in order to receive your certification. Tests can be repeated if necessary for you to pass.
The CNA Exam
There will only be two sections of the exam. One section is referred to as the theoretical test; the other is called the clinical test. The theoretical test will test you on patient procedure, safety techniques, privacy issues and other information you learned throughout the course. This part of the test is a written exam with multiple choice questions. If you study your notes and exams from your course, you should be well prepared for the test. You can also find samples questions online that will help you to understand what you need to know for the written portion of the test.
You will then need to demonstrate three (sometimes four) or more clinical CNA skills for the examiner. This is your opportunity to show that you will be able to complete nursing assistant tasks when working with patients. It is often necessary to bring a friend with you who will act as your patient for the clinical portion of the test. The examiner will be watching you closely throughout completion of each task. Do not forget to do things like washing your hands and knock on a patient’s door before entering the room (even if there is no actual door and separate room in the testing area).
licensing Requirements
You will need to follow all instructions by the licensing board in your area in order to receive your license upon completing and passing the exam. You will need to pay for your examination and license. The cost will differ depending on the state where you live and can easily cost a few hundred dollars. Once you have completed all requirements to become a nursing assistant who is licensed, you will be registered with the nursing aid registry and employers can verify your certification.
CNA License Renewal
Your nursing assistant license is not good for life. The renewal will need to be done again on a regular basis. Many states will require renewal each year. In order to continue working as a certified nursing assistant, you will need to meet certain requirements as set forth by your state. Some states will make you complete a specified number of continuing education credits each year. You might also need to work in your field for a certain number of hours each year in order to be able to renew your license.
Shortly before it is time to renew your license, you should receive written notification from the licensing board. This notice should provide information on how to complete the renewal process. There will be a fee for renewing your license which will be listed on this paperwork.
Hi! I have CNA certificate and working at residential facility.
I have received letter for renewal of the license from the State of California. My expire date is 5/31/10.
I need 48 hrs of CE hours for renewal of my license.
Could you give me information of the class for that?
If it is possible, I want to take the class through online.
Thank you.
Mary John Shin
Hi Mary, thank you for visiting my blog.
You can check out this website http://doh.state.fl.us/MQA/cna/cna_ceu.html
They have a small list of centers that offer CEU’s. Many of them offer online classes as well.
It is advisable to check with your state CNA board to make sure these classes are accredited in your state.
I used to be a CNA in a nursing home. I let my license expire by accident but I have been working as a Personal Care Asst through a campany. I’m wanting to get my CNA license reinstated but I need a video for the clinical section. I was told through our comapny RN that I can order the clinical video but have no idea what or where to look for it to order. Can you help me or direct me to the website to order the video. The one our RN had was called Avanza CNA Certification Handbook Skills.
I need the clinical skills video
I graduated high school in 2004 with a CNA license, but have yet to use. I have since graduated from college and the job market is terrible in my field. How hard do you think it will be for me to renew my license and can you give me any information on how to look locally in indianapolis, in
Thank You,
Katie
Hi Katie,
You’ll need to retake classes as well as the certification exam since there has been a lapse of over two years since you worked as a CNA.
I Just Currently Got A Job Working As A CNA. I Got My License Back In 09′ And Just Started Working As A CNA today. I Was Wondering What I Would Need To Do To Renew My CNA License And If I Could Do It Online. I Can’t Find It On The Department Of Nursing Website. Please Help…..Thanks Stephanie
Hi Stephanie, For CNA License renewal I’ll need to know which state you’re certified in. You can then look up the nursing board website of that state and get links to the renewal form.
i had my cna lic. in georgia and accidently let it lapse.i have worked as a private care provider the required amount of hours and can prove it.however it has been around 2 years and maybe a little over since my lic. lapsed.can i still renew my licenses by retaking the exam.or what do i need to do to get renewed.
Tanya, it depends on the laws in your state. You will need to retake the CNA certification test to get your license renewed.
In Florida when you renew your CNA of LPN license do you have to take a test every time?
Melissa,
You only have to take the test once. You can renew it every couple years provided you fulfill their minimum working hours requirements.