All practicing CNAs in the United States must have a current license with the Nursing Aid Registry in order to be employed by most institutions. All CNAs may need to meet the following standards in order to obtain a license:
– High school diploma or GED certificate
– Over 18 years old
– Pass a CNA training course
– Pass the CNA written and skills exam
– Pass a background check
After you have obtained the aforementioned requirements, you can attain your state CNA license and begin your career as a CNA; however, your CNA license isn’t valid forever.
License Renewal Process
Most state nursing boards will send you notification when it’s time to renew your license. Prior to renewal, you have to pay a fee. The required fee differs from state to state. Since the notification of your licensure renewal is sent through the mail, it’s important to update your current address information frequently with your state licensing authority.
The renewal notice is typically sent to you 60 days prior to your license expiration. In most states, the renewal process can be done online. Additionally, in some states CNAs must meet certain continuing education requirements each year prior to license renewal. Your state’s board of nursing will notify you of your specific states CE requirements.
How Do I Renew My Expired CNA License?
Many states require CNAs to renew their license every two years in order to stay actively employed. If you have not received a notification via mail from your states nursing board, there are other ways you can check on the status of your license. Access your states CNA registry online. Most states will have an online certification verification page.
You can query by your name or license number to check the current status of your CNA license. Some states will also have a toll-free number that you can call to check your status.
Additionally, if your CNA license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to complete a new CNA training program and successfully pass your states CNA examination.
Expired License Renewal Process
In order to renew your expired CNA license, you must have been employed as a CNA within the past 24 months. The following steps are the typical process for renewal in most states:
- Download a nurse aid registry renewal form from your state’s nursing board website.
- Complete the renewal form with all required personal information, and have your employer fill out the additional information that is needed from them.
- After your employer completes their required section, sign and date the form and mail it along with required fee to the state nursing board.
If you have not performed CNA work in the past 24 months, you will need to retake the state certification test.
I need to renew my certification before Feb 2014, I haven’t worked as and aide ln almost one year it’s hard to find work what is the protocol for renewing my license in Georgia.