To earn your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in Alabama, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the nurse aide competency exam, and be listed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to apply for certification, verify your status, maintain or reinstate your license, and transfer an active out-of-state credential—based on current regulations from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
How to Get Your CNA License in Alabama
The process for obtaining a CNA license in Alabama is regulated by ADPH. Follow the steps below to become certified in the state.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program
Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by ADPH. Programs must provide at least 75 hours of instruction, including:
- Minimum 16 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Minimum 16 hours of lab instruction before direct resident contact
Course topics include communication, infection control, safety, resident rights, cognitive care, basic nursing skills, and restorative services.
Step 2: Apply for the Competency Exam
After training, apply for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NACE). Alabama approves both Prometric and Credentia to administer the exam. You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills exams within 24 months of program completion.
| Provider | Written/Oral | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Credentia | $55 | $80 |
| Prometric | $40 | $45 |
Step 3: Prepare for the Exam
Written or Oral Exam
- Credentia: 70 multiple-choice questions; 2-hour limit
- Prometric: 55 multiple-choice questions; 90-minute limit
- Oral format available upon request
Skills Evaluation
- Five randomly assigned tasks, including mandatory hand hygiene
- Time limit: 30–40 minutes depending on assigned skills
What to Bring
- Two forms of ID—one government-issued photo ID and one showing your Social Security number
- Closed-toe, nonskid shoes and clean scrubs
- Analog watch with a second hand (required for skills test)
Testing Day Rules
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Candidates on light duty or medical restrictions are not eligible for the skills exam
- Late arrivals or missing documents result in dismissal and loss of fees
Step 4: Pass the Exam
You are allowed three attempts per section within 24 months. If you fail a section three times or do not pass within the timeframe, you must retrain in an approved NATCEP before retesting.
Step 5: Get Listed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry
After passing both exams, your results are submitted to ADPH. Your name will be added to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. Alabama does not issue physical certificates; your Social Security number serves as your certification ID.
Need help? Call ADPH at (334) 206-5169 or email nar@adph.state.al.us.
Neighboring States: Florida • Georgia • Mississippi • Tennessee
State-Approved CNA Programs in Alabama
The following nurse aide training programs are approved by ADPH. When choosing, consider tuition cost, location, schedule flexibility, clinical access, and job placement support.
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Bevill State Community College
1411 Indiana Ave, Jasper, AL 35501(800) 648-3271 -
Calhoun Community College
102 Wynn Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805(256) 890-4700 -
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
2602 College Dr, Phenix City, AL 36869(334) 291-4900 -
Coastal Alabama Community College
1900 US-31, Bay Minette, AL 36507(251) 990-0445 -
Gadsden Job Corps Center
600 Valley St, Gadsden, AL 35901(256) 547-6222 -
Gadsden State Community College
1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, AL 35903(256) 549-8200 -
J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College
3421 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811(256) 539-8161 -
Jefferson State Community College
2601 Carson Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215(205) 856-7710 -
Jefferson State Community College
4600 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242(205) 856-7710 -
Lawson State Community College
3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221(205) 925-2515 -
Montgomery Job Corps Center
1145 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108(334) 262-8883 -
Northeast Alabama Community College
138 AL-35, Section, AL 35771(256) 638-4418 -
Northwest-Shoals Community College
800 George Wallace Blvd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674(256) 331-5200 -
Shelton State Community College
9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405(205) 391-2211 -
Snead State Community College
220 N Walnut St, Boaz, AL 35957(256) 593-5120 -
Trenholm State Community College
1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108(334) 420-4200 -
University of West Alabama
Station 200, Livingston, AL 35470(205) 652-3400 -
Wallace Community College
1141 Wallace Dr, Midland City, AL 36350(334) 983-3521 -
Wallace Community College
3235 S Eufaula Ave, Eufaula, AL 36027(334) 687-3543 -
Wallace State Community College
801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL 35077(256) 352-8000
How to Verify Your CNA License in Alabama
Use the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry to check your certification status and employment eligibility.
Step 1: Access the Registry
Visit the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.
Step 2: Enter Search Criteria
Enter your full Social Security number. This is your certification number in Alabama.
Step 3: View Status
Select Search to review your registry listing. It will display:
- Status: Must show Active for CNA employment
- Training and exam history
- Verified work history
- Any findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
Phone Verification: Call ADPH at (334) 206-5169, Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT.
How to Renew Your CNA License in Alabama
Alabama does not require formal renewal. To remain active, you must meet the federal employment requirement every 24 months.
Work Requirement
You must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related duties in the past 24 months in one of these settings:
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Home health agencies
- Hospice agencies
- Mental health facilities
Employment in assisted living, private homes, or physician offices does not qualify.
Inactive Status and Re-Certification
If you do not meet the requirement, your certification will lapse. To regain active status, you must:
- Complete a new state-approved training program
- Pass both the written (or oral) and skills exams
Verify Your Status
Visit the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry and enter your full Social Security number to confirm your certification.
Need help? Call ADPH at (334) 206-5169 or email nar@adph.state.al.us.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Alabama
If your certification has been inactive for more than 24 months, you must complete a new training program and re-pass both exams.
Step 1: Retrain
Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program with at least 75 hours of instruction.
Step 2: Retest
Take and pass both the Written (or Oral) Exam and Skills Exam via Credentia or Prometric. You have three attempts per section within 24 months.
Step 3: Regain Active Status
Once both exams are passed, your name will be reinstated on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.
Need help? Call ADPH at (334) 206-5169 or email nar@adph.state.al.us.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to Alabama
Out-of-state CNAs may qualify for placement on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry through employer-initiated reciprocity. Individual applications are not accepted.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- You must hold an active CNA certification from another U.S. state or territory.
- Your certification must be in good standing, with no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
Step 2: Obtain Employment in Alabama
You must be employed by an Alabama-licensed healthcare provider such as:
- Nursing home
- Hospital
- Home health agency
- Hospice agency
- Mental health facility
Step 3: Employer Initiates the Transfer
Your employer must contact ADPH to verify your out-of-state certification and initiate your placement on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. You cannot initiate this process yourself.
Step 4: Await Registry Listing
Once verified, your name will be added to the registry. No exam, application, or fee is required.
Note: If you are not employed by a qualifying facility, you must complete an approved CNA program and pass the required exams.
Alabama Nurse Aide Registry
The Alabama Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), is the official database of certified nurse aides eligible to work in approved healthcare settings. The registry records certification status, training history, employment eligibility, and substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers use it to verify eligibility, while nurse aides use it to confirm status and update information.
Contact Information
- Agency: Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)
- Division: Division of Provider Services
- Address: The RSA Tower, Suite 600, 201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36130
- Phone: (334) 206-5169
- Fax: (334) 206-3031
- Email: nar@adph.state.al.us
- Registry Search: Alabama Nurse Aide Registry Search
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a CNA in Alabama fast?
Choose a state-approved CNA training program with an accelerated schedule. After completing the required hours, pass the written (or oral) and skills exams through Prometric or Credentia. You will be added to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry once you pass both parts.
What are basic nursing skills for CNAs?
Basic nursing skills include recording vital signs, measuring height and weight, maintaining the resident’s environment, reporting abnormal changes to a supervisor, and providing care to residents approaching end of life.
What should you know about CNA exam day in Alabama?
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring two valid IDs: one photo ID with signature (such as a driver’s license) and one secondary ID with your name and signature. Wear professional clothing and closed-toe, nonslip shoes.
How do you submit a CNA exam accommodations request?
Download the ADA Accommodations Request Form from the testing provider’s website. Submit it with documentation before scheduling your exam. Approval must come from Credentia or Prometric. On-site approvals are not permitted.
Are there free CNA programs in Alabama?
Free CNA programs are offered through Job Corps, American Red Cross chapters, and WIOA-approved providers listed on the AlabamaWorks portal.
How do you update your name on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry?
Mail copies of your updated Social Security card and a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to:
Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)
Division of Health Care Facilities
The RSA Tower, Suite 700
201 Monroe Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Does Alabama issue physical CNA certificates or wallet cards?
No. Alabama does not issue physical certificates or wallet cards. Your CNA license status is maintained electronically on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: You must complete a state-approved CNA program and pass both exams through Prometric or Credentia.
- Stay active with paid work: You must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work every 24 months in a qualifying facility.
- Use your SSN for tracking: Alabama does not issue physical CNA licenses. Your Social Security number is your certification ID.
- Out-of-state CNAs need employment: To transfer your certification, you must be hired by a licensed Alabama healthcare provider who will initiate your placement on the registry.
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