CNA License in Alaska

How to Get a CNA License in Alaska

The CNA certification process in Alaska is overseen by the Alaska Board of Nursing and administered by Credentia. Follow these steps to become certified.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

Enroll in a program approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing. Each program must include at least 140 total hours of training, consisting of:

• 60 hours of classroom instruction
• 80 hours of clinical or lab training

Alternate Eligibility: You may also qualify without completing a CNA program if you have recent nursing education, military medic training, graduation from a foreign nursing program, or a current/lapsed RN or LPN license from the U.S. or Canada.

Step 2: Submit the CNA Certification Application

Complete the Application for Certification by Examination (Form 08-4069) and mail it to the Alaska Board of Nursing with:

• Completed application form
• Fees: $100 application fee, $100 certification fee, $75 fingerprint processing fee (Total: $275)
• Verification of Training: Form 08-4070b or transcripts (if qualifying by equivalency)
• Fingerprint card: FD-258 card with FBI privacy statement
• Any required supporting documents (e.g., name change, license verification)

Mail to:
Alaska Nurse Aide Registry
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501

Step 3: Await Application Review

Applications are reviewed in the order received. You’ll be notified within 1–3 weeks.

Step 4: Submit the Verification of Training (VOT)

On the day of graduation, your training provider must submit the Verification of Training (VOT) form to the Board. This starts the exam authorization process.

Step 5: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)

The Board will issue your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter within 1–7 business days after receiving your VOT form.

Step 6: Register for the CNA Exam

Register through the Credentia CNA365 portal at least 10 days before your exam date.

All fees are nonrefundable and paid through Credentia.

Step 7: Take and Pass the CNA Exams

You must pass both the skills and knowledge components of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). You may take each section up to three times.

Skills Exam

• Five tasks randomly assigned
• Hand hygiene is always included
• All key steps must be performed correctly

Knowledge Exam

• 60 multiple-choice questions
• Available in written or oral format

Step 8: Receive Your CNA Certificate

The Alaska Board of Nursing will issue your CNA certificate within 1–7 business days after passing both exams. Confirm your certification status using the Professional License Search portal.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Alaska

The following nurse aide training programs are approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing. When choosing a program, compare tuition, class schedule, clinical site access, and job placement support.

1. Alaska Job Corps Center

   800 Lynn Martin Dr, Palmer, AK 99645
   (907) 861-8800

2. Kenai Peninsula College

   156 College Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669
   (907) 262-0300

3. Kodiak College

   117 Benny Benson Dr, Kodiak, AK 99615
   (907) 486-4161

4. University of Alaska Anchorage

   3211 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508
   (907) 786-1800

5. University of Alaska Fairbanks Community & Technical College

   604 Barnette St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
   (907) 455-2876

6. University of Alaska Southeast

   11066 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801
   (907) 796-6100

How to Verify a CNA License in Alaska

Use Alaska’s official license lookup tool to confirm your CNA certification status, expiration dates, and any disciplinary actions. The tool provides primary source verification for employers and individuals.

Step 1: Visit the License Search Portal

Go to the Alaska Professional License Search page.

Step 2: Enter Search Criteria

You may search by:

• Full name
• License number
• DBA name or city

Step 3: Select Program and License Type

• Select Nurse Aides under Program
• Select Certified Nurse Aide under License Type

Step 4: Submit the Search

Click Search to display results. To start over, select Reset.

Step 5: Review Search Results

The results will include:

• License number and status
• Certification type and expiration date
• Issue and effective dates
• Licensure method (exam or endorsement)
• Owner name and mailing address
• Any disciplinary actions

How to Renew a CNA License in Alaska

All CNA certifications expire on March 31 of even-numbered years. There is no grace period. Working with an expired certification is prohibited.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may renew your certification if you meet the following:

• 24 contact hours of continuing education (CE) if certified for two years or more
• 160 hours of paid CNA employment during the current period in the U.S. or Canada

Step 2: Choose Renewal Method

You may renew your license online or by mail:

• Online: Log in at the MY LICENSE portal using your myAlaska credentials. If your CNA license is already linked, select it and click Renew License.
• By mail: Download and complete the CNA Renewal Application (Form 08-4188). Mail it to:
  Alaska Board of Nursing
  550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1500
  Anchorage, AK 99501

Step 3: Complete the Application

Provide the following information:

• Certificate number
• Dates and locations of CNA employment
• Total contact hours of continuing education completed

If selected for audit, you must submit documentation verifying your continuing education and qualifying employment. Retain records for at least four years.

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

The total renewal fee is $100. You may pay:

• Online: Submit payment by credit card through the MY LICENSE portal
• By mail: Include a check or money order payable to the State of Alaska, or complete the credit card section on the last page of the renewal form

Step 5: Submit by Deadline

Submit all materials by March 31 of even-numbered years. Late renewals are not accepted.

Step 6: Confirm Certification

Check status using the license verification portal or your MY LICENSE account.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Alaska

If your certification has expired, you may be eligible for reinstatement depending on how long it has been lapsed.

Step 1: Check Reinstatement Eligibility

• Less than 1 year: Submit 24 CE hours and 160 paid CNA hours
• 1–5 years: Choose one:
  • Submit CE and paid work documentation
  • Pass a competency evaluation within 24 months
• More than 5 years: Complete a new state-approved CNA program and apply as a new candidate

Step 2: Submit the Reinstatement Application

Download and complete Form 08-4365. Attach a certified true copy of legal documents if your name has changed since your last certification.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

• Completed reinstatement form
• Verification of CE hours and paid employment, or exam results
• One completed FD-258 fingerprint card

Step 4: Pay the Reinstatement Fees

Submit payment by check, money order, or credit card using the form provided in the application packet:

• Reinstatement Fee: $100
• Fingerprint Fee: $75
• Total: $175

Step 5: Submit Application Packet

Send all documents to:
Alaska Board of Nursing
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501

Step 6: Monitor Status

Processing may take 4–6 weeks. Monitor status through the MY LICENSE portal or license verification system.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Alaska

If you hold an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or Canada, you may apply for Alaska certification by endorsement. This allows you to transfer your credential without repeating training or exams.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Completed a state-approved CNA training program meeting federal OBRA standards
• Hold a current, unencumbered CNA certification in another jurisdiction
• Passed a state-recognized nurse aide competency exam

Step 2: Complete the Endorsement Application

Download and complete the Application for Certification by Endorsement (Form 08-4070) .

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

Include the following with your application:

• Form 08-4070: Completed application
• Form 08-4070b: Verification of Nurse Aide Training (sent directly from your training program)
• Form 08-4070c: Verification of CNA Certification (sent from your current jurisdiction)
• Fingerprint Card (FD-258): Must include FBI privacy statement and be completed in black or pale blue ink
• Authorization for Release: If requested by the Board

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees

Make payment by check or money order payable to the “State of Alaska.” Fees are as follows:

• Application Fee: $100 (nonrefundable)
• Certification Fee: $100
• Fingerprint Fee: $75
• Total: $275

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Send the full application package to:
Alaska Board of Nursing
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501

Step 6: Register with MY LICENSE

After submission, you may receive a web authorization code. Use it to create an account on the MY LICENSE portal to track your application and receive updates.

Step 7: Wait for Review

Once all documents are received, the Board will review your file.

Step 8: Verify Certification Status

After approval, your certification will appear as Active in the Alaska Professional License Search system.

Alaska Nurse Aide Registry

The Alaska Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing under the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), lists nurse aides authorized to practice in Alaska. The registry maintains certification status, expiration dates, training verification, and disciplinary actions. Employers use the registry for verification, while CNAs use it to manage certification through the MY LICENSE system.

Contact Information

• Agency: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED)
• Division: Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
• Address: 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501
• Phone: (907) 269-8161
• Email: BoardOfNursing@alaska.gov
• Registry Search: Alaska Nurse Aide Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

How does fingerprinting and background check processing work?

Submit a completed FD-258 fingerprint card to the Alaska Board of Nursing. The card is forwarded to the Department of Public Safety and the FBI for review. You have 30 days to dispute any adverse findings.

How do I cancel or reschedule my CNA exam in Alaska?

Use your Credentia CNA365 account to cancel or reschedule. Skills exams require at least 10 business days’ notice; written or oral exams require at least 48 hours. Late cancellations are nonrefundable.

What happens if I fail the CNA exam in Alaska?

You may retake the section you did not pass. You are allowed up to three attempts. Both parts must be passed within 12 months of application approval and within 24 to 60 months of completing training, depending on your eligibility route.

What can I manage through the MY LICENSE system?

Use the MY LICENSE portal to apply for or renew certification, update contact information, track application status, and manage paperless notifications.

How can I change my legal name or address linked to my CNA license?

Submit Form 08-4843 to the Alaska Board of Nursing. Your certificate must reflect your legal name. All official correspondence is sent to the address on file.

What should I do if I am selected for a CNA certificate audit in Alaska?

Submit documentation of your continuing education and paid CNA work. Maintain all records for at least four years. Audits are conducted randomly during the renewal cycle.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: You must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program with at least 140 hours and pass both the knowledge and skills exams through Credentia.
• Maintain certification with work and CE: You must complete at least 160 hours of paid nursing-related employment and 24 contact hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle.
• Renew on time via MY LICENSE: Alaska CNA licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years. Late renewals are not accepted.
• Out-of-state CNAs apply by endorsement: You must submit verification of training, certification, and fingerprints to the Alaska Board of Nursing.