CNA License in Arizona

How to Get a CNA License in Arizona

The CNA certification process in Arizona is overseen by AZBN. To earn a CNA license, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for CNA certification in Arizona, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or proof of 8th-grade proficiency
• Submit proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence

Step 2: Complete an Approved CNA Training Program

Enroll in a program approved by AZBN. Training must include 120 hours of instruction:

• 80 hours of classroom and lab work
• 40 hours of supervised clinical experience

After completion, your training provider submits verification to Headmaster and issues a Certificate of Completion.

Step 3: Register with TMU and Schedule Exams

After training:

1. Arizona TMU portal
2. Sign in or create an account
3. Upload your certificate and a valid government-issued photo ID
4. Schedule both the knowledge (written or audio) and skills exams
5. Pay all required testing fees

Step 4: Prepare for the Exam

On exam day:

• Arrive 20–30 minutes early
• Bring a valid, original government-issued photo ID (no copies or expired IDs)
• Wear clinical attire (scrubs and closed-toe, non-skid shoes)

Failure to meet ID or attire rules will result in dismissal.

Step 5: Pass Both Parts of the CNA Exam

The Arizona CNA exam, administered by D&S Diversified Technologies – Headmaster, includes:

• Knowledge Exam: 75 multiple-choice questions; passing score is 76%
• Skills Exam: Perform 3–4 randomly assigned tasks; must pass all key steps and 80% of remaining steps

You must pass both within two years of training. Retakes are allowed, but after a third failed knowledge attempt, a 45-day wait is required.

Step 6: Apply for CNA Certification

After passing both exams:

1. Arizona Nurse Portal
2. Select Apply for License → CNA by Exam
3. Upload your certificate and proof of lawful presence
4. Submit the application (Headmaster sends results directly to AZBN)

Step 7: Verify Your CNA Certification

Once approved, your name will appear in the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Arizona

The following programs are approved by AZBN. Consider tuition, schedules, location, clinical access, and job support when choosing.

1. Arizona Western College

   2020 S Ave 8 E, Yuma, AZ 85365
   (928) 317-6000

2. Cochise College

   901 Colombo Ave, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
   (520) 515-0500

3. Coconino Community College

   3000 N Fourth St, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
   (928) 526-7600

4. Eastern Arizona College

   615 N Stadium Ave, Thatcher, AZ 85552
   (928) 428-8396

5. GateWay Community College

   108 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
   (602) 286-8000

6. Glendale Community College

   6000 W Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302
   (623) 845-3000

7. Mesa Community College

   1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202
   (480) 461-7000

8. Mohave Community College

   1971 Jagerson Ave, Kingman, AZ 86409
   (928) 757-4331

9. Northland Pioneer College

   1001 W Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, AZ 85901
   (928) 532-6111

10. Pima Community College

    2202 W Anklam Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745
    (520) 206-6600

11. Regional Center for Border Health (RCBH)

    950 E Main St Building A, Somerton, AZ 85350
    (928) 315-7600

12. Yavapai College

    1100 E Sheldon St, Prescott, AZ 86301
    (928) 717-7777

How to Verify a CNA License in Arizona

AZBN provides an online system to verify CNA licenses for employment eligibility.

Step 1: Access the Verification Portal

Go to the AZBN License/Certificate Verification Portal.

Step 2: Select License Type

From the License Type dropdown, choose CNA/LNA.

Step 3: Enter Search Information

Search by either:

• Your first and last name
• Your certificate number

Step 4: Complete CAPTCHA Verification

Check the CAPTCHA box.

Step 5: Submit Your Search

Click Search to view your record.

Step 6: Review Your Record

Your record may include:

• Certificate type
• Status
• Issue/expiration dates
• Disciplinary history (if any)

How to Renew a CNA License in Arizona

CNA certification must be renewed every two years through AZBN. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may renew if:

• You completed at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months
• Your certificate is current or expired less than two years
• You have no open investigations or actions

Step 2: Sign In to the Nurse Portal

Log in to the AZBN Nurse Portal. If new, create an account.

• Select Apply for Renewal
• Complete the renewal form
• Attest to work hours and update history/contact info

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

You may need to upload:

• Proof of employment (pay stub, W-2, or employer letter)
• Name change documentation (if applicable)

Step 4: Pay Required Fees

• CNA Renewal Fee: $0
• LNA Renewal Fee: $50
• Late Renewal Fee: $50

See the AZBN fee schedule for details.

Step 5: Verify Your Certification

After renewal, confirm your status using the AZBN License Lookup or Nurse Portal.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Arizona

If expired more than two years, you must requalify by exam to return to the Registry.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may reinstate if:

• You previously held a CNA certificate issued by AZBN
• Your certificate expired over 24 months ago
• You have not completed 8 hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months
• You have no pending investigations or actions

Step 2: Register with Arizona TMU

Testing is administered through the Arizona TMU portal by D&SDT-Headmaster.

• Create or log in to your TMU account
• Complete demographic info
• Upload a valid photo ID
• Upload your Certificate of Completion

Step 3: Pay Exam Fees and Schedule Testing

Once approved, schedule your exam. Fees:

• Knowledge Exam: $35
• Audio Version: $45
• Skills Exam: $95

You must complete both parts within two years of training. After that, retraining is required.

Step 4: Apply for Certification

After passing:

• Log in to the AZBN Nurse Portal
• Select Apply for License → CNA by Exam
• Upload:
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
  • Certificate of Completion

Step 5: Verify Certification

Once approved, your license will be listed as Active in the Registry.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Arizona

If certified in another state, you may apply for Arizona certification by endorsement through AZBN.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may qualify if you:

• Hold a current or recently expired CNA certificate
• Completed a state-approved training program
• Passed a state-approved exam
• Have no disciplinary actions or investigations

Step 2: Apply Online

• Log in or create an account at the AZBN Nurse Portal
• Select Apply for License → CNA by Endorsement
• Pay the $50 non-refundable fee

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Verification of certification from your current state
  • If needed, submit the AZBN Verification Request Form
• Training documentation:
  • 120+ hours: Certificate of Completion
  • 75–119 hours: Certificate plus proof of 45 hours of paid CNA work
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
• Name change documentation (if applicable)

Step 4: Pass Exam (If Required)

If work requirements are unmet:

• Create an account at the Arizona TMU portal
• Upload documents
• Schedule and pass both exams

Step 5: Track Application Status

Monitor progress in the Nurse Portal. Once approved, your license will be listed in the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry.

Arizona Nurse Aide Registry

The Arizona Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by AZBN, is the official record of CNAs eligible to work in the state. The registry lists certification number, dates, and any disciplinary history. Employers must verify active status before hiring. CNAs may use the portal to confirm certification and update contact info.

Contact Information

• Agency: Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
• Address: 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Phone: (602) 771-7800
• Email: arizona@azbn.gov
• Registry Search: Arizona Nurse Aide Registry
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. MST

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive my Arizona CNA license after passing the exam?

AZBN typically updates your record in the Registry within 30 days of receiving your results and documents.

Can I begin working while my endorsement application is pending?

No. You must hold an active CNA license listed in the Registry before employment.

Will I receive a paper copy of my Arizona CNA license?

No. AZBN does not issue printed certificates. You may download and print proof from the License Lookup portal.

How do I update my name or address?

Log in to the Nurse Portal to submit changes. Legal documentation is required for name changes.

I’ve held CNA certification in more than one state. What should I do?

You must provide verification from the state of your most recent active certification. To qualify for endorsement, it must be current or expired within two years and earned through an approved training and exam process.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: You must complete a state-approved 120-hour CNA program and pass both the knowledge and skills exams administered by Headmaster.
• Apply through the Nurse Portal: After passing both exams, submit your application online to be listed on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry.
• Stay active with paid work: You must complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA employment every 24 months to maintain active certification.
• Endorsement requires documentation: Out-of-state CNAs must submit verification of certification, proof of training, and lawful presence. If not recently employed, testing is required.