CNA License in Colorado

How to Get a CNA License in Colorado

The CNA certification process in Colorado is regulated by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. Follow these steps to become certified.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. The program must include at least 75 hours of instruction:

• 16 hours of classroom instruction
• 16 hours of supervised clinical practice

Training must meet federal OBRA ’87 standards. You must complete the program before applying for the competency exam.

Step 2: Apply for the CNA Competency Examination

Submit an Application for Registration by Competency Examination through the Credentia CNA365® platform. You will need to:

• Create a CNA365® account
• Select your eligibility route
• Upload required documents
• Submit payment or apply a prepaid voucher

Applications must be approved before scheduling. You must pass both the Knowledge and Skills exams within 24 months of your application date. You are allowed three attempts per component before retraining is required.

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam

Once approved, log in to CNA365® to schedule your exam. You may test:

• In person at a Colorado Regional Test Site
• Online with remote proctoring

Step 4: Take and Pass the CNA Competency Examination

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) exam includes two parts:

• Knowledge Exam – Choose one format:
  • Written: 70 multiple-choice questions
  • Oral: 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions (must be requested at application)
• Skills Evaluation: Perform five randomly selected nurse aide skills, including mandatory hand hygiene

All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Pay by credit/debit card, prepaid card, or voucher.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams, Credentia will send your results to the Colorado State Board of Nursing. Once approved, your name will be added to the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry, confirming your active certification.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Colorado

The following CNA training programs are approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing. When choosing a program, consider tuition, location, schedule, clinical site access, and job placement support.

1. Aims Community College

   5401 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634
   (970) 330-8008

2. Arapahoe Community College

   5900 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120
   (303) 797-4222

3. Colorado Northwestern Community College

   500 Kennedy Dr, Rangely, CO 81648
   (970) 675-2261

4. Community College Of Denver

   800 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204
   (303) 556-2600

5. Emily Griffith Technical College

   1860 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203
   (720) 423-4702

6. Front Range Community College

   3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031
   (303) 404-5000

7. Pueblo Community College

   900 W Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004
   (719) 549-3200

8. Red Rocks Community College

   13300 W 6th Ave, Golden, CO 80401
   (303) 914-6600

9. Technical College of the Rockies

   1765 US-50, Delta, CO 81416
   (970) 874-7671

10. Western Colorado Community College

    2508 Blichmann Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81505
    (970) 255-2600

How to Verify a CNA License in Colorado

Use the official lookup tool from the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) to confirm your CNA license status, expiration date, and any public disciplinary actions.

Step 1: Access the License Lookup Tool

Go to the Colorado License Lookup page.

Step 2: Select License Type

• Under License Type(s), select Nursing.

Step 3: Enter Search Details

• For name search, enter first and last name.
• For license number, select NA and enter the number.
• Optional filters: city, state, ZIP code, business name, or maiden name.

Step 4: Complete the Security Check

Enter the characters shown in the verification field.

Step 5: Submit Search

Click Submit to display results.

Step 6: Review Search Results

The results page displays:

• Full name
• License number
• Status — must show Active for work eligibility
• Contact type
• City, state, ZIP code

Step 7: View License Details

Click Detail to open the credential record and view:

• License number, method, and type
• Status
• Original issue date
• Effective date
• Expiration date
• Disciplinary or board actions (if any)
• Other Colorado licenses held

Step 8: View the Nurse Aide Profile

Select View Profile to open the nurse aide’s full registry profile. This serves as primary source verification and may include additional certification details not shown in License Details.

How to Renew a CNA License in Colorado

CNA certification must be renewed every two years through the CNA365 platform, managed by Credentia.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

You may renew if your certification is active or has been expired for less than 90 days within the current two-year cycle. If expired more than 90 days, you must apply for reinstatement through the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

Step 2: Log In to CNA365

Sign in with your CNA365 credentials. If eligible, a Renewal button will appear under the Registry section. Use the Forgot Password link if needed.

Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application

Click Renewal, review and update your personal and employment information, and submit.

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee (If Required)

If a fee is displayed after submission, add it to your cart and pay online. All fees are non-refundable.

Step 5: Confirm Renewal

Once processed, your updated certificate will be available in CNA365 under the Registration tab. Select View Registration to view or download it.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Colorado

If your Colorado CNA license has expired and you have not completed at least eight (8) hours of paid nurse aide work in the past 24 months, you must reinstate by examination through the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Apply under Eligibility Route E11 – Reinstatement by Examination. One of the following is required:

• Your most recent Colorado Nurse Aide certificate
• A certificate of completion from a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program

If you cannot provide proof of prior training, you must complete a new Colorado-approved program before applying.

Step 2: Submit the Reinstatement Application

Apply online through the DPO Online Services Portal. Select Certified Nurse Aide – Reinstate Expired Certification and upload required documents:

• Proof of training or prior CNA certificate
• Details of any CNA or healthcare work in Colorado since expiration
• Information about healthcare licenses held in other states
• Name change documentation (if applicable)
• Responses and supporting documentation for criminal history or disciplinary actions
• Completed Healthcare Professions Profile

Attest that you have passed—or will pass—both the knowledge and skills exams approved by the Board. Pay the non-refundable fee. Your status will remain pending until exam results are received.

Step 3: Apply for the Competency Examination

Create an account in the Credentia CNA365® platform and submit your E11 testing application. Upload required documents and wait for approval before scheduling exams.

Step 4: Schedule and Pass Both Exams

Once approved, schedule your exams in CNA365®:

• Skills Evaluation (PR): Demonstrate five randomly assigned nurse aide skills
• Knowledge Exam: Written (AW) or Oral (AO)

You must pass both exams within three attempts and within 24 months of your application date. If you fail either component three times, you must complete a new training program before reapplying.

Step 5: Confirm Reinstatement

After passing both exams and Board approval, your license status will be updated to Active in the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Colorado

If you are certified as a nurse aide in another U.S. state, you may apply for Colorado certification by endorsement through the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• You hold an active nurse aide certification in good standing from another U.S. state
• You have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• If you were previously certified in Colorado, apply for reinstatement instead

Step 2: Apply Online

Log in to the DPO Online Services Portal and select Certified Nurse Aide – Certification by Endorsement.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Proof of current out-of-state CNA certification
• Disclosure of all healthcare licenses or certifications ever held
• Official name change documentation, if applicable
• Responses to general and criminal history screening questions with supporting documents if required
• Completed Healthcare Professions Profile

Step 4: Submit Verification of Certification

Complete the Verification of Certification form and send it to each state where you are or have been certified. The verifying state must send the completed form directly to the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

Step 5: Complete Fingerprint-Based Criminal Background Check

Schedule fingerprinting through Colorado Fingerprinting using your CBI Unique ID issued during the application. Both Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) checks are required.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Submit the $50 non-refundable, non-transferable fee online by credit card.

Step 7: Monitor Your Application

Check your DPO account regularly to track progress and respond promptly to any requests. Applications expire after one year if incomplete. Once approved, your name will appear on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry.

Colorado Nurse Aide Registry

The Colorado Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Colorado State Board of Nursing under the Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), is the official record of CNAs authorized to work in Colorado. It records certification status and disciplinary actions, and processes renewals and endorsement applications. CNAs use the registry to manage certification and update personal details, while employers rely on it to confirm active status and work eligibility.

Contact Information

• Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
• Phone: (303) 894-2430
• Email: dora_nursingboard@state.co.us
• Registry Search: Colorado Nurse Aide Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a CNA in Colorado?

Complete a Colorado-approved nurse aide training program and pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the NNAAP exam within 24 months of application. Apply through CNA365.

Can I get a training waiver to take the CNA exam in Colorado?

Yes. Waivers are available for prior nursing education, military medical training, or completion of an approved out-of-state nurse aide program. Documentation is required at application.

What accommodations are available under the ADA?

Candidates with documented disabilities may request testing accommodations in CNA365. Select “Yes” in the accommodations section and upload the required professional documentation before scheduling.

Can I work while waiting for my CNA license in Colorado?

First-time candidates employed by a licensed facility may work up to four months while pursuing certification. This does not apply if you were previously certified and your certification lapsed, was suspended, revoked, or denied.

How do I update my name or address on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry?

Notify the Colorado State Board of Nursing within 30 days. Update online or submit the Address/Name Change form with legal proof such as a marriage certificate, court order, or government-issued ID.

What should I know about CNA exam day in Colorado?

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring two valid forms of ID (one government-issued photo), three No. 2 pencils, an eraser, and a non-digital watch. Follow all setup and check-in requirements if testing online.

Does Colorado issue physical CNA certificates or wallet cards?

No. Certification status is maintained electronically in the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry. Physical cards are not issued.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: You must complete a Colorado Board of Nursing–approved NATCEP with at least 75 hours, including classroom and clinical instruction.
• Pass both exams through Credentia: You must pass the knowledge and skills exams within 24 months of application, with a maximum of three attempts per component.
• Maintain active status with work: You must complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA employment in the past 24 months to remain active on the registry.
• Renew every two years via CNA365: Log in to the CNA365 platform to renew on time or your certification will lapse, requiring reinstatement by examination.
• Transfer by endorsement: Out-of-state CNAs must submit verification of certification, a background check, and the required fee through the DPO Online Services Portal.