CNA License in Georgia

How to Get a CNA License in Georgia

CNA certification in Georgia is regulated by DCH and administered by Credentia. Follow these steps to become certified and listed on the state registry.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

You must complete a Georgia-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) with at least 85 total hours of instruction:

• 61 hours of classroom and lab instruction
• 24 hours of supervised clinical training in a nursing home

If trained in a long-term care facility, you must become certified within 120 days of starting the program.

Step 2: Apply for the CNA Exam

After training, submit an application through the CNA365® portal. You must:

• Create a CNA365® account
• Select eligibility route E1 – New Nurse Aide
• Upload required documents (training verification, ID)
• Pay the testing fee via credit card or voucher

Note: All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam

After approval, log in to CNA365® to schedule your exam. Choose from:

• In-Facility Testing (INF): Offered through your training provider
• Regional Test Sites (RTS): Available statewide

Schedule the Skills Evaluation before the Knowledge Exam. Reserve your date at least two business days in advance. Mobile devices are not supported.

Step 4: Pass the CNA Exam

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

• Knowledge Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions (written or oral)
• Skills Evaluation: Five randomly selected CNA skills, including handwashing

You must pass both components within 12 months of completing training. You have three attempts per component; if you do not pass after three attempts on either part, retraining is required.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass both exams, Credentia will report your results to DCH. Your listing should appear on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry within 10 business days.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Georgia

The following nurse aide training programs are approved by the Georgia Department of Community Health. When selecting a program, consider tuition, location, class schedule, clinical access, and job placement services.

1. Chattahoochee Technical College

   980 S Cobb Dr SE, Marietta, GA 30008
   (770) 528-4545

2. Georgia Piedmont Technical College

   495 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, GA 30021
   (404) 297-9522

3. Central Georgia Technical College

   80 Cohen Walker Dr, Warner Robins, GA 31088
   (478) 988-6800

4. Savannah Technical College

   5717 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31405
   (912) 443-5700

5. Athens Technical College

   800 US-29, Athens, GA 30601
   (706) 355-5000

6. Lanier Technical College

   2535 Lanier Tech Dr, Gainesville, GA 30507
   (770) 533-7000

7. West Georgia Technical College

   997 Newnan Rd, Carrollton, GA 30116
   (770) 836-6800

8. Albany Technical College

   1704 S Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA 31701
   (229) 430-3500

9. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

   4089 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602
   (229) 333-2100

10. North Georgia Technical College

    1500 GA-197, Clarkesville, GA 30523
    (706) 754-7700

11. Coastal Pines Technical College

    1701 Carswell Ave, Waycross, GA 31503
    (912) 287-6584

12. Southern Regional Technical College

    15689 US-19, Thomasville, GA 31792
    (888) 205-3449

How to Verify a CNA License in Georgia

Use the verification tool provided by the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry to confirm your CNA license status, expiration date, and work eligibility.

Step 1: Access the Verification Tool

Visit the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry Verification page.

Step 2: Choose a Search Method

• Certification Number — enter your CNA number
• Name Search — enter your first and last name
• Other Options — use additional criteria as needed

Step 3: Submit Search

Select Search to view matching records.

Step 4: Review Certification Record

The results show:

• Full name
• Certification number
• Original certification date
• Expiration date
• Status — must be Active for work eligibility
• Adverse findings
• Reciprocity state

Step 5: View and Print Expanded Record

Select the Print icon to open a printable record in a new window. This includes:

• Training program name
• Program completion date
• All details from the main results page

Print this version for your records or to provide to employers as official proof of certification.

How to Renew a CNA License in Georgia

CNA certification must be renewed every two years through the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, managed by Alliant Health Solutions. There is no fee, no grace period, and renewals are not automatic.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Worked at least 8 hours for pay as a CNA under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) within a continuous 24-month period since your most recent recertification
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property

If you do not meet the 8-hour requirement and your certification has been expired for less than three years, you must retake and pass both the written/oral and skills exams. If expired for three years or more, you must complete a Georgia-approved nurse aide training program and pass both exams before reinstatement.

Step 2: Choose Your Renewal Method

• Online (preferred): Go to the Georgia Nurse Aide Self-Service Portal. On the “Select Role & Form” page, choose your role and form type, then select Next
• By Mail: Download the Renewal Form (PDF), complete it, and mail it with proof of employment to:
  Alliant Health Solutions
  Attn: Nurse Aide Registry
  P.O. Box 105753
  Atlanta, GA 30348

Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application (Online)

1. Select Role & Form — Choose your role and form type, then select Next
2. Identity Verification — Enter all five required search criteria and the CAPTCHA code
3. Email Verification — Retrieve the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered email and enter it within 20 minutes (maximum five attempts)
4. Review & Update Information — Verify prefilled details, update if needed, and re-enter your email; complete the Verification of Employment section with current or most recent CNA employer details; if “still employed” is checked, the end date field is disabled
5. Attestation — Enter your name and title, then check the agreement box
6. Save Form — Select Save Form and resolve any error prompts
7. Upload Proof — Select an attachment category and upload proof of employment
8. Submit — Select Submit and Close to finish

Step 4: Upload Proof of Employment

Provide one of the following (max file size 20 MB; accepted formats: PDF, JPG, JPEG, DOC, DOCX, TIF, TIFF; avoid special characters in file names):

• Paystub
• W-2 or 1099 form
• Employer letter on official letterhead

Private-duty work is accepted only if performed under RN or LPN supervision. Documentation must include a notarized statement describing duties, employer signature, supervising RN/LPN name and license number, dates worked, and a paystub or W-2 copy.

Step 5: Verify Renewal

• Allow up to 10 business days for processing
• Check your updated status using the Georgia CNA Verification Tool

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Georgia

If your Georgia CNA certification has lapsed and you no longer meet renewal requirements, the process depends on how long you have been inactive.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Retest: If your certification has been inactive for one year or less or for more than 24 months without at least eight hours of paid CNA work under nurse supervision, you must retake and pass both the Written/Oral and Skills exams to regain active status on the registry
• Retrain: If your certification has been expired for three or more years, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program and then pass both exam components as a new candidate

Step 2: Request Authorization to Test

Contact Alliant Health Solutions to confirm eligibility and receive approval to schedule your exams with Credentia.

• Phone: (678) 527-3010
• Toll-free: (800) 414-4358

Step 3: Schedule and Pass the Exams

Once authorized, register with Credentia to take both components:

• Written or Oral Exam
• Skills Exam

You have up to three attempts per component. If unsuccessful after three attempts, you must complete a new state-approved training program before reapplying.

Step 4: Confirm Your Status

After passing, Credentia will report your results to the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. Your active status should appear within 10 business days. Verify your listing using the registry verification tool. You may not work as a CNA until your status is shown as Active.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Georgia

CNAs with an active certification in another U.S. state or territory may apply for Georgia certification through reciprocity. You must be listed as Active on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry before working in the state.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Active status on another state’s Nurse Aide Registry with no encumbrances or disciplinary actions
• No pending or substantiated abuse, neglect, or misappropriation findings
• Valid government-issued Social Security card matching registry record
• Valid government-issued photo ID
• At least 8 hours of paid CNA work under RN supervision in the past 24 months
• Maryland applicants: Must also hold a current Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application

Download the Application for Nurse Aide Registry Listing by Reciprocity from the GAMMIS portal or access it through the Nurse Aide Program Self-Service Portal. Include:

• Completed and signed application form
• Copy of Social Security card
• Government-issued photo ID
• Copy of current CNA certificate or registry printout
• If not on a registry: CNA training program completion certificate
• Proof of CNA employment within the past two years (pay stub, W-2, or employer letter with job duties and exact dates)

Step 3: Provide Employment Verification

List your most recent CNA employer within the past two years. Verification must include hire/end dates, employer contact details, and job duties. For private-duty work, submit a notarized statement from the supervising RN or LPN with name, signature, license number, dates worked, and proof of payment (pay stub or W-2). Volunteer work is not accepted.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• By Mail:
  Alliant Health Solutions
  Attn: Nurse Aide Registry
  P.O. Box 105753
  Atlanta, GA 30348
• Online: Log in to the Nurse Aide Program Self-Service Portal, select “Reciprocity Form,” complete all required fields, choose “OUT OF STATE” under County for out-of-state employers, attach documents in the correct category, check the attestation box, and submit. A confirmation with submission ID will appear on-screen and be emailed to you

Step 5: Await Processing

• Allow up to 14 business days if online verification is available; longer for mailed verification
• A Georgia mailing address is required for the certification card; update promptly after moving
• Report address changes within 10 business days

Georgia Nurse Aide Registry

The Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, administered by Alliant Health Solutions under contract with the Georgia Department of Community Health, is the official record of certified nurse aides eligible to work in Georgia. It tracks certification status, employment eligibility, and disciplinary actions, and processes renewals, updates, and reciprocity applications. CNAs use the registry to manage their certification and update personal information, while employers rely on it to verify active status.

Contact Information

• Address: P.O. Box 105753, Atlanta, GA 30348
• Phone: (800) 414-4358
• Registry Search: Georgia Nurse Aide Registry
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my name on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry?

Complete the official Change of Name Form and submit it with legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Send your form and copies of documents to Alliant Health Solutions by mail or upload them through the Self-Service Portal.

How do I update my personal contact information with the registry?

You must report any change to your mailing address, phone number, or email within 10 business days using the Change of Personal Information Form. Submit online through the Self-Service Portal or by mail to ensure you receive renewal notices and official correspondence.

How can I request a replacement CNA certification card in Georgia?

If your certification card is lost, stolen, or damaged, complete the Certification Card Request Form. Include your personal details and CNA certification number, then mail the form to Alliant Health Solutions. Processing times may vary, and cards are mailed to the address on record.

Can I take the CNA exam online from home?

Yes. Georgia allows the Written/Oral Knowledge Exam to be taken online with live remote proctoring. You need a compatible computer, a private testing space, and a smartphone or tablet for a 360-degree room scan. The Skills Evaluation must be taken in person at an approved test site.

What happens if I miss my scheduled CNA exam?

If you miss your exam without notifying Credentia within the required timeframe, your fee will be forfeited. You may request an excused absence within 14 calendar days of the exam date for certain reasons—such as illness, jury duty, or weather emergencies—with valid documentation.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a state-approved 85-hour nurse aide training program with 61 hours of classroom/lab and 24 hours of clinical instruction
• Pass both exam components: Take and pass the written (or oral) and skills exams administered by Credentia to be listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry
• Stay active with paid work: Work at least 8 hours as a paid CNA under RN or LPN supervision every 24 months to maintain active certification
• Renew on time: Complete the free renewal process online or by mail before your expiration date—there is no grace period
• Reinstate if expired: If inactive for more than 24 months, you must retrain and retest; if 24 months or less, retesting may be allowed without retraining
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the reciprocity application with proof of active out-of-state certification and recent employment