Kansas CNA License: How to Get, Transfer, Renew & Verify (2025 Updated)

To qualify for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in Kansas, you must complete state-approved training, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to earn certification, verify status, renew or reinstate credentials, and transfer an out-of-state certification—based on regulations from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Health Occupations Credentialing (HOC).

How to Get Your CNA License in Kansas

The process is regulated by KDADS–HOC. Follow these steps to get certified.

Step 1: Complete State-Approved CNA Training

Enroll in a KDADS-approved nurse aide program totaling 90 hours of instruction:

• Part I: 20 hours of classroom and 20 hours of lab or clinical instruction
• Part II: 25 hours of advanced classroom and 25 hours of clinical training in a licensed adult care home

At least half of the program must be supervised clinical training in a licensed facility or school lab.

Step 2: Demonstrate Required Skills

During Part I, an instructor must evaluate 20 CNA skills using the Part I – NATCEP Task Checklist. A Registered Nurse must sign the checklist. Once completed, you qualify for Trainee II employment for up to four months.

Step 3: Apply for the Competency Exam

To take the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, complete the Allied Health Verification Form and submit it with:

• Copy of a valid government-issued ID and Social Security card
• $20 fee (check, money order, or Credit Card Authorization Form)

Submit to KDADS:

• Mail: Health Occupations Credentialing, 503 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603
• Email: kdads.certification@ks.gov

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the Exam

Once approved, you will receive an Approval to Test letter. The exam includes:

• Written (or Oral) Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions on infection control, safety, communication, and care
• Skills Exam: Hands-on demonstration of five randomly selected tasks

You must score at least 75% on each part. Testing must be completed within 12 months of training. Up to three attempts are allowed for initial candidates.

Step 5: Verify Certification Status

After passing, your name will be added to the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, confirming active certification.

Neighboring States: Colorado • Missouri • Nebraska • Oklahoma

State-Approved CNA Programs in Kansas

KDADS-approved CNA programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, adult education centers, and healthcare facilities statewide. When comparing programs, consider tuition, schedule, location, and clinical access.

1. Allen Community College

   1801 N Cottonwood St, Iola, KS 66749

   (620) 365-5116

2. Barton Community College

   245 NE 30 Rd, Great Bend, KS 67530

   (800) 748-7594

3. Butler Community College

   901 S Haverhill Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042

   (316) 321-2222

4. Cloud County Community College

   2221 Campus Dr, Concordia, KS 66901

   (800) 729-5101

5. Coffeyville Community College

   400 W 11th St, Coffeyville, KS 67337

   (620) 251-7700

6. Colby Community College

   1255 S Range Ave, Colby, KS 67701

   (785) 462-3984

7. Cowley College

   125 S 2nd St, Arkansas City, KS 67005

   (800) 593-2222

8. Donnelly College

   608 N 18 St, Kansas City, KS 66102

   (913) 621-8700

9. Flint Hills Technical College

   3301 W 18th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801

   (620) 343-4600

10. Fort Hays Tech North Central

    3033 US-24, Beloit, KS 67420

    (800) 658-4655

11. Fort Hays Tech North Central

    2205 Wheatland Ave, Hays, KS 67601

    (888) 567-4297

12. Fort Scott Community College

    2108 S Horton St, Fort Scott, KS 66701

    (620) 223-2700

13. Garden City Community College

    801 Campus Dr, Garden City, KS 67846

    (620) 276-7611

14. Highland Community College

    606 W Main St, Highland, KS 66035

    (785) 442-6000

15. Hutchinson Community College

    1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501

    (620) 665-3500

16. Independence Community College

    1057 W College Ave, Independence, KS 67301

    (620) 331-4100

17. Johnson County Community College

    12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210

    (913) 469-8500

18. Kansas City Kansas Community College

    7250 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112

    (913) 334-1100

19. Labette Community College

    200 S 14th St, Parsons, KS 67357

    (620) 421-6700

20. Manhattan Area Technical College

    3136 Dickens Ave #2499, Manhattan, KS 66503

    (785) 587-2800

21. Mid-America Nursing & Allied Health Institute

    10000 W 75th St #241, Merriam, KS 66203

    (913) 708-8323

22. Neosho County Community College

    800 W 14th St, Chanute, KS 66720

    (620) 431-2820

23. Northwest Kansas Technical College

    1209 Harrison Ave, Goodland, KS 67735

    (800) 316-4127

24. Pratt Community College

    348 KS-61, Pratt, KS 67124

    (620) 672-5641

25. Salina Area Technical College

    2562 Centennial Rd, Salina, KS 67401

    (785) 309-3100

26. Washburn Institute of Technology

    5724 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604

    (785) 670-2010

27. WSU Tech

    4004 N Webb Rd, Wichita, KS 67226

    (316) 677-9400

How to Verify Your CNA License in Kansas

Use the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry to verify certification status.

Step 1: Access the Registry

Visit the Registry Verification page.

Step 2: Enter Search Information

Search by credential number, Social Security number with date of birth, or first and last name.

Step 3: Review Your Record

• Full name
• Status (must be ACTIVE)
• Credential number
• Issue/expiration dates
• Any disciplinary findings

How to Renew Your CNA License in Kansas

CNA certification must be renewed every two years.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You must have at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the last 24 months, performing duties such as bathing, feeding, transferring, or taking vital signs.

Step 2: Complete the Employment Verification Form

Download the Employment Verification Form, complete your section, and sign before giving it to your employer.

Step 3: Obtain Employer Verification

Your employer must verify employment dates and sign. Attach documentation for any name changes.

Step 4: Submit the Form

• Email: kdads.certification@ks.gov
• Fax: (785) 296-3075

Step 5: Confirm Status

Check the Registry to ensure your certification is ACTIVE.

How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Kansas

If your certification is inactive, you must restore active status before returning to work. Requirements depend on how long you have been inactive.

Step 1: Determine Inactive Period

• Inactive less than 5 years: Qualify through a 10-hour refresher course or an RN-administered skills checklist.
• Inactive 5 years or more: Retake a full 90-hour KDADS-approved CNA training program.

Step 2: Choose a Reinstatement Option

• Skills Checklist: Must be administered and signed by an RN, then submitted directly to KDADS. It cannot be completed through a home health agency.
• Refresher Course: Complete a 10-hour CNA refresher with a KDADS-approved provider.
• Full Training Program: If inactive for five years or more, repeat the 90-hour nurse aide training program in full.

Step 3: Submit Documentation

For the skills checklist, the RN submits the form directly to KDADS. For refresher courses or training programs, the school submits proof of completion.

Step 4: Verify Active Status

Check the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry to confirm your certification is ACTIVE before returning to work.

How to Transfer Your CNA License to Kansas

If you hold an active out-of-state CNA certification, apply for reciprocity.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Certification is active and in good standing
• No abuse, neglect, or misappropriation findings
• Provide valid ID and SSN

Step 2: Complete the Application

Download the Interstate Application Form. Include the Accommodation Request Form if needed.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

• Out-of-state CNA certificate
• Proof of recent employment
• Name change documentation (if applicable)
• Government-issued ID with SSN
• $20 fee (check, money order, or Credit Card Authorization Form)

Step 4: Submit the Application

• Mail: Health Occupations Credentialing, KDADS, 503 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603
• Email (credit card only): kdads.certification@ks.gov

Step 5: Exam Requirement

If approved, you will receive an Approval to Test letter. You may work as a Trainee II for up to four months. Reciprocity applicants must pass the exam within one year. Only one attempt is allowed, with a minimum score of 75%.

Step 6: Verify Status

Your record will update in the Registry within 48 hours. Do not work until your status is listed as ACTIVE.

Kansas Nurse Aide Registry

The Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by KDADS–HOC, is the official record of nurse aide certification. It reflects status, renewal, and eligibility. Employers use it to confirm active standing, while CNAs use it to verify, update records, reinstate, or apply for reciprocity.

Contact Information

• Agency: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) – Health Occupations Credentialing (HOC)
• Address: 503 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603
• Phone: (785) 296-6877
• Fax: (785) 296-3075
• Email: kdads.certification@ks.gov
• Registry Search: Kansas Nurse Aide Registry
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get certified as a CNA in Kansas?

Complete a 90-hour KDADS-approved nurse aide training program, pass the state competency exam, and be listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry.

How long is CNA training in Kansas?

The program is 90 hours: Part I includes 20 hours of classroom and 20 hours of lab or clinical instruction, and Part II includes 25 hours of classroom and 25 hours of clinical training in a licensed adult care home.

What is the cost of the CNA exam in Kansas?

The application fee is $20. Payments may be made by check, money order, or credit card using the official Credit Card Authorization Form. Additional testing site fees may apply.

How often do I need to renew my CNA license in Kansas?

Certification must be renewed every two years. You must complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA work within the previous 24 months and submit an Employment Verification Form to KDADS.

What happens if my CNA certification is inactive?

If inactive for fewer than five years, you may reinstate by completing an RN-administered skills checklist or a 10-hour refresher course through a KDADS-approved provider. If inactive for five years or longer, you must complete a new 90-hour nurse aide training program.

Can I transfer my CNA license to Kansas?

Yes. If you hold an active certification in another state, you may apply through reciprocity. Submit the Interstate Application, provide supporting documentation, pay the $20 fee, and pass the Kansas Nurse Aide exam.

How do I check my CNA certification status?

Visit the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. Search by credential number, Social Security number with date of birth, or first and last name.

How do I update my name or address on the registry?

Complete the Name/Address Change Form and include supporting documents such as a driver’s license, Social Security card, marriage certificate, or court order. Submit the form by mail, fax, or email to KDADS.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a KDADS-approved 90-hour program, including classroom, lab, and supervised clinical instruction in a licensed adult care home.
• Demonstrate required skills: Complete the Part I NATCEP Task Checklist, signed by an RN, which qualifies you for Trainee II employment.
• Pass both exam components: Take the written/oral knowledge test and the skills evaluation within 12 months of training.
• Appear on the state registry: Once certified, your active status is posted on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, which serves as the official record of certification.
• Renew every two years: Complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA work during the renewal cycle and submit the Employment Verification Form to KDADS.
• Reinstate if inactive: If lapsed fewer than five years, complete a refresher course or RN-administered skills checklist. If lapsed five years or more, repeat the full program.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the Interstate Application, provide supporting documents, pay the $20 fee, and pass the Kansas CNA exam.

Amanda Jordan Amanda writes clear, regulatory-focused content that guides and supports healthcare professionals in their practice.