To obtain your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in Louisiana, you must complete state-approved training, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. If certified in another state, you may apply for reciprocity. To remain active, CNAs must renew certification every two years by meeting work requirements. This guide explains how to earn your license, verify your status, renew or reinstate your certification, and transfer your credential from another state—based on current standards from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
- How to Get Your CNA License in Louisiana
- How to Verify Your CNA License in Louisiana
- How to Renew Your CNA License in Louisiana
- How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Louisiana
- How to Transfer Your CNA License to Louisiana
- Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry
- State-Approved CNA Programs in Louisiana
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
How to Get Your CNA License in Louisiana
The CNA certification process in Louisiana is managed by LDH and administered by Prometric through the state’s CNA Competency Evaluation Program. To earn your CNA license, complete the steps below.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program
Enroll in an LDH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program. Each program must include at least 80 hours of instruction, with a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Training must be completed before applying for the exam.
Step 2: Submit the CNA Examination Application
Download and complete the Louisiana CNA Examination Application. Mail the signed form with payment to:
Prometric – LA Nurse Aide Program
7941 Corporate Drive
Nottingham, MD 21236
Applications must be complete, signed, and include the correct fee. Incomplete or unsigned forms will delay processing.
Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee
| Exam Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Written + Clinical Skills | $125 |
| Oral + Clinical Skills (includes Reading Comprehension) | $125 |
| Written Only | $40 |
| Oral Only | $40 |
| Clinical Skills Only | $85 |
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. A $25 rescheduling fee applies if changes are made fewer than five business days before the scheduled exam.
Step 4: Receive Your ATT and Prepare for Exam Day
Once your application is approved, Prometric will email your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter. On exam day, arrive at least 30 minutes early with:
- ATT letter
- One current government-issued photo ID with signature
- A second signed ID, such as a school ID, facility ID, credit card, or library card
Dress Code
- Flat, closed-toe, nonskid shoes (required)
- Scrubs or a clean uniform (recommended)
- A watch with a second hand (required for the Clinical Skills Test)
Test Site Rules
- No electronic devices, papers, or study materials
- Pockets may be checked before entry
- No visitors allowed inside the testing area
Step 5: Take and Pass the CNA Competency Examination
First-time testers must complete both exam components on the same day. Testing must be finished within 12 months of completing training. Candidates may attempt each component up to three times. If unsuccessful, retraining is required before reapplying.
Knowledge Exam
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- 90 minutes
- Available in written or oral format
- Oral option includes 15 Reading Comprehension items, which must be passed the same day
Clinical Skills Exam
- Five assigned tasks, including mandatory handwashing and indirect care
- 30-minute time limit
Step 6: Get Listed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry
After passing both components, Prometric will forward your results to LDH. Your name will be added to the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, the official proof of certification. CNA certification in Louisiana is valid for two years.
Need help? For exam scheduling or application status, call Prometric at (800) 797-0671. For registry questions, contact LDH at (225) 342-0138.
How to Verify Your CNA License in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) maintains the official Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. Use it to confirm your CNA license status, certification dates, and any findings on your record. Written verification letters are not issued.
Step 1: Access the Registry
Visit the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry search page.
Step 2: Select Employee Type
From the Employee Type menu, choose CNA.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Search using:
- Full Social Security number (with dashes)
- Certification number
- Full name
- City
Step 4: Submit Search
Click Search to view your record.
Step 5: Review Results
Your record will display:
- Full name
- Certification number
- Certification status — must show Active for work eligibility
- Original certification date and expiration date
- Findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation — must display No
Email Verification: Send requests to LA.CNA@la.gov. Include your name, date of birth, and certification number.
How to Renew Your CNA License in Louisiana
Your CNA certification must be renewed every two years through LDH to remain active on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. Renewal is based on verified work history, and there is no grace period once certification expires.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You may renew if you have completed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related duties in the past 24 months in an LDH-licensed healthcare facility.
Eligible facilities include:
- Nursing facilities
- Hospitals
- Home health agencies
- Hospice agencies
- Assisted living programs
- Adult day health care centers
- Personal care attendant agencies
- Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD)
Private duty care and most staffing agency work do not qualify unless performed in a licensed nursing facility.
Step 2: Employer Submits Verification
Your employer must report your CNA work hours to LDH using one of the following:
- Nursing facilities: Report monthly through the eNAT-7 system
- Other LDH-licensed facilities with a facility code: Submit a NAT-7 form
- Employers without a facility code: Provide a signed letter on official letterhead verifying dates of employment and CNA duties
Send documentation to:
- Email: LA.CNA@la.gov
- Mail:
LA Nurse Aide Registry
P.O. Box 3767
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Step 3: Verify Renewal Status
Once LDH processes your employer’s submission, confirm your status through the registry by searching with your name or Social Security number.
Important: If your CNA license expires and you did not meet the renewal requirement, you may retest once within two years of expiration. After two years, you must complete retraining and retesting.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Louisiana
If your CNA license has been expired for less than 24 months, you may reinstate it by retaking the competency evaluation through LDH and Prometric. This one-time option is available under Route 2 – Lapsed Less Than 24 Months.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
All must apply:
- Your Louisiana CNA certificate has been expired for fewer than 24 months
- You have not previously tested under Route 2
Step 2: Submit the Application
Complete the Louisiana CNA Examination Application and select Route 2 – Lapsed Less Than 24 Months. Include:
- Signed application form
- Louisiana CNA certificate number and expiration date
- Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
- $125 fee paid by certified check, money order, or credit card
Step 3: Submit to Prometric
Applications may be submitted by mail or online:
- Mail:
Prometric – ATTN: LA Nurse Aide Program
7941 Corporate Drive
Nottingham, MD 21236 - Online: Use the Prometric CNA application portal
After processing, Prometric will issue an Admission to Test (ATT) Letter with your schedule and location.
Step 4: Take the Exam
You must pass both components:
- Knowledge Test: 60 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes
- Clinical Skills Test: Five tasks, including Hand Hygiene and Indirect Care
Route 2 allows only one attempt. If you fail either part, you must complete a new state-approved program and reapply under Route 3.
Step 5: Confirm Reinstatement
After passing both exams, Prometric forwards results to LDH. Your certification will be updated to Active in the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. The reinstated CNA license remains valid for two years from the exam date.
Note: If your certificate has been expired for 24 months or longer, or you already attempted reinstatement under Route 2, you must complete a Louisiana-approved program and apply under Route 3 – Lapsed and Re-Trained.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to Louisiana
If you hold an active CNA license in another state, you may apply for Louisiana certification through reciprocity. Applications are processed by Prometric and forwarded to LDH. You cannot work until your certification is listed as Active in the registry.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- You hold an active CNA certification in another U.S. state
- Your record shows no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application
Download the Louisiana CNA Application and select Route 8 – Reciprocity. Complete all fields and sign the form. Unsigned or incomplete applications will not be processed.
Step 3: Provide Required Documents
- Signed application
- Copy of your CNA certificate or registry verification
- Copy of your Social Security card
- Louisiana government-issued photo ID or military ID
Step 4: Pay the Reciprocity Fee
- $35 non-refundable processing fee
- Payment accepted by certified check, money order, or credit card (no personal checks or cash)
Step 5: Submit the Application Package
PrometricAttn: LA Nurse Aide Program
7941 Corporate Drive
Nottingham, MD 21236
You may also apply online through the Prometric portal.
Step 6: Application Review
- Prometric verifies certification and documents
- Once complete, your file is sent to LDH
Step 7: Registry Listing
After LDH approval, your certification will be updated to Active in the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. You may begin working as a CNA in Louisiana only after your listing is active.
Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry
The Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Health Standards Section, is the official database of certified nurse aides eligible to work in the state. It records certification status, employment eligibility, training history, and substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. Employers must verify a nurse aide’s active status before hire, while CNAs use the registry to confirm certification, renew credentials, and update information.
Contact Information
- Agency: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Health Standards Section
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3767, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
- Phone: (225) 342-0138
- Email: LA.CNA@la.gov
- Registry Search: Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry
State-Approved CNA Programs in Louisiana
CNA training programs must be approved by LDH to qualify for certification. Each program combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice in a licensed facility. When comparing options, consider tuition, program length, schedule flexibility, and clinical site placement. A list of approved CNA programs in Louisiana is provided below.
- 4311 S MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302(318) 487-5443
- 3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615(337) 421-6565
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a CNA in Louisiana?
Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and apply through Prometric. After passing the Knowledge and Clinical Skills exams, your name is added to the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry.
What alternate eligibility pathways are available for CNA certification?
Foreign Trained Nurses (RN/LPN) with verified credentials, RN/LPN Students who completed required coursework and clinical training, and Military Trained applicants with documented nurse aide or equivalent instruction. Each pathway requires selecting the option on the Prometric application and submitting proof.
How do I request ADA testing accommodations?
Submit the ADA Accommodation Request Packet with your application. Include all required forms and documentation. Requests must be submitted at least 30 business days before the exam.
How long is CNA certification valid in Louisiana?
Two years. To stay active, complete at least eight paid hours in an approved setting, and ensure your employer submits employment verification.
What happens if my CNA certification expires?
If expired less than 24 months and you have not used your one retest option, apply for reinstatement by exam through Prometric. If expired more than 24 months, or if the retest option was used, you must complete a new state-approved training program.
How do I update my name or address?
Submit the Candidate Change Request Form to Prometric with legal documentation. Updates may also be emailed to LA.CNA@la.gov.
How do I request a duplicate CNA certificate?
Louisiana does not issue printed certificates. The registry is the official proof and can be printed as needed.
How can I check my CNA certification status?
Search the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry by name or Social Security number to view certification status, expiration date, and any substantiated findings.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: Finish an LDH-approved nurse aide program with at least 80 hours, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.
- Submit the exam application: Submit the Louisiana CNA Examination Application with the required fee and documentation.
- Pass both exam components: Complete the written or oral knowledge test and the clinical skills evaluation through Prometric within 12 months of training.
- Appear on the state registry: Once certified, your status is posted on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, which serves as official proof of certification.
- Renew every two years: Complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in an LDH-licensed facility, and ensure your employer submits verification to LDH.
- Reinstate if expired: If lapsed under 24 months and not previously reinstated, apply through Route 2 and retake the exam. If expired longer, complete retraining and reapply under Route 3.
- Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the Prometric Reciprocity Application, $35 fee, and required documents for approval by LDH.
Sources
- Prometric – Louisiana Nurse Aide Exam
- Louisiana CNA Candidate Application (2024)
- Prometric Candidate Change Request Form
- Prometric ADA Testing Accommodations Packet
- Louisiana CNA Reciprocity Procedure
- Louisiana CNA Candidate Information Bulletin
- Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry
- LDH – CNA/DSW Registry
- LDH – Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs
- LDH – Nurse Aide Training and Certification
