CNA License in Louisiana

How to Get a 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

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.

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.

1. Baton Rouge Community College

   201 Community College Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
   (225) 216-8000

2. Bossier Parish Community College

   6220 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111
   (318) 678-6000

3. Central Louisiana Technical Community College

   4311 S MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302
   (318) 487-5443

4. Delgado Community College

   615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
   (504) 671-5000

5. Fletcher Technical Community College

   1407 LA-311, Schriever, LA 70395
   (985) 448-7900

6. Louisiana Delta Community College

   7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA 71203
   (318) 345-9000

7. Northshore Technical Community College

   111 Pride Dr, Hammond, LA 70401
   (985) 543-4120

8. Nunez Community College

   3710 Paris Rd, Chalmette, LA 70043
   (504) 278-6467

9. River Parishes Community College

   925 W Edenborne Pkwy, Gonzales, LA 70737
   (225) 743-8500

10. South Louisiana Community College

    1101 Bertrand Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506
    (337) 521-9000

11. Southern University at Shreveport

    3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107
    (318) 670-6000

12. SOWELA Technical Community College

    3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615
    (337) 421-6565

How to Verify a 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

How to Renew a 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.

How to Reinstate a 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.

How to Transfer a 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

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

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.