To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Nebraska, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exams, and be listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to meet certification requirements, verify your status, maintain or reinstate your license, and transfer an out-of-state credential—based on current policies from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
- How to Get Your CNA License in Nebraska
- How to Verify Your CNA License in Nebraska
- How to Maintain Your CNA License in Nebraska
- How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Nebraska
- How to Transfer Your CNA License to Nebraska
- Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry
- State-Approved CNA Programs in Nebraska
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
How to Get Your CNA License in Nebraska
To obtain your CNA license, you must meet all training, examination, and abuse prevention requirements set by the Nebraska DHHS. Follow the steps below to qualify for the registry.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program
You must complete a 75-hour nurse aide training program approved by DHHS, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Step 2: Complete Nebraska Abuse/Neglect/Misappropriation Training
Complete a one-hour Nebraska-specific training on abuse, neglect, and misappropriation. This is typically included in in-state programs but must be completed separately for other routes (e.g., endorsement or foreign training).
- Select an approved provider.
- Submit documentation using the Abuse In-Service Documentation Form.
Step 3: Pass the Nebraska Nurse Aide Competency Exams
After completing training, pass both components of the state exam:
- Written/Oral Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions. Minimum passing score: 70%.
- Skills Exam: Perform six tasks. Each must be passed with 70% and all required steps.
You may attempt each exam up to three times. After three failed attempts, you must retake the full training program.
Step 4: Get Listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry
Once all requirements are met, your name will be added to the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. Nebraska does not issue physical certificates. You may print your wallet card from the registry.
Need assistance? Call DHHS at (402) 471-4322 or email DHHS.NursingSupport@nebraska.gov.
How to Verify Your CNA License in Nebraska
Use the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry to check your license status, view any findings, and print your wallet card.
Step 1: Access the Nurse Aide Registry
Visit the License Information System Search.
Step 2: Search by Individual
Select Individual Search and enter your full name or license number.
Step 3: Select Profession and License Type
- Profession: Nursing Support
- License Type: Nurse Aide
Step 4: Review Results and Print Wallet Card
Click your name in the results and select Generate Wallet Card to view or print your certification.
Phone Verification: Call DHHS at (402) 471-4322, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
How to Maintain Your CNA License in Nebraska
To remain active on the registry, you must meet Nebraska's work requirement. No renewal application is needed.
Work Requirement
Complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months in an approved healthcare setting.
Employer Reporting
- Upon hire, employers must submit the Registry Form.
- When employment ends, they must submit the Termination Form.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Nebraska
If you have not worked as a CNA in the last 24 months, your status will be marked as lapsed. You must retest to regain active status.
Step 1: Schedule Recompetency Testing
Contact an approved site from the recompetency directory to schedule both exams.
Step 2: Pass the Exams
- Written/Oral Exam: 50 questions, passing score 70%.
- Skills Exam: Six tasks, each must be passed with 70% and all required steps.
You have three attempts per exam. If you fail three times, retraining is required.
Step 3: Regain Active Status
Your registry status will update to Active within three weeks of passing the exams.
Note: Nurse aides trained before 1989 in a 30-hour course are not eligible to retest and must complete the full 75-hour program.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to Nebraska
To work in Nebraska, you must appear as Active on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry before starting employment.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Current CNA certification in another state
- Completion of a 75-hour training program
- Passing scores on both competency exams
- Recent CNA work or testing within 24 months
Important: If previously listed on the Nebraska Registry, you must submit an Employment Verification Form or retest instead.
Step 2: Submit the Endorsement Application
Complete the Interstate Endorsement Application and include full documentation of training and work history.
Step 3: Complete Nebraska Abuse Training
This one-hour training is required for all incoming CNAs. You may complete it through:
- Employer orientation
- Online: Providence Health Career Institute, Southeast Community College, or Clarkson College
- In-person at a Nebraska college
Submit the completed Abuse In-Service Documentation Form to the registry.
Step 4: Submit All Documents
Send your application and documentation to:
- Mail: PO Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
- Fax: (402) 742-1151
- Email:DHHS.NursingSupport@nebraska.gov
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing may take up to 30 days. Incomplete applications will be returned with a deficiency notice.
Step 6: Verify Your Status
Once approved, your status will appear as Active in the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. You may print your wallet card for verification.
Need help? Contact DHHS at (402) 471-4322 or email DHHS.NursingSupport@nebraska.gov.
Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry
The Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is the official record of certified nurse aides authorized to work in licensed health care facilities across the state. The registry tracks certification status, employment eligibility, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers must verify a nurse aide’s active status before hire, while CNAs use the registry to confirm certification, update personal information, and generate a wallet card.
Contact Information
- Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Licensure Unit – Nursing Support
- Mailing Address: PO Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
- Physical Address: 301 Centennial Mall South, 3rd Floor, Lincoln, NE 68508
- Phone: (402) 471-4322
- Fax: (402) 742-1151
- Email: DHHS.NursingSupport@nebraska.gov
- Registry Search: Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry Search
State-Approved CNA Programs in Nebraska
The following programs are approved by DHHS. When selecting a program, evaluate tuition, location, clinical site access, schedule flexibility, and job placement support to find the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a CNA in Nebraska?
You must complete a Nebraska-approved 75-hour CNA training program, pass both the written/oral and skills competency exams, and complete the one-hour Nebraska Abuse/Neglect/Misappropriation Training.
What is the minimum age required?
You must be at least 16 years old.
Are nursing students eligible for CNA certification?
Yes. You must submit a cover letter, an official transcript or signed instructor letter showing qualifying coursework, and proof of completing Nebraska’s abuse training if it was not part of your curriculum.
How can foreign-trained nurses apply for CNA certification?
You must submit a cover letter, a CGFNS Professional Report, proof of completing Nebraska’s abuse training, and pass the state-approved CNA exams.
Is there a fee to apply for CNA certification in Nebraska?
No. Nebraska does not charge a fee for listing on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry.
How do I change my name or address on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry?
Submit the Name Change Form or Address Change Form with required documentation to the Licensure Unit.
What equipment is used during skills testing?
Testing centers must provide equipment such as gait belts, wheelchairs, linens, personal care items, and a patient care mannequin. View the complete Equipment List for details.
Can I apply for a preliminary conviction review before enrolling in a CNA program?
Yes. Submit the Preliminary Conviction Review Application and required documentation with a $100 fee. This determines if your conviction disqualifies you from CNA licensure before you begin training.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: Finish a Nebraska-approved 75-hour Nurse Aide Training Program, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice and a one-hour abuse, neglect, and misappropriation course.
- Pass both exam components: Take and pass the written (or oral) knowledge test and the clinical skills evaluation. Both must be passed to qualify for placement on the registry.
- Appear on the state registry: Once certified, your name is listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. Nebraska does not issue paper certificates, but a wallet card can be generated online.
- Maintain active status: Work at least 8 hours in a paid CNA position within a Nebraska-licensed healthcare setting every 24 months. No renewal application is required.
- Reinstate if lapsed: If inactive more than 24 months, you must retake and pass both the written/oral and skills exams. Nurse aides trained in 30-hour programs before 1989 must complete the full 75-hour course.
- Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the Interstate Endorsement Application, provide verification of active out-of-state certification, and complete Nebraska’s abuse prevention training. Recent testing or CNA employment within 24 months is also required.
Sources
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Nurse Aide Licensing
- DHHS – Nurse Aide Requirements
- Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry Search
- DHHS – Approved CNA Training Sites
- Nebraska Abuse/Neglect/Misappropriation Training
- Abuse In-Service Documentation Form – DHHS
- Approved Employer Settings for CNAs – DHHS
- Nurse Aide Registry Form – DHHS
- Nurse Aide Termination Form – DHHS
- Interstate Endorsement Application – DHHS
- Employment Verification Form – DHHS
- Approved CNA Textbooks and Courses – DHHS
- CNA Skills Equipment List – DHHS
- CNA Course Notification Form – DHHS
- Provider Bulletin 07-07 – CNA Training Reimbursement
- Preliminary Application Conviction Review – DHHS
- Name Change or License Reissue Form – DHHS
- Address Change Form – DHHS
