To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Nevada, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry. This guide outlines how to apply for certification, verify your status, renew or reinstate your license, and transfer an active credential from another state—based on current requirements from the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN).
- How to Get a CNA License in Nevada
- How to Verify Your CNA License in Nevada
- How to Renew Your CNA License in Nevada
- How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Nevada
- How to Transfer Your CNA License to Nevada
- Nevada Nurse Aide Registry
- State-Approved CNA Programs in Nevada
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
How to Get a CNA License in Nevada
The CNA certification in Nevada is regulated by NSBN and testing is administered by Credentia. Follow these five steps to become a CNA in Nevada.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Program
Enroll in a program approved by the NSBN. Programs must meet federal OBRA standards and include at least 75 total hours of training:
- 60 hours of classroom and lab instruction
- 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
You must complete the program before applying for certification or scheduling the exam. A valid Social Security Number or ITIN is required.
Step 2: Apply for Certification
Create an account on the Nevada Nurse Portal and submit the CNA by Examination application. Include the following:
- $50 application fee
- Certificate of completion from an approved program
- Fingerprint card or electronic submission
- Attestation that you have reviewed the CNA Skills Guidelines and Hours of Employment Advisory Opinion
Applications must be submitted within one year of program completion, or retraining is required.
Step 3: Register and Pay for the CNA Exam
Once approved by NSBN, create an account on the Credentia portal. Upload required documents, then schedule and pay for your exam.
Knowledge Exam
- Format: 70 multiple-choice questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Oral version: 60 questions plus 10 reading comprehension items
Skills Evaluation
- Perform 5 randomly assigned skills (including hand hygiene and one measurement skill)
- Time limit: 30 minutes
| Exam Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | $50 |
| Oral Exam | $50 |
| Skills Evaluation | $90 |
Required Items on Exam Day
- Valid, government-issued photo ID
- Analog watch with second hand
- Closed-toe, non-skid shoes
Step 4: Pass Both Exams
You must pass both the knowledge and skills exams within one year of training. You may attempt each exam component up to three times. If you do not pass within the allowed time or attempts, you must complete a new program before retesting.
Step 5: Receive Your Certification
Once you pass both exam components and fingerprint clearance is received, NSBN will issue your CNA certification. Your name will appear on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry. Nevada does not issue physical license cards.
Need help? Contact Credentia at (888) 204-6249 for testing support or NSBN at (888) 590-6726 for certification questions.
How to Verify Your CNA License in Nevada
Use the Nevada Nurse Aide License Lookup Portal to verify your certification status, expiration date, and employment eligibility.
Step 1: Visit the Verification Portal
Go to the Nevada CNA License Lookup Portal, managed by NSBN.
Step 2: Enter Your Details
Input your first and last name into the search fields.
Step 3: Choose License Type
Select CNA from the license type dropdown menu.
Step 4: Submit the Search
Click Search to view your license details.
Step 5: Review Your Status
- Full name
- Certificate number
- Status: Must show Active
- Issue and expiration dates
Note: Nevada does not issue printed CNA license cards. Use the online portal for verification.
How to Renew Your CNA License in Nevada
To remain active on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry, you must renew your certification every two years through the NSBN Nurse Portal.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You must meet both of the following within the past two years:
- 24 hours of CNA-related continuing education
- 40 hours of paid work under a licensed nurse’s supervision
Step 2: Access the Nevada Nurse Portal
Log in to your Nevada Nurse Portal and select the renewal option during your 60-day renewal window.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Attest to your eligibility. If you have not met the work requirement, choose either:
- Retrain: Complete a new NSBN-approved program
- Retest: Await exam registration instructions via your Nurse Portal
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Submit the $50 renewal fee through the portal. A 50% discount applies for eligible military members and spouses.
Step 5: Verify Your Status
Return to the portal within 72 hours to confirm your new expiration date. If not updated, check for portal messages or audit instructions.
Fingerprinting: If required, instructions will appear in your portal. A six-month temporary renewal may be issued while results are pending.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Nevada
If you did not complete 24 CE hours or 40 work hours in the past two years, your certification has lapsed and must be reinstated.
Step 1: Submit the Renewal Application
Log in to the Nurse Portal and begin your renewal. Select No to the work requirement question and choose retrain or retest.
Step 2: Complete Retesting or Retraining
- Retesting: Wait for exam registration instructions from NSBN. Pass both exams within one year.
- Retraining: Enroll in a state-approved program and submit your completion certificate.
Step 3: Fingerprinting (If Required)
Check your portal within one business day for instructions. Fingerprints must be submitted to NSBN, even if previously done elsewhere.
Step 4: Pass the Exams
- Knowledge Exam: 70 multiple-choice or 60 oral questions + 10 comprehension
- Skills Exam: 5 tasks in 30 minutes
Exam Fees
- Knowledge Exam: $50
- Skills Exam: $90
Step 5: Confirm Reinstatement
Check your status using the license lookup portal. Certification must be reinstated within one year of renewal application.
Note: If you miss the deadline or fail the exams, you must complete a new program before reapplying.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to Nevada
If you are certified in another U.S. state, you may apply for Nevada certification by endorsement.
Step 1: Submit the Endorsement Application
Create a Nurse Portal account and apply for CNA by Endorsement. Pay the $50 fee.
Step 2: Request Endorsement from Original State
Download and complete the endorsement form, then send it to your original certifying state. That state must return it directly to NSBN.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- Copy of out-of-state CNA certificate
- Proof of training (completion certificate or nursing transcript)
- Proof of employment (pay stub, W-2, or employer letter)
If newly certified, submit training documentation dated within one year.
Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting
Submit a fingerprint card or complete electronic fingerprints in Nevada. Results must come from the Department of Public Safety and FBI.
Step 5: Review Required Documents
Step 6: Monitor Application Status
Log into the portal and click "View Status". If eligible, a temporary certificate valid for six months may be issued while fingerprint results are pending.
Need help? Contact NSBN at (888) 590-6726 or nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us.
Nevada Nurse Aide Registry
The Nevada Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN), is the official record of certified nurse aides authorized to work in licensed healthcare facilities across the state. The registry contains certification status, examination history, employment eligibility, and any disciplinary findings. Employers use the registry to confirm a CNA’s active status before hire, while nurse aides use it to manage certification, renewals, reinstatement, and updates through the Nevada Nurse Portal.
Contact Information
- Agency: Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN)
- Address: 5011 Meadowood Mall Way, Suite 300, Reno, NV 89502
- Phone: (888) 590-6726
- Email: nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us
- Portal: Nevada Nurse Portal
- Registry Search: Nevada Nurse Aide Registry Search
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PT
State-Approved CNA Programs in Nevada
The following training programs are approved by NSBN. When choosing a program, compare tuition, location, class times, clinical arrangements, and job placement support to find the best fit for your career.
- 3200 E Cheyenne Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89030(702) 651-4000
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update my name or address with the Board?
Log in to your Nevada Nurse Portal account and select Manage Profile to update your name or address. Changes must be submitted online. The Board does not process updates by mail, email, or phone.
Can I submit paper applications to NSBN?
No. All CNA certification, renewal, and endorsement applications must be submitted electronically through the Nurse Portal. Paper submissions are not accepted.
How will I know if I need to submit fingerprints for renewal?
After submitting your renewal application, log in to your Nurse Portal account. If fingerprinting is required, you will receive a notification within one business day. A six-month renewal certificate may be issued while results are pending.
What happens if I submit incorrect documents with my application?
If your application is incomplete or contains incorrect documents, you will receive a message in your Nurse Portal account. Your application will remain pending until the correct documentation is submitted.
Can I become a CNA in Nevada if I have a criminal conviction?
Possibly. The Board evaluates each case individually. Factors such as the nature of the offense, rehabilitation efforts, and time since the conviction are considered. You must still meet all CNA certification requirements.
Can I place my CNA certification on inactive status?
Yes. If your CNA license is active, you may request inactive status before the expiration date. Log in to your Nurse Portal account and select the Inactivate License option. There is no fee or time limit for inactive status.
How can I check if I was selected for a CE audit?
If selected for a continuing education audit, you will receive a notification by email and in your Nurse Portal account during the month following your renewal submission.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: Finish an NSBN-approved Nurse Aide Training Program with at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice.
- Submit fingerprint clearance: Provide fingerprints through the Nevada Department of Public Safety and FBI for background review.
- Pass both exam components: Take the knowledge (written or oral) and skills exams through Credentia within one year of training completion.
- Appear on the state registry: Once certified, your active status is posted on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry, which serves as official proof of eligibility to work.
- Renew every two years: Complete 24 hours of CNA-related continuing education, 40 hours of paid CNA employment, and submit renewal through the Nevada Nurse Portal.
- Reinstate if expired: If lapsed without meeting renewal requirements, you must retest or retrain and pass both exams within one year of application.
- Transfer by endorsement: Submit the NSBN endorsement application with proof of training, employment, out-of-state certification, and fingerprint results.
Sources
- Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN)
- Nevada Nurse Portal
- CNA Exam Instructions
- CNA Examination Registration – Credentia
- Credentia Nevada Quick Reference Guide
- Nevada CNA License Lookup
- CNA Renewal FAQ
- CNA Employment Verification Sample Letter
- CNA Employment Verification Form
- CNA Endorsement Instructions
- CNA Endorsement Form
