CNA License in Nevada

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

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.

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.

1. College of Southern Nevada - Charleston

   6375 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
   (702) 651-5000

2. Great Basin College

   1500 College Pkwy, Elko, NV 89801
   (775) 738-8493

3. Truckee Meadows Community College

   7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512
   (775) 673-7111

4. University of Nevada

   4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89119
   (702) 895-3011

5. Western Nevada College

   2201 W College Pkwy, Carson City, NV 89703
   (775) 445-3000

How to Verify a CNA License in Nevada

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

How to Renew a CNA License in Nevada

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.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Nevada

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.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Nevada

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

• CNA Skills Guidelines
• Hours of Employment Advisory Opinion

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.

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

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.