CNA License in New York

How to Get a CNA License in New York

To become a CNA in New York, complete the steps below to meet certification requirements.

Step 1: Complete a NYSDOH-Approved Training Program

Enroll in a program approved by NYSDOH. Training must include at least 100 hours of instruction, with a minimum of 30 hours of supervised clinical practice. Your program will submit your eligibility to Prometric.

Step 2: Submit the Examination Application

Once eligibility is submitted, complete the CNA Examination Application. Ensure your name matches your government-issued photo ID. Mail the application, supporting documents, and payment to:

Step 3: Receive Authorization to Test

Prometric will email your Authorization to Test (ATT) after processing. Follow the instructions to schedule your exam.

Step 4: Take the CNA Exam

The exam has two parts:

• Written (or Oral) Exam: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Clinical Skills Exam: Five tasks, including mandatory hand hygiene

You must pass both sections. You have three attempts per part. If you fail three times, retraining is required before reapplying.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Nurse Aide Registry

Once both exams are passed, Prometric will add your name to the New York Nurse Aide Registry.

State-Approved CNA Programs in New York

The following programs are approved by the New York State Department of Health. When selecting a program, consider tuition, location, clinical sites, scheduling options, and job placement support.

1. Kingsborough Community College (CUNY)

   2001 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11235
   (718) 368-5000

2. Lehman College (CUNY)

   250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468
   (718) 960-8512

3. Hostos Community College (CUNY)

   500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
   (718) 518-6656

4. Monroe Community College (SUNY)

   1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623
   (585) 292-2000

5. Nassau Community College (SUNY)

   1 Education Drive, Garden City, NY 11530
   (516) 572-7487

6. Suffolk County Community College (SUNY)

   533 College Road, Selden, NY 11784
   (631) 548-3741

7. SUNY Schenectady County Community College

   78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305
   (518) 595-1101

8. ABC Training Center

   1 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10468
   (718) 364-6700

9. New Age Training

   145 W. 30th Street, New York, NY 10001
   (212) 947-7940

10. Rockland Community College (SUNY)

    145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901
    (845) 574-4521

How to Verify a CNA License in New York

Use the New York Nurse Aide Registry to verify certification status, expiration dates, and any disciplinary findings.

Step 1: Access the Online Registry

Visit the New York Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 2: Select a Search Option

Search by:

• Certificate Number (e.g., NA123456789123X)
• Full Name

Step 3: Submit Your Search

Enter the information and click Search to view results.

Step 4: Review Your Record

Your record will show:

• Full name
• Certification number
• Status (must be Active)
• Issue and expiration dates
• Any findings of abuse or neglect

How to Renew a CNA License in New York

New York CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. Follow these steps to maintain active status.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may renew if you:

• Worked at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA duties
• Worked under a registered nurse in the past 24 months
• Have no disqualifying findings

Step 2: Complete the Renewal Form

Download the Renewal Form. Provide:

• Personal and certification details
• Employer information and employment dates
• Signature of facility operator or designee

Submit the original form. Photocopies are not accepted.

Step 3: Include Payment

Attach a $40 nonrefundable fee payable by certified check or money order to NY Commissioner of Health, NYNA.

Step 4: Mail Your Packet

Send all documents and payment to:

Step 5: Monitor Your Status

If approved, your certification is renewed for 24 months. A new certificate and wallet card will be issued. Check the registry for updates.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in New York

If you did not meet the work requirement within 24 months, your certification will lapse. Follow these steps to reinstate:

Step 1: Confirm Ineligibility

If you did not work at least 8 hours under RN supervision in the past two years, you must retake the exam.

Step 2: Complete the Exam Application

Submit the CNA Exam Application and select:

• Route 6 – Trained and Lapsed
• Route 7 – Lapsed—Other

Include your expired certificate number.

Step 3: Submit Payment

Attach a certified check or money order payable to NY Commissioner of Health, NYNA. Exam fees apply.

Step 4: Receive Your ATT

Prometric will email your ATT. Do not schedule your exam before receiving it.

Step 5: Schedule and Take the Exam

Choose a site from the test center list. Pass both the knowledge and skills exams within three attempts.

Step 6: Verify Your Status

After passing, your record will be updated to Active in the registry.

How to Transfer a CNA License to New York

You may transfer your CNA license by reciprocity if certified in another U.S. state.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Hold an active certification
• Be in good standing with no abuse, neglect, or misappropriation findings

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application

Use the NY CNA Exam Application and select Route 2 – Reciprocity.

Step 3: Gather Documents

• Completed application
• Copy of out-of-state certificate
• Legal name change documents (if applicable)
• $50 fee by certified check or money order

Step 4: Submit Materials

Step 5: Verify Your Status

Once approved, your record will show Active in the registry. You may not work as a CNA until listed as active.

New York Nurse Aide Registry

The New York Nurse Aide Registry, administered by Prometric on behalf of the NYSDOH, is the official record of certified nurse aides eligible to work in licensed nursing homes. The registry tracks certification status, exam history, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers must verify active status before hire, while CNAs use it to confirm certification and update information.

Contact Information

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

• Address: 875 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
• Phone: (877) 877-1827
• Email: profcred@health.ny.gov
• Website: New York State Department of Health

Prometric (Registry Management)

• Mailing Address: Attn: NY Nurse Aide Program, 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236
• Main Phone: (800) 805-9128
• Automated IVR System: (800) 918-8818
• Email: NYCNA@prometric.com
• Website: Prometric – New York Nurse Aide
• Registry Access: New York Nurse Aide Registry Search

Frequently Asked Questions

What ID is required on CNA exam day in New York?

You must present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your application.

Can I take the New York CNA exam in another language?

No. The exam is offered only in English, though an oral version is available.

When will I receive my New York CNA exam results?

Results are usually available within 5 to 10 business days by email and in your Prometric account.

Does New York approve online CNA training programs?

No. Programs must include in-person classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training as required by NYSDOH.

How do I request ADA accommodations for the CNA exam?

Submit the ADA Accommodations Request Packet with your exam application at least 30 days before your test date.

How do I replace a lost or damaged New York CNA certificate?

Complete the Change Request Form and include a $15 certified check or money order payable to NY Commissioner of Health, NYNA.

Can I work as a CNA in New York before certification is issued?

No. You may not work until your status is listed as Active on the New York Nurse Aide Registry.

How do I update my name or address on the registry?

Submit the Change Request Form to Prometric. For name changes, include legal documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a NYSDOH-approved program with at least 100 hours, including 30 hours of supervised clinical instruction.
• Pass both exam components: Take the written or oral knowledge test and the clinical skills evaluation through Prometric within two years of training.
• Appear on the registry: Once certified, your active status is posted on the New York Nurse Aide Registry.
• Renew every two years: Submit the renewal form, employer verification of at least 8 consecutive hours of paid work in the past 24 months, and the $40 fee.
• Reinstate if expired: If lapsed, reapply and retake both exam components. Retraining is required if you fail three times or do not pass within two years.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the application, a copy of your out-of-state certificate, and the $50 processing fee to Prometric.