STNA License in Ohio

How to Get an STNA License in Ohio

ODH oversees certification, while exams are administered by Headmaster through the TMU portal.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Training Program

Enroll in an ODH-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) with at least 75 hours:

• 59 hours of classroom and lab instruction
• 16 hours of clinical training in a licensed facility

All hours must be completed before testing.

Step 2: Activate Your TMU Account

Your training provider submits your details to TMU. You will receive login instructions. Once logged in, you must:

• Update personal information
• Select exam format (written or oral)

You cannot schedule your exam until your profile is complete.

Step 3: Pay Exam Fees

Fees must be paid in the TMU portal before scheduling, unless covered by your training program.

Step 4: Pass the Competency Exam

The exam includes:

• Knowledge Test: 79 multiple-choice questions (written or oral)
• Skills Test: Demonstration of 3–4 skills, including hand hygiene

You must pass both sections within two years of training. Each section allows three attempts.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Registry

Once both exams are passed, Headmaster reports results to ODH and your name is added to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry. No additional application is required.

State-Approved STNA Programs in Ohio

The following STNA programs are approved by ODH. When choosing a program, compare tuition, schedule, clinical sites, and job placement rates.

1. Ashtabula County Technical & Career Campus

   1565 OH-167, Jefferson, OH 44047
   (440) 576-6015

2. Belmont College

   68094 Hammond Rd, St Clairsville, OH 43950
   (740) 695-9500

3. C-TEC of Licking County

   150 Price Rd, Newark, OH 43055
   (740) 364-2832

4. Central Ohio Technical College

   1179 University Dr, Newark, OH 43055
   (740) 366-9222

5. Cincinnati State Technical & Community College

   3520 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45223
   (513) 569-1500

6. Clark State College

   570 E Leffel Ln, Springfield, OH 45505
   (937) 328-6028

7. Columbus State Community College

   550 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215
   (614) 287-5353

8. Cuyahoga Community College

   2900 Community College Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
   (800) 954-8742

9. Lakeland Community College

   7700 Clocktower Dr, Willoughby, OH 44094
   (440) 525-7000

10. Marion Technical College

    1467 Mt Vernon Ave, Marion, OH 43302
    (740) 389-4636

11. Rhodes State College

    4240 Campus Dr, Lima, OH 45804
    (419) 995-8320

12. Sinclair Community College

    444 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402
    (937) 512-3000

How to Verify an STNA License in Ohio

Use the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry to verify your certification, expiration date, and any disciplinary record.

Step 1: Visit the Search Tool

Go to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry search page.

Step 2: Choose a Search Method

You may search by:

• Registry Number
• Full Name
• Last Four Digits of SSN

Step 3: Run the Search

Click Search to display your record.

Step 4: Review Your Record

Your record includes:

• Full legal name
• Registry number
• Status: Must show Active to work
• Certification dates (issue and expiration)
• Disciplinary findings (if any)

How to Renew an STNA License in Ohio

You must renew every 24 months to remain active.

Step 1: Confirm Work Eligibility

You qualify if you completed in the past 24 months:

• 7.5 consecutive hours of paid work
• 8 hours of paid work in a 48-hour period

Work must be supervised and paid; volunteer service does not count.

Step 2: Obtain Employment Verification

Submit one of the following:

• Employer Verification Form – Includes employment details and confirmation
• Statement from a Nurse or Physician – Confirms services provided and compensation

Step 3: Submit the Form

Your employer should submit the HEA 7713 form. If not, you are responsible for sending it.

Step 4: Verify Status

After processing, check the registry to ensure your status is Active.

How to Reinstate an STNA License in Ohio

If you have not worked the required hours in 24 months, you must retest.

Step 1: Confirm Ineligibility

You cannot renew without meeting the work requirement. Testing is required.

Step 2: Register for the Exam

On the Headmaster site:

• Create a TMU account
• Select a test site
• Pay exam fees

Step 3: Complete NATCEP (If Required)

If your training has expired, retake NATCEP with:

• 75 hours total
• 16 hours clinical

Step 4: Pass the Exam

• Knowledge Test: 75 questions
• Skills Test: Five skills, including hand hygiene

Step 5: Confirm Reinstatement

Check the registry for active status.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Ohio

You may transfer by reciprocity if you hold an active license in another state.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Active CNA license in another state
• No record of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• Good standing in your home state

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Form

Fill out Section I of the HEA 6907 form with:

• Copy of Social Security card
• Copy of government-issued ID

Step 3: Submit Section II

Your state registry must complete and send Section II directly to Ohio.

Step 4: Send to Ohio

• Mail: 246 N. High Street, Attn: NAR, Columbus, OH 43215
• Fax: (614) 564-2461
• Email: NAR@odh.ohio.gov

Step 5: Verify Status

Once processed, confirm your certification through the registry search.

Ohio Nurse Aide Registry

The Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, managed by ODH, is the official record of all STNAs authorized to work in certified long-term care facilities. It tracks certification status, training history, exam results, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.

Contact Information

• Agency: Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
• Division: Bureau of Regulatory Operations, Nurse Aide Registry
• Address: 246 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
• Phone: (800) 582-5908 (in-state) | (614) 752-9500 (out-of-state)
• Fax: (614) 564-2461
• Email: NAR@odh.ohio.gov
• Registry Search: Ohio Nurse Aide Registry Search

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the four-month grace period?

You may work for up to four months in a facility before passing the state exam if enrolled in a NATCEP. The grace period starts on your first workday and is cumulative across employers.

How can I verify private-duty work?

Submit a signed statement from a physician or nurse confirming services, dates, and compensation. If compensation cannot be verified, additional proof is required.

Can a conviction disqualify me?

Yes. Under OAC 3701-13-05, certain convictions bar employment in long-term care. Hiring standards are outlined in OAC 3701-13-06.

Are veterans eligible for exam reimbursement?

Yes. Headmaster is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans may request reimbursement under the GI Bill® by submitting exam receipts and VA documents.

Can I work if I have a finding of abuse?

No. A substantiated finding of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation results in permanent disqualification and is publicly listed in the registry.

Do trainees count toward staffing?

Yes. Trainees who have completed at least 16 training hours may count toward staffing if directly supervised and limited to trained tasks. Classroom hours do not count.

How do I update my name or replace a card?

Submit a copy of your ID and legal name change document to the registry. For a replacement card, contact Headmaster at (877) 851-2355. A $25 fee applies.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Enroll in a licensed NATCEP with at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical practice.
• Activate TMU profile: After training, confirm details in TMU, select exam preferences, and pay fees.
• Pass both exams: Complete the knowledge and skills tests administered by Headmaster.
• Appear on the registry: Once certified, your active status is posted on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry.
• Maintain active status: Work at least 7.5 consecutive hours or 8 hours in 48 hours every 24 months, verified by the HEA 7713 form.
• Reinstate if expired: If you do not meet renewal requirements, you must retake and pass both exams.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the HEA 6907 form with required ID. Section II must be completed by your home state registry and sent to ODH.