To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oklahoma, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency evaluation, and be listed on the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to apply for certification, verify your status, renew or reinstate your license, and transfer an out-of-state credential—based on current regulations from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH).
- How to Get Your CNA License in Oklahoma
- How to Verify a CNA License in Oklahoma
- How to Renew Your CNA License in Oklahoma
- How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Oklahoma
- How to Transfer Your CNA License to Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry
- State-Approved CNA Programs in Oklahoma
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
How to Get Your CNA License in Oklahoma
To earn your license, you must complete an OSDH-approved training program and pass the competency exam administered by Prometric.
Step 1: Complete an Approved Training Program
You must complete a program that includes:
- At least 75 hours of instruction
- A minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training
All training must be completed before applying for testing.
Step 2: Apply for the CNA Exam
Submit your application to Prometric once training is complete. You may apply:
- Online: Recommended; pay with credit or debit card
- By mail: Submit the paper application with payment and required documents
Include your training certificate and valid ID.
Testing Accommodations
If accommodations are needed, submit the Nurse Aide Accommodations Request Packet with your application. Processing may take up to 30 days.
Step 3: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
Once approved, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter, which must be presented to schedule and take the exam. Lost ATT letters will not be reissued.
Step 4: Schedule the Exam
Use your ATT letter to schedule the exam through the Prometric portal. Payment is required unless prepaid by your training provider.
| Exam Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Written or Oral Exam | $35 |
| Clinical Skills Exam | $40 |
Step 5: Take the CNA Exam
The exam has two parts: a written (or oral) multiple-choice test and a clinical skills test.
Written Exam
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- 90-minute time limit
Clinical Skills Exam
- Three to four assigned skills, including mandatory hand hygiene
- 31–40 minutes total
On Exam Day
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Bring two forms of ID:
- Government-issued photo ID with signature
- A second ID with matching name and signature
- Wear closed-toe, nonskid shoes. Scrubs are recommended.
Step 6: Get Listed on the Nurse Aide Registry
Once both exam sections are passed, Prometric reports your results to OSDH and your name is added to the registry. No separate application is required.
Need help? Contact Prometric at OKCNA@prometric.com or (866) 241-3120, or the Nurse Aide Registry at nar@health.ok.gov or (405) 426-8150.
How to Verify a CNA License in Oklahoma
Use the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry to confirm certification and work eligibility.
Step 1: Access the Verification Portal
Visit the Nurse Aide Registry Search page.
Step 2: Enter Search Information
Provide the aide’s first name, last name, and certification number, if available.
Step 3: Submit the Search
Click Search to view results.
Step 4: Review the Results
Select View to see full details, including:
- Full name
- Certification number
- Status (must be Active)
- Issue and expiration dates
- Certification type (e.g., LTCA, HHA)
Phone Verification: Call (405) 426-8150, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT.
How to Renew Your CNA License in Oklahoma
Licenses must be renewed every 24 months to remain active. Follow the process outlined by OSDH.
Step 1: Meet Renewal Eligibility
- Complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related duties within the past 24 months
- Provide acceptable employment documentation (signed form, W-2, or pay stub)
Step 2: Choose the Correct Application
- Long-Term Care Aides: Use the online renewal form (no fee)
- Other CNAs: Complete the ODH Form 717.301
Step 3: Submit Affidavit of Lawful Presence
- U.S. citizens: Submit once unless your status changes
- Non-U.S. citizens: Submit each time with valid immigration documents
Step 4: Submit the Application
- LTC Aides: Submit online, no payment required
- Other CNAs: Mail the following:
- Completed ODH Form 717.301
- Proof of work
- Affidavit of Lawful Presence
- $10 fee (check or money order payable to OSDH/Nurse Aide Registry)
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 268816
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-8816
Step 5: Verify Renewal
Check your status through the registry portal.
Need help? Contact the registry at nar@health.ok.gov or (405) 426-8150.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Oklahoma
If your certification expired two to three years ago or you lacked qualifying employment, you may reinstate by retesting.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Certification expired more than two but less than three years
- No qualifying employment of at least eight hours during that period
Note: If expired three years or more, retraining through a state-approved program is required.
Step 2: Complete the Retest Application
Download and complete the ODH Form 841 – CNA Retest Application. Provide personal details, certification type, expiration date, and most recent employer’s information.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- LTC Aides: Email to nar@health.ok.gov (no fee required)
- Other aide types: Mail with a $15 non-refundable fee (check or money order payable to OSDH/Nurse Aide Registry)
Mailing Address:
OSDH Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 268816
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-8816
Step 4: Receive Retest Authorization
If approved, you will receive a Retest Authorization Letter. You must present the original letter at the test site; duplicates will not be issued.
Step 5: Schedule Your Exams
Use the authorization letter to schedule your exam at an approved HCP test site. Contact the site directly for scheduling and payment.
Step 6: Prepare for Testing
- Knowledge Exam: 60 questions, 90 minutes
- Skills Exam: 3–5 assigned tasks, 31–40 minutes
Bring two valid IDs: one government-issued photo ID and one with your signature.
Step 7: Confirm Reinstatement
The testing provider has up to 30 days to report results. Once processed, your certification will be reinstated. Check your updated status on the registry portal.
Need help? Contact the registry at nar@health.ok.gov or (405) 426-8150.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to Oklahoma
If you hold an active CNA license in another state, you may apply for certification in Oklahoma through reciprocity.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Current, active certification from another state
- No disqualifying findings (abuse, neglect, or misappropriation)
Step 2: Download the Application
- ODH 735 Reciprocity Application
- Online LTC Reciprocity Form (if applicable)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
- Copy of your out-of-state certificate
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Social Security number (card, W-2, tax return, or SSA letter)
- Certified name change documents, if applicable
Step 4: Submit the Application
- Mail: PO Box 268816, Oklahoma City, OK 73126-8816
- Email: nar@health.ok.gov (no-fee applications only)
- Fax: (405) 900-7572 (no-fee applications only)
Fees
- No fee for LTC Aide reciprocity
- $15 for other types (check or money order payable to OSDH/Nurse Aide Registry)
Step 5: Monitor Your Status
If approved, your name will be added to the registry. Contact OSDH for updates if needed.
Need help? Contact the registry at nar@health.ok.gov or (405) 426-8150.
Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry
The Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry, managed by OSDH, is the official database of certified nurse aides eligible to work in licensed facilities across the state. It records certification status, training history, employment eligibility, and substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. Employers use it to verify work eligibility, while nurse aides use it to confirm active status, renew certification, and update personal information.
Contact Information
- Agency: Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH)
- Division: Protective Health Services – Nurse Aide Registry
- Mailing Address: PO Box 268816, Oklahoma City, OK 73126-8816
- Office Address: 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
- Phone: (405) 426-8150
- Fax: (405) 271-1130
- Email: nar@health.ok.gov
- Registry Search: Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry Search
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT
State-Approved CNA Programs in Oklahoma
The following training programs are approved by OSDH. When selecting a program, compare tuition, schedule, clinical training opportunities, location, and job placement support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of ID are accepted on test day?
You must present a current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and a second ID with your signature, such as a Social Security card, signed credit card, or library card.
What if I cannot provide proof of my Social Security number?
If you cannot provide a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return, you must submit the official Social Security Number Attestation Form.
Are accommodations available for CNA testing?
Yes. Submit the Accommodations Request Packet with your application to request extra time, a separate room, or a reader. Approval may take up to 30 days.
Is there a dress code for the clinical skills exam?
Wear flat, closed-toe, nonskid shoes. Scrubs are recommended but not required. You may also be asked to serve as a resident during another candidate’s exam.
How do I update my name or address on the registry?
Submit the Notice of Change Form with supporting legal documentation, such as a marriage license or court order.
What is the Skills Performance Checklist?
Your training program uses this checklist to verify competency. You must be approved by an instructor before providing direct care. Employers may request it for verification.
Can I take the CNA exam through Headmaster?
Yes. Many Long-Term Care and Home Health Aide exams are administered by D&SDT-Headmaster and scheduled through the TMU portal. Your instructor will confirm which vendor to use.
Key Takeaways
- Complete state-approved training: Finish an approved Nurse Aide Training Program with at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical instruction.
- Pass required exams: Take and pass both the knowledge and skills exams administered by Prometric.
- Be listed on the registry: Once both exam sections are passed, your name is added to the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry.
- Maintain certification: Work at least 8 paid hours in nursing or nursing-related services within the past 24 months.
- Renew on time: Long-term care aides may renew online at no cost. Other types require a mailed application, affidavit of lawful presence, and a $10 fee.
- Reinstate if lapsed: If expired for two years, you must retest. If expired for more than three years, retraining and testing are required.
- Transfer by reciprocity: Submit a reciprocity application with proof of identity, Social Security documentation, and verification of active out-of-state certification. Some types require a $15 fee.
Sources
- Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry – OSDH
- Registry Search Portal
- Approved Training Programs
- CareerTech Certification Page
- Certified Nurse Aide Study Guide
- CNA Testing Sites
- Prometric Exam Information
- Prometric Candidate Bulletin
- Headmaster Exam Portal
- TMU Portal (Headmaster)
- Headmaster Candidate Handbook (2025)
- CNA Retest Application
- CNA Renewal Application
- CNA Reciprocity Application
