To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Pennsylvania, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to apply for CNA license, verify your status, renew or reinstate an expired certification, and transfer an active credential from another state—based on current requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).
- How to Get Your CNA License in Pennsylvania
- State-Approved CNA Programs in Pennsylvania
- How to Transfer Your CNA License to Pennsylvania
- How to Renew Your CNA License in Pennsylvania
- How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Pennsylvania
- How to Verify Your CNA License in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
How to Get Your CNA License in Pennsylvania
Follow these steps to earn CNA certification in Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Program
Enroll in a program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Programs must include a minimum of 80 hours of instruction:
- 42.5 hours classroom instruction
- 37.5 hours supervised clinical training
Required Curriculum
Training covers topics such as:
- Resident rights, abuse prevention, and reporting
- Basic nursing and personal care skills
- Psychosocial and behavioral support
- Care for residents with cognitive impairments
- Restorative techniques and mobility assistance
You must complete training before applying for the exam.
Step 2: Register for the NNAAP Exam
Create a CNA365 account on the Credentia Pennsylvania Nurse Aide page. Use the portal to submit your application, pay fees, schedule test dates, and access results. You may request the Oral Examination in English or Spanish when applying.
| Exam Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Written or Oral + Skills Evaluation | $135 |
| Written Only (Retest) | $50 |
| Oral Only (Retest) | $50 |
| Skills Only (Retest) | $85 |
All fees are non-refundable and must be paid by credit card or voucher. Test center exams must be scheduled at least 10 days in advance; online written or oral exams require at least 48 hours notice.
Step 3: Take and Pass the NNAAP Exam
The exam includes a Written (or Oral) test and a Skills Evaluation. Both must be passed within 24 months of completing training. You have up to three attempts.
- Written Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions (2 hours)
- Oral Exam: 60 multiple-choice + 10 reading comprehension questions
- Skills Evaluation: Five randomly selected tasks, including hand hygiene (30 minutes)
The Skills Evaluation is in person; the Written or Oral exam may be taken online or at a test site.
What to Bring
- Two valid IDs with signatures (one must be photo)
- Three No. 2 pencils and an eraser
- A watch with a second hand
Step 4: Get Listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
After passing both exams, you will be added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. You will receive a digital Registry Card by email and a printed copy by mail. Certification is valid for 24 months.
Need help? Call Credentia at (888) 204-6249 for assistance with registration, testing, or results. For program approval questions, contact PDE at (717) 783-6788.
State-Approved CNA Programs in Pennsylvania
The following programs are approved by the PDE. Compare tuition, schedules, clinical access, and job placement support to choose the best option.
- 540 North Harrison Road, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823(814) 359-2793
- 250 Yost Boulevard, Braddock Hills, PA 15221(412) 237-2222
- 595 Beatty Road, Monroeville, PA 15146(412) 237-2222
How to Transfer Your CNA License to Pennsylvania
You may apply for reciprocity if you hold an active certification in another state with no disqualifying findings. The process is managed through CNA365.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Hold an active CNA certification in another U.S. state
- Have no record of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
Step 2: Create a CNA365 Account
Visit the Credentia Pennsylvania page and select CNA365 Login to create an account.
Step 3: Submit the Reciprocity Application
Log in, choose Reciprocity, and complete the application. Enter details exactly as they appear on your documents.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- Copy of out-of-state CNA certificate
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card
Ensure documents are clear and legible before uploading.
Step 5: Wait for Application Review
Credentia will verify certification with the other state. There is no fee for reciprocity in Pennsylvania. You will be contacted if additional documentation is required.
Step 6: Confirm Certification
Once approved, your name will be added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. You will receive confirmation by email and may download your Registry Card.
Need help? Contact Credentia at (888) 204-6249 for assistance with reciprocity or your CNA365 account.
How to Renew Your CNA License in Pennsylvania
To maintain certification, you must renew every 24 months through the CNA365 portal.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You must have worked at least eight consecutive hours as a CNA in an approved facility within the past 24 months. Approved settings include:
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Home health agencies
- Intermediate care facilities
- Personal care homes
Note: Work in physician offices, private duty, or self-employment does not qualify.
Step 2: Log In to CNA365
Access your CNA365 account. Renewal reminders are sent 60, 30, 14, and 7 days before expiration.
Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application
Select Renewal in your listing. Complete all sections and upload required documentation. Each section must turn green before submission.
Step 4: Add Employer Details
Enter employer details using the Employer Search tool. If not listed, add manually. Employers must be state-approved.
Step 5: Submit and Track Application
Click Submit once complete. You will receive confirmation by email. Track status under View Form in your dashboard.
Step 6: Verify Certification
Once renewed, confirm your status on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. You may download a digital Registry Card or request a paper copy through CNA365.
Need help? Contact Credentia at 888-204-6249 for assistance with renewals.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Pennsylvania
If your certification lapsed for not meeting the 24-month work requirement, you must reinstate by retesting. This applies if you have not worked at least one documented day (eight consecutive hours) in an approved setting in the past 24 months.
Step 1: Confirm Inactive Status
Log in to your CNA365 account and review your record. If inactive, proceed with reinstatement.
Step 2: Reapply Under Eligibility Route E-3
Submit a new exam application under route E-3. This grants one attempt to pass both the Written (or Oral) Exam and Skills Evaluation. If unsuccessful, you must retrain and reapply under route E-0.
Step 3: Submit Exam Fees
- Written or Oral Exam: $50
- Skills Evaluation: $85
- Total: $135
If employed in a long-term care facility, your employer must pay the fee. If hired within 12 months of certification, you may qualify for reimbursement.
Step 4: Schedule the NNAAP Exam
Once approved, log in to CNA365 to select dates. Written or Oral exams may be taken online or in person; the Skills Evaluation must be in person.
Bring two valid IDs (one photo), three No. 2 pencils, and a watch with a second hand. Arrive 30 minutes early.
Step 5: Pass the Exams
- Written (or Oral) Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions (2 hours)
- Skills Evaluation: Five tasks (30 minutes)
Results are usually posted in CNA365 within hours. Once both parts are passed, your status is updated to Active.
Reminder: If you fail under E-3, you must retrain and reapply under E-0.
Step 6: Access Your Registry Card
You will receive an electronic Registry Card by email. You may also download a PDF or request a printed copy through CNA365.
Need help? Contact Credentia at 888-204-6249 for reinstatement assistance.
How to Verify Your CNA License in Pennsylvania
To verify your status and employment eligibility, use the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry through the CNA365 system managed by Credentia.
Step 1: Access the Registry
Visit the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
Step 2: Choose a Search Option
- By Name: Enter at least two of the following—First Name, Last Name, City, or Date of Birth
- By Registration Number: Enter one or more numbers (up to 15 entries)
Step 3: Submit Your Search
Click Search to display details:
- First and last name
- City
- Status (must be Active)
- Registration number
Step 4: Review Your Record
Click the eye icon to view the full record, including:
- Registration number
- Issue, effective, and expiration dates
- Application type (Examination or Reciprocity)
- Disciplinary findings (if applicable)
Phone Verification: Call (888) 204-6249 (Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. ET, Sat: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sun: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
The Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry, managed by Credentia through the CNA365 system in cooperation with the DOH, is the official record of certified nurse aides eligible to work in licensed long-term care facilities. The registry tracks certification status, renewal eligibility, reciprocity applications, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers must verify a nurse aide’s active status before hiring, while CNAs use it to confirm certification, update information, and complete renewals.
Contact Information
Pennsylvania Department of Health (Division of Nursing Care Facilities)
- Address: Room 526, Health & Welfare Building, 625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120
- Phone: (717) 787-1816 or (800) 254-5164
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET
- Website: health.pa.gov
Credentia (Registry Provider)
- Address: 1025 Greenwood Blvd., Suite 401, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Phone: (888) 204-6249
- Website: credentia.com/test-takers/pa
- Registry Search: Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry Search
- Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. ET; Sat 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET; Sun 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements to become a CNA in Pennsylvania?
You must be at least 16, complete a state-approved program, pass the NNAAP exam, and complete a background check. If you have lived in Pennsylvania less than two years, an FBI check is also required.
Can I work as a CNA before passing the exam?
Yes. You may work up to 120 days in a long-term care facility while enrolled in training. To continue, you must pass both exams and be listed on the registry.
Am I eligible for training and testing reimbursement?
If you are hired or offered employment when starting training, the facility must cover costs. If hired within 12 months of completing the program, you must be reimbursed 50% after 130 hours and the remainder after 260 hours.
How many times can I take the NNAAP exam?
You may attempt the exam three times within 24 months of training. If not successful, you must complete a new program before retesting.
What accommodations are available for testing?
If you have a documented disability, you may request accommodations such as extended time, a separate room, or a reader. Submit requests with documentation when applying. Approval is required before scheduling.
How do I request a duplicate CNA Registry Card?
Log in to CNA365 to download a digital copy or request a printed version. There is no fee for a duplicate card.
How can I change my name or address on the registry?
Log in to CNA365 and select “Manage Profile.” To update your address, use “Edit Profile.” To change your name, submit a “Correction Form” with legal documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: Finish a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program with at least 80 hours, including 42.5 classroom and 37.5 clinical.
- Pass both exam components: Complete the written (or oral) test and the skills evaluation through Credentia within 24 months of training.
- Appear on the registry: After passing, your active status is posted on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry as proof of certification and eligibility.
- Renew every two years: Stay active by completing at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in an approved setting during each cycle and renew in CNA365.
- Reinstate if expired: If inactive, requalify by retesting under E-3. If unsuccessful, complete a new program and reapply under E-0.
- Transfer by reciprocity: Apply in CNA365 with proof of active out-of-state certification in good standing and no disqualifying findings.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Health – Nurse Aide Overview
- Apply to Become a Nurse Aide – PA.gov
- Nurse Aide Testing – Pennsylvania Department of Health
- Contact Information – Nurse Aide Program (DOH)
- Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (2024) – Credentia
- Credentia – Nurse Aide Testing Portal for Pennsylvania
- CNA365 – Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry Search
- Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs by County – PDE
