CNA License in Pennsylvania

How to Get a 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.

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.

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.

1. Bucks County Community College

   275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
   (215) 968-8000

2. Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology

   540 North Harrison Road, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823
   (814) 359-2793

3. Community College of Allegheny County – Braddock Hills

   250 Yost Boulevard, Braddock Hills, PA 15221
   (412) 237-2222

4. Community College of Philadelphia

   1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
   (215) 751-8000

5. Eastern Mennonite University

   100 W Millport Road, Lititz, PA 17543
   (717) 690-8600

6. HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College

   One HACC Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110
   (717) 221-1751

7. Keystone Job Corps Center

   235 W Foothills Drive, Drums, PA 18222
   (570) 788-1164

8. Luzerne County Community College

   521 Trailblazer Drive, Nanticoke, PA 18634
   (800) 377-5222

9. Northampton Community College

   3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020
   (610) 861-5300

10. Westmoreland County Community College

    145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, PA 15697
    (724) 925-4000

How to Verify a 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)

How to Renew a 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

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.

How to Reinstate a 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.

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.

How to Transfer a 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.

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.