CNA License in Rhode Island

How to Get a CNA License in Rhode Island

To become a CNA in Rhode Island, you must complete training, apply for licensure, and pass the NNAAP exam. Follow the steps below to meet all requirements.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

Enroll in a program approved by RIDOH. Each program must include:

• 80 hours of classroom instruction
• 40 hours of clinical training

Step 2: Submit Your License Application

After training, submit the Nursing Assistant License Application to RIDOH with:

• $35.00 application fee payable to “Rhode Island General Treasurer”
• Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
• Original BCI from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office (issued within 4 months)

Mail to:
Rhode Island Department of Health
Center for Professional Licensing – Room 104
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097

Step 3: Schedule the NNAAP Exam

Create an account on the Credentia CNA365® platform to schedule your exam. You may:

• Choose written or oral exam (English or Spanish)
• Schedule your Skills Evaluation
• View test dates, sites, and results

All exam fees are non-refundable. Nursing homes must pay fees for employed candidates or those with job offers.

Step 4: Take and Pass the NNAAP Exam

The exam includes:

• Written Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions (2 hours)
• Skills Evaluation: 5 randomly selected tasks

Oral exams include 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 comprehension items. You must pass both parts within one year of training. After three failed attempts or expiration, retraining is required.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams, Credentia sends results to RIDOH. Once verified, your license is issued and your name added to the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry. Allow up to 8 weeks for processing.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Rhode Island

The following programs are approved by RIDOH. When comparing, consider tuition, schedule, clinical site access, and job placement support.

1. HITEP, Inc.

   515 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
   (401) 785-2202

2. Community College of Rhode Island – Knight Campus

   400 East Ave, Warwick, RI 02886
   (401) 825-1000

3. 911Programs Career Training Institute

   22 Veterans Memorial Dr, Warwick, RI 02886
   (401) 773-7716

4. Exeter Job Corps Center

   162 Main St, Exeter, RI 02822
   (800) 733-5627

5. American Safety Programs and Training Inc.

   75 Commerce Dr, Warwick, RI 02886
   (401) 273-6900

6. Ozga EMS Training

   1395 Atwood Ave, Johnston, RI 02919
   (401) 524-8281

7. Alternative Training Center – Coventry

   1110 Victory Hwy, Coventry, RI 02827
   (401) 397-7520

How to Verify a CNA License in Rhode Island

Use the RIDOH verification portal to confirm status, expiration, and disciplinary actions.

Step 1: Visit the Verification Portal

Go to the Rhode Island License Verification page.

Step 2: Select Profession and License Type

Choose Nursing Assistant for both fields.

Step 3: Enter Search Criteria

Enter full name and license number.

Step 4: Submit Search

Click Search to display licensee details.

Step 5: View Detailed License Record

Click the CNA’s name to view:

• Full name
• License number
• Profession: Nursing Assistant
• License type: Nursing Assistant
• Status: Active
• Issue and expiration dates
• Education history
• Disciplinary actions: See the Board Disciplinary Listings

How to Renew a CNA License in Rhode Island

CNA licenses must be renewed every two years. Follow these steps to renew online.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

RIDOH sends notices 60 days before expiration. If your license is not visible online, contact doh.elicense@health.ri.gov or call (401) 222-1800.

Step 2: Log Into the e-Licensing Portal

Visit the e-Licensing portal to begin. New users must register; returning users may log in or re-register with their email on file.

Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application

Use the Renewal Checklist to navigate. Do not use your browser’s back button. Submit the application and payment to complete renewal.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

• Fee: $35 (non-refundable)
• Accepted methods: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or ACH/e-check

Online payments include a small processing fee.

Step 5: Confirm Your Status

Renewals process within five business days. License cards are mailed within 4–8 weeks. Check your status on the verification portal.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Rhode Island

If your license is expired and you have not worked in the past 24 months, you must retrain and retest to regain active status.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Programs must meet RIDOH standards of 120 hours (80 classroom + 40 clinical). Your training provider must confirm completion to Credentia before you can test.

Step 2: Register for the NNAAP Exam

Create an account on the Credentia platform and register for:

• Written or Oral Exam – $55
• Skills Evaluation – $110

Schedule exams at least 10 days in advance. Payments are online and non-refundable.

Step 3: Take the Exams

The written/oral exam may be taken online. The Skills Evaluation is in person. Bring two valid IDs, including one government-issued photo ID with a signature. Candidates on medical light duty may not test.

Step 4: Pass the Exams

• Written: 70 questions
• Oral: 60 questions + 10 comprehension items
• Skills: 5 tasks

You must pass both parts within one year of retraining.

Step 5: Apply for Your CNA License

Submit the Nursing Assistant License Application with:

• $35 fee
• Copy of valid ID
• Original BCI from the Attorney General (within 4 months)

Mail to:
Rhode Island Department of Health
Room 104
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097

How to Transfer a CNA License to Rhode Island

If you are certified in another state, you may apply for licensure in Rhode Island by endorsement.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Hold a valid license in good standing
• No history of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• One of the following:
  • Completed training with at least 100 hours, including 20 clinical hours; or
  • Worked full-time as a CNA for 3 months in the past year, with in-service training

Step 2: Submit the Endorsement Application

Download and complete the Endorsement Application. Include:

• $35.00 fee
• Copy of government-issued ID
• Original BCI from the Attorney General
• Completed Interstate Verification Form
• Training certificate or employment verification

Step 3: Mail Your Application

Mail to:
Rhode Island Department of Health
Room 104
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097

Note: Hand-delivered applications are not accepted.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Processing may take up to 8 weeks. Do not begin work until your license is issued.

Step 5: Verify Your License

Check your active status on the verification portal.

Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry

The Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by RIDOH, is the official record of CNAs authorized to work in the state. The registry tracks certification status, exam results, renewal history, and disciplinary actions. Employers use it to confirm eligibility, while CNAs use it to verify status, renew credentials, and update information.

Contact Information

• Agency: Rhode Island Department of Health
• Division: Center for Professional Licensing
• Address: 3 Capitol Hill, Room 104, Providence, RI 02908
• Phone: (401) 222-5888
• Fax: (401) 222-1272
• Email: doh.elicense@health.ri.gov
• Registry Search: Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry Search

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my CNA license from a U.S. territory?

No. Rhode Island only accepts certifications from other states. Endorsements from U.S. territories are not eligible.

Does Rhode Island issue temporary CNA licenses?

No. Temporary or provisional licenses are not issued. You must complete training, pass exams, and be approved before working.

Is the CNA exam available in Spanish?

Yes. The oral version is offered in English and Spanish. You must request it when registering through CNA365®.

What should I wear for the skills evaluation?

Wear flat, closed-toe, non-skid shoes and clothing suitable for direct care. Proper attire is required.

How do I request accommodations for the exam?

Submit a request with documentation through your CNA365® account before scheduling. Requests are reviewed case by case.

How do I update my name or address on my license?

Complete the Licensee Profile Change Form and submit it with documentation by email to RIDOH.licensing@health.ri.gov or mail it to the address on the form.

Can I request a duplicate CNA certificate?

Yes. Contact the RIDOH licensing office. A written request and fee may be required.

How much does license verification cost?

RIDOH charges $50.00 for a verification letter. Submit the Verification Request Form with a certified check or money order payable to “Rhode Island General Treasurer.”

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a state-approved program with 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training.
• Submit application and register: File your application with the Department of Health and schedule exams through CNA365.
• Pass both exam components: Complete the written or oral test and the skills evaluation through Credentia within one year of training.
• Appear on the state registry: Once licensed, your active status is posted on the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry.
• Renew every two years: Pay the $35 renewal fee online and document at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months.
• Reinstate if expired: If lapsed more than 24 months, retrain and retake both parts of the NNAAP exam before reapplying.
• Transfer by endorsement: Provide out-of-state certification verification, proof of 100 training hours or 3 months of CNA work, a BCI background check, and the $35 application fee.