CNA License in Tennessee

How to Get a CNA License in Tennessee

The certification process is regulated by HFC and administered through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal operated by D&SDT-Headmaster. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the HFC. Programs must include at least 75 hours, with a minimum of 35 hours of supervised clinical instruction.

If you train in a skilled nursing facility-based program, training and testing may be free. Contact the provider for details.

Step 2: Complete Your TMU Account

Your training provider will enter your information into the TMU system. Log in, reset your password, and complete your demographic profile. Your legal name in TMU must match your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card.

Failure to complete your profile may result in a No-Show status and forfeiture of fees.

Step 3: Pay for the CNA Exam

If your program does not prepay for your exam, submit payment through the TMU portal using a debit or credit card.

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the CNA Exam

Once your TMU account is complete and training is verified, you may schedule your exam. You must pass both the knowledge and skills exams within two years of completing training. You are allowed three attempts per component.

Knowledge Exam

• 100 multiple-choice questions
• Time limit: 90 minutes
• Passing score: 75%

The test is computer-based. An audio version is available in English or Spanish; only the first 87 questions are read aloud. Wired headphones are required.

Skills Exam

• Three to five randomized nurse aide tasks
• Includes mandatory hand hygiene
• Time limit: 35 minutes
• Passing score: 100% of key steps and 80% overall

All skills must be physically demonstrated. Verbal responses alone are not accepted.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams, your name is automatically added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. No separate application is required.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Tennessee

The following nurse aide training programs are approved by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). Compare tuition, schedules, clinical placements, and support services when choosing a provider.

1. Cleveland State Community College

   3535 Adkisson Dr, Cleveland, TN 37312
   (423) 472-7141

2. Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center

   1555 McAlister Dr, Memphis, TN 38116
   (901) 396-2800

3. Dyersburg State Community College

   1510 Lake Rd, Dyersburg, TN 38024
   (731) 286-3200

4. Jackson State Community College

   840 Pickwick Rd, Savannah, TN 38372
   (731) 925-5722

5. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Upper Cumberland

   910 Miller Ave, Crossville, TN 38555
   (931) 484-7502

6. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Harriman

   1745 Harriman Hwy, Harriman, TN 37748
   (865) 882-6703

7. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Hartsville

   716 E McMurry Blvd, Hartsville, TN 37074
   (615) 374-2147

8. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Oneida/Huntsville

   355 Scott High Dr, Huntsville, TN 37756
   (423) 663-4900

9. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville

   1100 Liberty St, Knoxville, TN 37919
   (865) 546-5567

10. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Pulaski

    1233 E College St, Pulaski, TN 38478
    (931) 424-4014

11. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Northwest

    127 Industrial Dr, Ripley, TN 38063
    (731) 635-3368

12. Walters State Community College

    500 S Davy Crockett Pkwy, Morristown, TN 37813
    (423) 585-2600

How to Verify a CNA License in Tennessee

Use the TMU portal to confirm certification status, work eligibility, and expiration date.

Step 1: Access the Portal

Go to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry Search.

Step 2: Choose Search Criteria

• Name
• SSN
• Registration Number

Step 3: Enter Details

• Name: Format as “Smith, John”
• SSN: Full number or last four digits
• Registration Number: CNA certificate number

Step 4: Review Results

Click Search to view the summary, which includes:

• Legal name
• City and ZIP code
• Status: Must be Active for employment
• Misconduct history

Step 5: View Full Record

Click Show Record Details to access certification type, number, status, and expiration dates.

How to Renew a CNA License in Tennessee

To remain active on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, you must renew your certification every 24 months through the TMU portal.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You are eligible for renewal if you completed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in a licensed or certified healthcare facility within the past 24 months.

Work in these settings does not qualify:

• Private duty or sitter services
• Companion care
• Private physician offices

Acceptable proof includes:

• Pay stub or payroll record showing your name, facility, date, and hours
• A notarized employment verification form from the facility including your name, SSN, date worked, and verifier details

If you do not meet this requirement, you must apply for reinstatement.

Step 2: Sign In to the TMU Portal

Log in at the TMU portal using your registered email and password.

• Click "Forgot Your Password?" if you need to reset
• Call (888) 401-0465 if you cannot access your account

Step 3: Report Employment

In the Employment section of TMU, enter:

• Your employer’s name
• Date of qualifying work (at least 8 hours)

TMU will send a request to your employer. Once verified, your certification is renewed for another 24 months.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Tennessee

If your certification has expired, you may reinstate by verifying eligible employment for each year since expiration or by completing retraining and retesting.

Step 1: Check Your Status

Visit the TMU portal to confirm your status. Reinstatement is not available if your status is Active.

Step 2: Determine Eligibility

You may reinstate without retraining if you verify 8 hours of qualifying work in a licensed or certified facility for each year since expiration.

Eligible settings include:

• Nursing homes
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Licensed long-term care facilities

Ineligible settings:

• Private duty or companion care
• Physician offices
• Unlicensed home care

Step 3: Submit Employment Verification

Submit for each year since expiration:

• Pay stub or payroll document showing name, facility, dates, and hours
• Or a notarized employment verification form with your name, SSN, date, and verifier details

Upload all documents in TMU. Once approved, your status will update to Active.

Step 4: Retrain and Retest if Ineligible

If you cannot verify employment for every year, you must:

1. Complete a state-approved CNA program
2. Pass the Knowledge and Skills exams through Headmaster (TMU)

Step 5: Confirm Certification

Once documents are approved or exams passed, check the TMU portal to confirm your status is Active. You may not resume work until updated.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Tennessee

If you are certified in another state, you may apply for reciprocity. Tennessee accepts CNA certifications from all states except Florida.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• You hold an active CNA license in good standing
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• You completed at least 75 hours of training and passed both exams

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the TMU Reciprocity Application. Enter your information and list all states where you are or were certified.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Valid, signed U.S. government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card

Documents must be legible and in accepted formats (PDF, JPEG).

Step 4: Pay the Reciprocity Fee

Submit the $25 non-refundable fee through the TMU portal.

Step 5: Submit and Monitor Application

After submission, D&SDT-Headmaster will verify your status. Processing may take up to 1 week. Notifications will be sent to your registered email.

Step 6: Confirm Tennessee Certification

Once approved, your status will appear as Active in the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.

Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry

The Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by D&SDT-Headmaster under contract with the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (HFC), is the official database of certified nurse aides authorized to work in Tennessee. The registry records certification status, training history, renewal eligibility, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers use it to verify eligibility, while nurse aides use it to confirm status, process renewals, and request reciprocity. All transactions are completed through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal.

Contact Information

Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (HFC)

• Address: 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
• Phone: (615) 532-5171
• Fax: (615) 248-3601
• Email: nurseaid.health@tn.gov
• Website: Tennessee HFC – Nurse Aide Information
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT

D&SDT-Headmaster (Registry Provider)

• Mailing Address: PO Box 418, Findlay, OH 45839
• Phone: (877) 201-0758
• Registry Support: (888) 401-0465
• Fax: (406) 442-3357
• Email: tennessee@hdmaster.com
• Website: Headmaster – Tennessee CNA
• Registry Search: Tennessee CNA Registry Search
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CT

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a CNA in Tennessee quickly?

Complete an approved NATCEP, pass the competency exam, be listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, and begin applying for jobs.

Who is eligible to challenge the CNA exam without completing a training program?

Nursing students, military-trained medics, foreign-trained nurses, and others with equivalent healthcare training may challenge the exam if training was completed within the past two years.

What topics are covered in Tennessee CNA training programs?

Programs include infection control, communication, personal care, resident rights, safety, mental health, and basic nursing skills.

What is the required attire for the Tennessee CNA exam?

Wear full scrubs and closed-toe clinical shoes. Hair must be tied back, and nails must be clean and no longer than ¼ inch.

What identification is required for the Tennessee CNA exam?

Arrive 20–30 minutes early with one original, unexpired, signed U.S. government-issued photo ID and your original Social Security card.

How do I request ADA accommodations for the Tennessee CNA exam?

Submit the ADA Accommodation Request Application through the TMU portal before testing. Include documentation of the diagnosed disability.

How do I update my name on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry?

Submit the Demographic Change/Correction Request Form through the TMU portal and upload legal documents such as a marriage certificate or court order. Changes must be verified before approval.

Does Tennessee issue physical CNA certificates or wallet cards?

No. Tennessee maintains certification records electronically. You may verify status and print exam results through the TMU portal.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish an HFC-approved NATCEP with at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical instruction.
• Pass both exam components: Take the knowledge and skills exams through D&SDT-Headmaster within two years of completing training.
• Appear on the state registry: After passing both exams, your active certification is added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.
• Renew every two years: Provide proof of at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in a licensed or certified facility within the renewal cycle through the TMU® portal.
• Reinstate if expired: Submit proof of 8 hours of qualifying CNA work for each year since expiration, or retrain and retest in an approved program.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Apply through the TMU® portal with proof of active out-of-state certification (except Florida), a valid government-issued photo ID, and a Social Security card.