CNA License in Texas

How to Get a CNA License in Texas

The CNA certification process in Texas is regulated by HHSC and administered by Prometric. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Nurse Aide Training Program

You must complete one of the following training options approved by HHSC:

• Option 1: 100 total hours in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), including:
  • 60 hours of classroom instruction
  • 40 hours of clinical training
• Option 2: 60 hours of HHSC computer-based training (CBT) and 40 hours of clinical training in an approved NATCEP

Training must be completed before applying for the exam.

Step 2: Submit Your CNA Application in the TULIP System

Create an account in the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP). Select New Nurse Aide by Examination as your eligibility route, enter the required information, and upload supporting documents.

HHSC will review your application. If incomplete, it will be placed in Response Required status until corrected.

Step 3: Receive Approval to Test

Your NATCEP Program Director must verify eligibility and approve you for testing. Approval requires:

• Completion of approved training
• Clear background check under Texas Health and Safety Code §250.006
• No listing on the Employee Misconduct Registry

Once approved, you will receive an email from SMT Notice with a link to schedule your exam.

Step 4: Schedule and Pay for the CNA Exam

Use the link in the approval email to access the Texas Nurse Aide Portal. Choose your test site and date, then submit payment.

Step 5: Take and Pass the CNA Exam

You must pass both components of the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation:

• Knowledge Exam: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Skills Exam: Demonstration of five assigned tasks

Prometric will send your results electronically to HHSC via TULIP.

Step 6: Get Listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry

Once HHSC receives your passing scores, your status will be changed to Certification Issued. You will receive a confirmation email, and your certificate can be downloaded from TULIP.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Texas

The following nurse aide training programs are approved by HHSC. When comparing programs, consider tuition, schedule, clinical site availability, and job placement support to choose the best option.

1. Alamo Colleges

   201 W Sheridan St, San Antonio, TX 78204
   (210) 485-0000

2. Amarillo College

   2201 S Washington St, Amarillo, TX 79109
   (806) 371-5000

3. Austin Community College

   5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752
   (512) 826-7514

4. Collin College

   2200 W University Dr, McKinney, TX 75071
   (972) 548-6790

5. Dallas College

   1601 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75215
   (214) 378-1500

6. Del Mar College

   101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78404
   (361) 698-1200

7. El Paso Community College

   100 W Rio Grande Ave, El Paso, TX 79902
   (915) 831-3722

8. Houston City College

   5601 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77081
   (713) 718-7868

9. Lone Star College

   2700 W W Thorne Dr, Houston, TX 77073
   (281) 618-5400

10. Odessa College

    201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79764
    (432) 335-6400

11. South Texas College

    3201 Pecan Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501
    (800) 742-7822

12. Tarrant County College

    1500 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
    (817) 515-8223

How to Verify a CNA License in Texas

Use the TULIP portal to confirm your CNA certification status, license number, issue and expiration dates, and work eligibility.

Step 1: Access the Registry

Visit the TULIP Public Search.

Step 2: Select Program

In the Select one Program dropdown menu, choose Nurse Aide.

Step 3: Enter Search Information

Search by any of the following:

• First and last name
• Certification number
• Last four digits of Social Security number

Step 4: Submit and Review

Click Search to view your record. Your results will display:

• Last Name
• First Name
• NA Certification Status (must be Active)
• NA Certification Number
• Certificate Issue Date
• Initial Certificate Issue Date
• Certificate Expiration Date

How to Renew a CNA License in Texas

CNAs in Texas must renew their license every two years to remain active. Follow these steps to renew through the TULIP portal.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You are eligible to renew if you:

• Worked in a nursing or nursing-related role within the last two years
• Completed 24 hours of in-service education in the past 24 months, including geriatrics and dementia care

Step 2: Complete Form 5506-NAR

Download and complete Form 5506-NAR to verify employment and acknowledge:

• No disqualifying criminal history
• No entry in the Employee Misconduct Registry
• Completion of in-service training

Step 3: Submit the Renewal Application

Log in to TULIP, select Certified Nurse Aide Renewal Application, and upload your completed Form 5506-NAR.

Step 4: Respond to Deficiencies

If your application is marked as Response Required, log in and upload the requested corrections.

Step 5: Print Your Updated Certificate

Once approved, HHSC will update your status, and you will receive an email confirmation. Download and print your updated certificate in TULIP.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Texas

If your certification has expired and you do not have qualifying work history, you must retest to reinstate. Follow these steps to regain active status.

Step 1: Submit a Request to Retest Application

Log in to TULIP and complete the Request to Retest for Nurse Aides in Expired Status application. Upload:

• Government-issued photo ID
• DPS background check results from the Texas Department of Public Safety

Step 2: Await Eligibility Review

HHSC will review your application and background. If approved, you will receive an SMT Notice email with a link to register for testing.

Step 3: Schedule and Pay for Exams

Schedule exams through Prometric and pay using a credit card or voucher.

• Written Exam: $31
• Oral Exam: $41
• Skills Exam: $89

Written/Oral exams may be taken remotely or at testing sites. Skills exams are in-person only.

Step 4: Pass Both Exams

• Written Exam: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Skills Exam: 5 tasks including Handwashing and Indirect Care

You have 24 months and three attempts per test. If you do not pass, retraining is required.

Step 5: Confirm Reinstatement

If you pass, Prometric sends results to HHSC. If approved, your registry status will be updated to Active, and your certificate will be available in TULIP.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Texas

If you hold an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, you may request Texas certification through reciprocity without retraining or testing.

Step 1: Complete a Criminal History Check

Conduct a background check through the DPS Crime Records Division for all last names used and upload the results to TULIP.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Copy of your out-of-state CNA certificate
• DPS criminal history results
• Photo ID and Social Security card
• Form 5506-NAR (if your certificate has no expiration date)

Step 3: Submit the Reciprocity Application

Log in to TULIP. Complete the Request for Entry on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry through Reciprocity application and upload all documents.

Step 4: Wait for Review

HHSC will review your application. If corrections are needed, it will be marked Response Required until updated.

Step 5: Receive Certification

If approved, your application status will change to Approved. You will receive an email confirmation from TULIP.

Step 6: Print Your Certificate

Log in to TULIP to download and print your certificate. Your status will appear as Active in the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.

Texas Nurse Aide Registry

The Texas Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by HHSC, is the official database of certified nurse aides authorized to work in Texas nursing facilities. The registry records certification status, exam results, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. Employers must use the registry to verify employment eligibility, while nurse aides may use it to confirm active status, renew certification, and update personal information. All applications and renewals are processed through the TULIP portal.

Contact Information

• Agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
• Division: Regulatory Services Division – Licensing and Credentialing Section
• Mailing Address: PO Box 149030, Austin, TX 78714-9030
• Phone: (512) 438-2050
• Fax: (512) 438-2051
• Email: nurseaideregistry@hhsc.state.tx.us
• Registry Search: Texas Nurse Aide Registry Search
• Portal Login: TULIP Online Licensure System

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my CNA status mean on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry?

The registry assigns one of the following certification statuses:

• Active — Eligible to work in a licensed nursing facility.
• Expired — Not eligible to work until you verify qualifying employment or complete retraining and retesting.
• Prospective — Certification is in progress; your application is under review.
• Suspended — Not eligible to work due to a listing in the Employee Misconduct Registry.
• Revoked — Permanently ineligible to work due to a confirmed finding of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property.

Can I work while waiting for my CNA certification in Texas?

No. You may not begin work as a CNA until your status appears as “Active” in the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.

What should I bring to the CNA exam in Texas?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. You must bring:

• Your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from Prometric
• A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with signature (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or Texas ID card)
• A secondary ID showing the same name as your primary ID (e.g., school ID, facility badge, or library card)

All IDs must be original, current, and undamaged. Photocopies or expired documents are not accepted. You will not be allowed to test without the required documents.

Does Texas issue physical CNA certificates?

No. Texas does not mail printed certificates. You must log into your TULIP account to download and print your certificate once issued.

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

Log into your TULIP account, select NA as the license type, and complete the Name Change application. Upload a government-issued photo ID and legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. Once approved, HHSC will update your record.

How do I update my address or phone number on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry?

To update contact information, log into your TULIP account and select the Personal Information tab. Update your address and phone number as needed. CNAs must notify HHSC of any changes promptly to maintain accurate records.

Which Texas agencies handle CNA certification and enforcement?

The Credentialing Branch oversees certification, including approval of training programs and exam administration. The Credentialing and Registry Enforcement unit manages disciplinary actions, including investigations and findings of misconduct.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Enroll in an approved NATCEP with 100 hours of classroom and clinical instruction or complete 60 hours of CBT with 40 clinical hours.
• Apply through TULIP: Submit a New Nurse Aide by Examination Application in TULIP. Your program director must approve your training before you can test.
• Pass both exam components: Take the written or oral knowledge test and the skills exam through Prometric within 24 months of training. You are allowed three attempts per exam before retraining is required.
• Appear on the state registry: After passing both exams, your certification is issued and your active status is added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
• Renew every two years: Complete at least 24 hours of in-service education and submit Form 5506-NAR with verification of paid nurse aide work through TULIP.
• Reinstate if expired: If your certification has lapsed, submit a Request to Retest in TULIP and pass both exams again. Retraining is required only if you fail three attempts.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Apply in TULIP with your out-of-state certificate, DPS criminal history check, identification, and Form 5506-NAR if applicable.