LNA License in Vermont

How to Get an LNA License in Vermont

The licensing process is administered by the Vermont Board of Nursing. Follow these steps to earn your license:

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

You must complete a Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), or an equivalent program in another U.S. jurisdiction. Training must be completed within two years of applying.

Students enrolled in a Vermont LPN or RN program may qualify if they complete equivalent coursework and at least 30 hours of supervised clinical experience with adult clients. The school must submit the Nursing Student Verification Form directly to the Board.

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

Apply through the OPR Online Services Portal. First-time applicants must:

• Submit the Licensed Nursing Assistant by Examination application
• Pay the non-refundable application fee
• Upload a notarized Criminal Background Check Release Form
• Ensure the training program submits education verification directly to OPR

Once approved, OPR will email an Authorization to Test (ATT).

Step 3: Complete the Criminal Background Check

After receiving your release form, OPR will email a Fingerprint Authorization Certificate (FAC). Follow these steps:

• Schedule an appointment at a Vermont Identification Center or local law enforcement agency
• Bring your FAC to the appointment
• Ensure the fingerprint card and signed FAC are sealed and mailed to:
  Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC)
  45 State Drive
  Waterbury, VT 05671

Processing may take 4–6 weeks. Your license will not be issued until OPR receives the results.

Step 4: Register for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation

Once you receive your ATT, register with Excel Testing for the Vermont Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes:

• Written Exam: 60 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, passing score 70%
• Skills Exam: Four randomly assigned nurse aide tasks, including mandatory hand hygiene, completed within 30 minutes

Both exams are usually given the same day. Verbal results are provided on-site, with official scores posted in your Excel Testing account within three business days.

Step 5: Receive Your LNA License

After passing both exams and clearing your background check, your license will be issued. Confirm your status using the Vermont License Lookup Tool.

State-Approved LNA Programs in Vermont

The following LNA programs are approved by OPR. When choosing a program, consider tuition, schedule, clinical placements, and job support.

1. Center for Technology Essex

   2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452
   (802) 879-5558

2. Central Vermont Career Center

   155 Ayers St #2, Barre, VT 05641
   (802) 476-6237

3. Green Mountain Technology & Career Center

   738 VT-15, Hyde Park, VT 05655
   (802) 888-4447

4. Hartford Area Career & Technology Center

   1 Gifford Rd, White River Junction, VT 05001
   (802) 295-8630

5. North Country Career Center

   209 Veterans Ave, Newport, VT 05855
   (802) 334-5469

6. Northwest Career & Technical Center

   71 S Main St, St Albans City, VT 05478
   (802) 527-0614

7. Patricia Hannaford Career Center

   51 Charles Ave, Middlebury, VT 05753
   (802) 382-1012

8. Randolph Technical Career Center

   17 Forest St, Randolph, VT 05060
   (802) 728-9595

9. River Valley Technical Center

   307 South St, Springfield, VT 05156
   (802) 885-8300

10. Southwest Tech

    321 Park St, Bennington, VT 05201
    (802) 447-0220

11. Stafford Technical Center

    22 Stratton Rd, Rutland, VT 05701
    (802) 770-1033

12. University of Vermont Medical Center

    111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401
    (802) 847-0000

How to Verify an LNA License in Vermont

To verify your LNA license, use the OPR License Lookup Tool.

Step 1: Access the License Lookup Tool

Visit the Vermont OPR License Lookup page.

Step 2: Select a Search Method

• License number
• First and last name

Step 3: Submit Your Search

Click Display Results to view records.

Step 4: Review License Information

• License number
• Profession type
• Status (must show Active for eligibility)
• Full name
• Issue and expiration dates

Step 5: View Additional Details

Select Details for:

• Full name and address
• License type, number, status, issue/effective/expiration dates
• Case history (if applicable)

How to Renew an LNA License in Vermont

LNA licenses must be renewed every two years through OPR. Renewal requires eligibility confirmation, a background check, application submission, and fee payment.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You must have completed at least 400 hours (50 days) of paid LNA work in the past two years. If not, you must complete training and retake both exams.

Step 2: Complete the Background Check

Download, notarize, and upload the Background Check Release Form to your OPR account. Within 3–5 days, OPR will send your FAC by email.

Schedule fingerprinting and submit the fingerprint card and FAC to VCIC. Processing usually takes 4–6 weeks.

Step 3: Submit the Renewal Application

Log in to the OPR Licensing System to complete the application. Confirm your practice hours and upload documentation if required.

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

Pay the $65 fee online. Processing may take up to five business days. Track the status through your OPR account.

Step 5: Verify Your License

After approval, confirm your status using the License Lookup Tool.

How to Reinstate an LNA License in Vermont

If your license has expired and you did not complete at least 400 hours of LNA work in the past two years, you must complete retraining, retesting, and a background check.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Training Program

Enroll in a state-approved program. Training must be completed within two years of application. Nursing students may qualify if their school submits the Nursing Student Verification Form.

Step 2: Submit a New Application

Apply through the OPR Licensing System. Once approved, OPR will email your ATT.

Step 3: Register for the Exam

Visit the Excel Testing Reinstatement page and register for both components:

• Written Exam: 60 questions, 90 minutes
• Skills Exam: Four tasks, 30 minutes

If you fail one part, you may retake only that section.

Step 4: Complete the Background Check

1. Download and notarize the Release Form
2. Upload it to your OPR account
3. Wait for your FAC from OPR (3–5 business days)
4. Schedule fingerprinting at a VCIC site
5. Submit sealed fingerprint card and FAC to VCIC

Step 5: Verify License Reinstatement

After completing all steps, confirm reinstatement through the License Lookup Tool.

How to Transfer an LNA License to Vermont

If you hold an active certification in another state, you may apply for Vermont licensure by endorsement. You must meet all eligibility, documentation, and background check requirements.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Hold an active license or certification in good standing from another U.S. jurisdiction
• Have no disqualifying findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• Provide proof of at least 50 days (400 hours) of paid LNA employment in the past two years

Step 2: Access the OPR Licensing Portal

Log in or create an account in the OPR Licensing System.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Select the LNA application, choose endorsement, upload documents, and pay the fee.

Step 4: Submit License Verifications

Request verification from your original and most recent states. If your state does not use NURSYS, submit the Verification of Licensure Form. These must be sent directly to OPR.

Step 5: Report Work Experience

Document at least 400 hours of paid LNA work within the past two years, including employer details and job duties.

Step 6: Complete the Background Check

1. Notarize and upload the Release Form
2. Receive your FAC from OPR
3. Schedule fingerprinting and bring your FAC
4. Submit sealed fingerprint card and FAC to VCIC

Step 7: Track Your Application

Log in to your OPR account to check application status. Once approved, your Vermont license will be issued.

Vermont Nurse Aide Registry

The Vermont Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by OPR, is the official record of LNAs authorized to practice in the state. It lists licensure status, examination history, training records, and disciplinary actions. Employers use it to verify eligibility, while LNAs use it to manage renewals, reinstatements, verifications, and personal updates.

Contact Information

• Agency: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)
• Address: 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
• Phone: (802) 828-1503
• Email: SOS.OPRLicensing1@vermont.gov
• Registry Search: Vermont Nurse Aide Registry Search
• Website: Vermont Board of Nursing – LNA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you challenge the exam without training?

No. You must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program before testing in Vermont.

What is the passing score for the written exam?

According to the Nurse Aide Competency Test Guide, you must score at least 70%.

What if you fail one part of the exam?

You may retake only the section you did not pass. Both parts must be passed within 24 months of training.

Are ADA testing accommodations available?

Yes. Submit valid documentation during exam registration to request accommodations under the ADA.

Can you work while waiting for your license?

No. You may not practice until your license status is listed as Active in the OPR system.

Does Vermont issue paper licenses?

No. Vermont does not issue printed licenses or cards. Employers must verify electronically using the OPR system.

How do you update your name or address?

Log in to your OPR account to update contact information. For name changes, upload legal documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a Vermont-approved program or qualify as a nursing student applicant.
• Submit fingerprint clearance: Complete a fingerprint-supported background check through VCIC.
• Pass both exam components: Take the written/oral test and skills exam administered by Excel Testing.
• Appear on the state registry: Once licensed, your status is recorded on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry maintained by OPR.
• Renew every two years: File the online renewal application, pay the fee, complete a new background check, and verify at least 400 hours of LNA work in the past two years.
• Reinstate if expired: If you do not meet the practice requirement, repeat a program and pass both exams before reinstatement.
• Transfer by endorsement: Submit the endorsement application through OPR with license verifications, proof of active status, and work documentation.