Nurse Aide Registry Directory
Every state's nurse aide registry in one directory. Find the agency that maintains each registry, its official lookup, and how to contact each one.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) requires every state to maintain a Nurse Aide Registry of individuals eligible to work in approved healthcare facilities as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Each registry records CNAs who have completed a state-approved training program and passed the competency evaluation. This directory provides official contact details and verification links for all state registries.
What Is a Nurse Aide Registry?
A Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by a state nursing board, health department, or approved testing vendor, is a database of CNAs who meet federal and state requirements to work in healthcare settings. It verifies certification status, tracks renewals, and records substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Each state defines its own standards for renewal, work hours, reciprocity, and reinstatement.
Roles and Functions
Key responsibilities of a Nurse Aide Registry include:
- Employment Eligibility – Identifies CNAs authorized to work in the state.
- Certification Records – Tracks certification status, renewals, and expiration dates.
- Disciplinary Actions – Records substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
- Verification Tools – Offers certification lookup for employers and the public.
- Reinstatement – Restores certification for qualified CNAs.
- Reciprocity Applications – Handles certification transfers from other states.
Nurse Aide Registry by State
Select your state below for registry contact details and verification links.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get listed on my state’s registry?
Complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and pass both the written (or oral) and skills examinations.
How do I verify my CNA certification?
Use your state’s online verification portal or contact the registry directly.
What happens if my certification expires?
Most states require at least 8 hours of paid CNA work within the past 24 months. If you do not meet this requirement, you may need to retest or retrain.
How can I transfer my CNA certification to another state?
Apply for reciprocity with the receiving state’s registry. You must hold an active certification and be in good standing.
What information is included in the registry?
Certification status, expiration date, original certification date, training verification, and disciplinary findings.
What types of CNA certification status are listed?
- Active – Certification is valid and eligible for work.
- Inactive/Expired – Certification has lapsed; not valid until reinstated.
- Suspended/Revoked – Certification removed due to disciplinary action.
- Pending – Application or reciprocity request under review.
Are employers required to verify CNA certification status?
Yes. Federal law requires employers to verify a CNA’s certification status in the Nurse Aide Registry before hire to confirm eligibility.
Conclusion
State nurse aide registries verify CNA eligibility, track renewals, and document disciplinary actions. Use this directory to find official registry contacts, confirm certification, and access guidance on renewal, reinstatement, and reciprocity.
