How to Transfer Your CNA License to Another State

If you are moving to a new state and want to continue working as a licensed CNA, you will need to determine how to get licensure in the new state. Some states allow you to transfer your CNA license from your previous residence to your new one, or allow you to apply for a new CNA license with fewer requirements due to reciprocity. In this article, we're going to describe the various process of getting CNA licensure in a new state through transfer or reciprocity.

Transferring Your CNA License to Another State

In order to determine whether your CNA license is transferrable from one state to another, you can start with a search on Google for the following query.

transfer cna license from state to state site:.gov

Fill in your current state first and then the state you are moving to. The site:.gov portion of the query will bring results from only government websites such as the state's nursing board or CNA licensing authority. If that search does not bring up relevant results, you can remove the site:.gov portion to get information from additional websites.

Typically, if the state you are moving to accepts a CNA license transfer from the state you are moving from, you will only need to do the following.

• Complete an application for a new CNA license for the state you are moving to.
• Submit an official copy of your CNA license from your current state that is active and in good standing.
• Provide proof of continuous employment as a CNA from your employer in your current state.
• Submit a form for a criminal background check.

Many states that accept transfers will allow you to begin working immediately while the state's nursing board or CNA certification authority reviews your license transfer. In order to be eligible to work immediately, you must have an active CNA license in your current state, you must be currently employed as a CNA and have been for the past 24 months, and you must have submitted your application for the transfer.

Obtaining a New CNA License Through Reciprocity

The transfer of a CNA license from one state to another may also be referred to as reciprocity. The requirements for obtaining a CNA license in another state based on reciprocity are similar to the requirements for transfer. You will need to submit an application, a copy of your current CNA license, and proof of continuous employment as a CNA.

Obtaining a New CNA License

If the state you are moving to does not allow you to transfer your CNA license or apply for a new license based on reciprocity, you will need to apply for a new CNA license. This process will include taking CNA training from your accredited programs in your new state, submitting your application and fingerprint for a background check, and passing the CNA certification exam in your new state.

If the CNA training you completed in your current state was within the last two years, you might want to contact the state's nursing board or CNA licensing authority to see if you need to complete new training. It will mostly depend on how closely the curriculums match between your previous state's CNA program and the state to which you are moving.