CNA License Verification by State
Verify a CNA certification in any state, for hiring or your own records. Find each state's registry lookup, what the results show, and how to search by name or number.
Each U.S. state maintains a Nurse Aide Registry that tracks Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification status, expiration dates, employment eligibility, and disciplinary actions. These registries are operated by the state’s department of health, board of nursing, or an authorized vendor such as Prometric, Credentia, or D&SDT-Headmaster.
This guide explains how CNA license verification works and provides access to official verification portals for all 50 states.
How to Verify Your CNA License: Step-by-Step
To verify your CNA license, follow the standard procedure outlined below.
- Visit Your State’s Verification Portal – Go to the official nurse aide registry or license verification website for your state.
- Select the Appropriate License Type – Choose Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), or State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA), depending on your state’s designation.
- Enter Identification Information – Provide the required details, such as your full legal name, certification number, or Social Security Number (last four digits).
- Complete Security Verification – Some portals may require CAPTCHA or additional verification steps to proceed.
- Review Your Certification Record – Submit the form to view your current status, expiration date, and any public disciplinary actions.
- Use the exact name listed on your certificate or registry record.
- Enter your certificate number, if available, to improve search accuracy.
- Only use your state’s official verification portal. Avoid third-party or unofficial websites.
CNA License Verification by State
Select your state below to verify your CNA license status and employment eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my CNA license is active?
Search your state’s Nurse Aide Registry using your name or certificate number. Most states provide free online verification tools. A status of “active” confirms that you are eligible to work.
Can I verify a CNA license by phone or email?
Yes. While most states offer online verification, many also provide phone or email options. Contact your state’s Nurse Aide Registry for details.
What are the most common CNA license statuses?
The most common statuses include:
- Active — Certification is valid, and you are eligible to work.
- Expired — Certification has lapsed and must be renewed.
- Suspended — You are temporarily ineligible due to disciplinary action.
- Revoked — Certification has been permanently removed due to substantiated findings.
What should I do if my CNA license has expired?
Stop working immediately and contact your state’s Nurse Aide Registry. You may be eligible to renew or may be required to complete retraining and retesting, depending on the length of expiration and your state’s policies.
How do I update my name or contact information?
Log in to your state’s registry portal to update your information. Legal name changes generally require supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Why should I keep my registry information up to date?
Outdated information can lead to missed renewal notices, delays in employment verification, or ineligibility to work. Employers rely on the registry to confirm your certification status.
Next Steps
To stay eligible for CNA employment, ensure your certification remains active and your registry information is accurate. Employers are required to verify your status through the state Nurse Aide Registry before hiring.
Use your state’s official portal to check your certification, update your records, and renew on time. If you need assistance, contact your state’s Nurse Aide Registry.
