Nursing Assistant Questions and Answers

In 2006 I got my Illinois CNA certification, yet I have yet to be employed as a nursing assistant. How long does my certification last?
Unlike other states, the state of Illinois does not issue actual CNA certificates to those who complete nurse aide training programs. Once you complete the training and pass the competency evaluation, the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry lists you as having active status as a certified nursing assistant. To keep the active status and your credentials, you must work for pay as a nursing assistant. If you have not worked in the field for more than two years, then you lose your certified nurse aide status. In your particular situation there have been almost three years since you passed the competency evaluation and have not worked for pay as a certified nurse aide and therefore your CNA certification is not currently valid. The only way to re-certify is to re-challenge and pass the Illinois state exam. Good luck!

I was told by my CNA instructor that certification reciprocity for Tennessee should automatically cover for Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas. Is this true or do I have to fill out the form and re-register in the appropriate state?
An updated version of this answer is available.
As far as I know, there is no automatic transfer of your CNA certification to or out of the state of Tennessee. The Verification of Out-Of-State Nurse Aide Registration application must be completed by every individual requesting transfer of their CNA certification to Tennessee. The application has two parts. Part one must be completed by you, while part two must be completed by the nurse aide registry in your current state. Certified nursing assistants from California, Colorado, Illinois, and Missouri are required to complete part one but do not have to send their applications to their state's registries for completion of part two. Therefore if you are active on the nurse aide registry of California, Colorado, Illinois, or Missouri, complete part one of the application, include a copy of your social security and photo identification card, and return the application to the Tennessee CNA registry for processing. If you are a CNA in any other state and wish to transfer your certification to Tennessee, then both parts of the application must be completed prior to sending the documents for processing. Tennessee accepts reciprocity from all States except Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and North Carolina. If you live in Alabama, Georgia or Illinois you must provide verification of your status and apply to challenge the test. Certified nursing assistants from Florida or North Carolina must retrain and take the test in Tennessee in order to become certified as a CNA in this State. You may call the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry to verify the above information.

Read Answers to Related Questions

I completed my CNA training in Chicago, Illinois and would like to get registered as a nursing assistant in Kentucky. How can I get this accomplished?

I am applying for a nursing assistant job in Illinois and they are asking me for my CNA license number. How do I find out my CNA license number for the state of Illinois?

I haven't worked as a CNA for over a year now, I was wondering if my CNA certification is still valid. How can I verify my CNA status? Also can I just volunteer to keep my CNA valid, instead of working for pay?

Is it possible to have a valid CNA certification in two states at the same time?

I am interested in registering for the CNA course but I would like to know who at your college teaches CNA classes and if you are you accredited by the state?

I want to start taking CNA classes as soon as possible but I do not have my GED. Will I still be able to become a CNA?

I am a bachelor of science in nursing degree holder from the Philippines and I want to take the CNA test before challenging the NCLEX exam to be an RN. Where can I find the requirements for the CNA exam?

Are accelerated CNA courses as good as traditional training classes?

Where can I get a copy of my CNA certification?

Can a person with a misdemeanor become a CNA?

How do I check to see if my CNA license is expired or inactive?

What are the training requirements for certified nursing assistants planning to work in assisted living facilities?

Will a flag on the CNA Registry prevent me from attending nursing school?

My certification expires at the end of this month but I worked as an CNA last year in September. How do I keep my certification active?

I had just received my CNA license about two months ago and was wondering if I could get another one. I had lost it and am unable to find it. I haven't even registered yet.

Is it true that the CNA test is given using a computer?

How do I find schools in my area that offer CNA classes?

How can I get the nursing assistant training videos so that I can use them to teach classes at a small nurse agency?

How long do I have to wait after taking the certified nursing assistant state exam to get the results?

I would like to know if I can recertify my CNA license. I would like to know the costs in doing this. I am interested in recertifying, so I can begin working as a CNA again.

I am curious to when and where I can take the CNA exam?

I am 52 years old female. Am I too old to be accepted for nursing assistant training? Can I take the CNA test?

I worked as a CNA from 1999 to 2008 and I am wondering if I would be able to challenge the exam or if I would have to take the class over again?

How can I get free CNA training videos and CNA practice exams?

My nursing assistant certification expired. Do I have to retake the CNA course all over again or do I just take the CNA exam?

How do I check the status of my nursing assistant certification?

When do CNA licenses expire and how do I keep my nursing assistant certification active?

Can I be registered as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in more than one state at the same time?

I lost my nursing assistant license and I am wondering if it possible to get my CNA license number online?

My CNA license is about to expire. How do I renew it?

Is it possible to renew my nursing assistant license online and how?

Is it typical to use a staffing agency to get job placement after becoming a CNA?

Can I join a CNA training course as a J-2 visa holder? Am I allowed to work as a certified nursing assistant after I finish the training and pass the certification exam?

Could you give some examples of questions I might be asked at a CNA job interview?

Is there an example of the CNA test online I can take?

My girlfriend is already a caregiver who has worked at a facility for over two years, is it possible for her to take the test instead of enrolling in a CNA class or must she enroll beforehand?

What are the requirements for online CNA classes?

Why is it so hard to find a job as a CNA?

How can nursing assistants become registered or practical nurses?

Can a foreign certified nursing assistant challenge the CNA exam without additional training?

CNA Resources

What is a Nursing Assistant?

A CNA is an entry level, certified healthcare worker. To obtain CNA certification, a nursing assistant trainee must complete a series of courses which teach the student basic skills needed to assist with patient care. A nurse aide is knowledgeable about client safety and transportation, assisting with activities of daily living, communicating with clients and nursing staff, performing basic procedures such as taking vital signs and weighing, and recording intake and output. A certified nursing assistant spends the majority of their working time at the patient's bedside, providing comfort, hygiene, and support.


State approved CNA training programs teach nurse aide trainees how to become competent care givers. The theoretical section of a nursing assistant program is augmented by the clinical portion, by reinforcing and practicing the knowledge gained in the classroom. The length of a nurse aide course depends on the facility providing the training. Some programs may require as little as three weeks to complete, while others may take two to three months. Fast paced courses are not for everyone, and students have the option to enroll in lengthier programs such as those offered by community colleges. A nurse aide trainee who completes the training is eligible to take the CNA exam. Passing this important examination results in certification and listing on the state nurse aide registry.


Employment opportunities for certified nursing assistants are numerous. The skills of a CNA are needed especially in hospitals, long term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Other nursing assistant job opportunities exist in the community, such as Home Health Aide. Hospitals may offer educational opportunities and financial incentives to nursing assistants who wish to continue their education and become licensed vocational nurses, or registered nurses.

CNA Training Programs

Nurse Aide Registries