Nursing Assistant Questions and Answers

I would like to know if you can just take the Tennessee state board test after letting your CNA certification lapse to get your certification back. Who do I contact?
I believe that you might be able to challenge the nurse aide exam and become re-certified if your certification has been expired for less than two years. If your Tennessee CNA certification has expired for more than two years, or you have not worked as a nursing assistant in the last twenty-four months, you must complete a new CNA program and pass the competency evaluation exam in order to become re-certified. You should contact the Tennessee nurse aide registry to verify this information and to get answers to other questions you may have.

I have a chance to train in Nashville, TN for free to become a CNA. I live in Alabama. Can I transfer my certificate back to Alabama? I was told no transfers from Nashville.
I believe that there is a way to become listed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry if you have certification as a CNA in another state. You must obtain a CNA job at a nursing home in Alabama. Once you are hired as a nursing assistant in a nursing home, your CNA certification will transfer to the state of Alabama. The place of employment must be a nursing home, and not a home health care agency, hospital, or clinic. Unless you follow this process, your CNA certification will not transfer to Alabama. You should contact the Alabama CNA Registry to verify this information.

Read Answers to Related Questions

How does one renew their CNA license in the state of Tennessee?

I need to find out if I am still a registered CNA in Tennessee, if not, how do I go about in renewing my license?

Will a W2 tax form work for proof of employment in Tennessee?

I am interested in registering for the CNA program at your facility. I would like to know, who at your college teaches CNA programs and are you accredited for the nursing including the CNA program?

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

I am a graduate of a nursing program from the Philippines. I am a bachelor of science in nursing degree holder and I live in California. Can I take the CNA test before challenging the NCLEX exam to be an RN?

What is your advice regarding accelerated nursing assistant programs? Is an accelerated CNA course as good as a traditional one?

How do I get a copy of my CNA license?

Can you have a misdemeanor and still become a CNA?

How do I find out if my CNA certification expired?

Are there any additional training requirements for nursing assistants working in assisted living facilities, such as CPR, First Aid, etc?

Will a flag on the CNA Registry prevent me from becoming a practical nurse?

What do I need to do to keep my CNA certification current?

How can I get a new CNA license if I lost or misplaced the original?

I want to take the CNA exam. I have heard that the exam will be using a computer. Is it true?

How do I find a school in my area that offers a CNA program?

I would like to get the CNA training videos, because I teach classes at a small nurse agency, and I would like the care provided to be the best for the client. How can I do this?

How long does it take after taking the nursing assistant state exam to get the results from your test?

How can I recertify my CNA license?

When and where I can take the CNA exam?

Am I too old to become a CNA?

I worked as a CNA from 1999 to 2008. Since then I have not worked as a CNA and was 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 the free CNA training videos and CNA practice exams? Can you mail them to me?

Do I have to take the CNA course again if my certification expired?

How do I check the status of my CNA certification?

When does my CNA license expire?

Can I be registered as a CNA in more than one state?

Can I get my CNA license number online?

How do I renew my nurse aide certificate?

Can I renew my CNA certification online?

Is it typical to use a recruiting service or agency to get job placement after becoming a certified nursing assistant?

Can I join a CNA training course as a J-2 visa holder?

Could you give some examples of questions I might be asked at a CNA job interview? I just got my CNA license, and I am going to be looking for a job.

Where can I find free online practice tests for the nursing assistant exam?

Is it possible to take the CNA test without enrolling in a training class?

Can I enroll in an online CNA class if I don't have a high school diploma or GED?

Why is it so hard to get hired as a CNA? Everywhere that I apply they are asking for at least one year of experience in the field so what do I do next?

How can I further my education in nursing?

Can a nursing assistant from Brazil challenge the CNA exam?

How much does the CNA test cost?

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