Nursing Assistant Questions and Answers

How does one renew their certified nursing assistant (CNA/CNT) license in the state of Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee requires renewal of nursing assistant certificates every two years. To renew a CNA certificate one must provide proof of eight hours of paid CNA employment within the last two years. The following documents qualify as valid proof of employment for certified nursing assistants: a pay stub; a payroll printout; or, a notarized attestation form. One of the valid documents must be submitted to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry for approval and subsequent renewal of a nurse aide certification.

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?
Certification status may be verified through the Automated Phone Response System or the Department of Health website. You may call the toll free automated phone number, 1-800-778-4504 which provides nurse aide directory information 24 hours a day, seven days per week. If you would rather access the online license verification system, then enter the information in the required fields, such as name, address, and license number. After submitting the required information the system should display your CNA status. To renew a CNA certificate in Tennessee you must show documents verifying that you have worked for a minimum of eight hours in the last two years at a licensed facility. Employment in private duty services, companion services, and physician’s offices are not accepted for CNA certification renewal. As proof of employment you may submit a pay stub, a payroll printout, or a notarized employment verification form. This form needs to be completed and then notarized by your present or previous employer. If you have not worked for the required eight hours within the last 24 months since your last certification renewal then your CNA status on the registry is most likely inactive. To re-certify you may need to re-take and pass the nursing assistant competency examination in Tennessee. It is a good idea to contact the Tennessee CNA registry and ensure you are following the correct procedure in this situation.

Read Answers to Related Questions

Can I just take the Tennessee CNA test after letting my CNA certification lapse to get it back?

How do I go about renewing my CNA license in Tennessee?

I am trying to renew my CNA license in Tennessee. Will a W2 tax form work for proof of employment?

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?

How much does it cost to take the test and become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

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