The CNA Guide
Start and Grow Your CNA Career
Find state-approved CNA programs, get listed on your state registry, transfer your license when you move, and train up to LPN or RN.
Pick your starting point
Not a CNA yet? Find a program.
CNA Programs and Classes by State
Start with the state-approved programs where you live, then use the free course and practice tests to get ready for the exam.
Popular states:
Already certified? Check or renew your listing.
CNA License Lookup, Registry and Renewal
Your name has to be on the state registry before you can legally work as a CNA. Certification lapses if you do not work enough paid hours during the renewal period, and reinstatement rules vary by state.
Moving to another state? Transfer your license.
CNA Reciprocity: Transfer Your License Between States
Reciprocity, sometimes called endorsement, is the process for transferring a CNA certificate to a new state, and every state sets its own rules for what it will accept. Pick your current state and the state you are moving to.
What the license transfer guide covers
Whether your new state accepts your certificate as it is, what condition your current certification has to be in, which form to file, what it costs, and what you are allowed to do while you wait to appear on the registry.
Looking for work?
CNA Jobs, Agencies and Travel Assignments
Agency shifts, permanent positions and travel assignments, plus the directory of agencies that place CNAs. If you want agencies to come to you, use the matching form.
Get matched with agency and travel work
Tell us where you are licensed, when you can start and where you would like to work. We match you with up to 3 agencies and they contact you directly.
Get matched with agency workFree. Most agencies want at least a year of experience. Your details are never posted publicly.
Ready to move up?
CNA Career Paths: CNA to LPN and CNA to RN
Most CNAs who keep going train as an LPN or an RN, and both routes count your CNA experience toward entry.
Want to stay current?
The CNA Brief: Weekly CNA News and Pay Updates
Join thousands of CNAs getting pay data, state rule changes and hiring news. One email a week, about a three-minute read.
Hiring CNAs? Get Listed in the Agency Directory
Agencies and facilities: get listed in the directory CNAs use, or talk to us about reaching our readers.