A comprehensive guide to the Kansas CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Kansas! The Kansas CNA Registry serves as the authoritative hub, ensuring the qualification, competence, and adherence to standards for all CNAs in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the Kansas CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status. If you’re just starting your CNA journey and need to complete your training first, visit our guide to CNA programs in Kansas.
Requirements to get on the Kansas CNA Registry
Fees
- CNA application: $20 (nonrefundable, paid to KDADS)
- Rescheduling fee: $20 (if you miss your scheduled test date)
- Background check: Adult Care Home Criminal Record Check (fee varies)
- Renewal: $0 (no renewal fee — certification stays active via work requirements)
- Note: If you’re employed by a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing home, the facility covers your examination fee.
Minimum Age
You must be at least 16 years old to qualify for CNA certification in Kansas. Applicants under 18 require parental consent. Some training schools may require you to be at least 18 years old.
Minimum Education
There is no minimum education requirement for Registry consideration. However, some training schools may require you to have a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
In Kansas, CNA programs require a minimum of 90 hours of training, which includes 45 hours of clinical/lab practice. If you’re looking for approved training programs in Kansas, check out our comprehensive list of CNA programs in Kansas.
Competency Test
The Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam is administered directly by KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing at approximately 32 approved testing sites across Kansas (often hosted at community colleges and vocational schools).
Both parts must be passed to receive certification. Candidates may make up to 3 attempts within 12 months of the training program start date. After 3 failed attempts (or if the 12 months expire), the candidate must retake the full 90-hour training program before retesting. Out-of-state CNAs applying through reciprocity have only one attempt to pass.
Background Check
- Adult Care Home Criminal Record Check required under Kansas law
- Conducted through KDADS
- Disqualifying convictions may prevent certification; waivers may be available in some cases by petitioning KDADS
Applying to appear on the Kansas CNA Registry
Where to apply
For students in Kansas-approved training programs, the program instructor typically collects applications and fees on behalf of the entire class and submits them to KDADS. Out-of-state and alternate-pathway applicants contact KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing directly for application instructions.
Required Documentation
- Proof of completion from a KDADS-approved training program
- Application form (provided by your training program)
- Completed criminal background check
- $20 nonrefundable application fee
- Government-issued ID for exam day
Restrictions
Applicants with disqualifying criminal convictions cannot work as a CNA unless granted a waiver by KDADS. Individuals with findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property on any state registry are ineligible.
Processing Time
KDADS will mail an approval-to-test notification indicating the date and location of your test center. After passing both portions of the exam and clearing the background check, records typically update on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry within 48 hours. Once listed on the Registry as Active, you are eligible to work as a CNA in Kansas. Do not begin work until your status is listed as ACTIVE.
How to keep your license on the Kansas CNA Registry
Stay Active
- Must work at least 8 paid hours in a nurse aide role during any 24-month period
- Work must be in a qualifying healthcare facility (nursing home, hospital, home health setting); time logged in a doctor’s office or clinic does NOT count toward the 8-hour requirement
- Must be paid employment. Volunteer work does not qualify.
Renew
Kansas CNA certification does not expire on a fixed schedule. It remains active automatically as long as work requirements are met. If you fail to work 8 paid hours in any 24-month period, your status changes from Active to Inactive. There is no renewal application, continuing education or renewal fee required.
Reactivate your expired license
Requirements depend on how long the certification has been inactive:
Inactive less than 5 years:
- Complete a 10-hour KDADS-approved CNA refresher course, OR
- Complete an RN-administered skills checklist (the RN submits the form directly to KDADS — it cannot be completed through a home health agency)
Inactive 5 years or more:
- Must retake the full 90-hour KDADS-approved training program
- Must pass both portions of the competency exam again
For the skills checklist, the RN can request the form from the KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing office. The checklist can be completed at a hospital, long-term care facility, or school lab, but not through a home health agency. Once submitted and approved, your name will return to Active status on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry.
Kansas CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Kansas CNA reciprocity page.
Kansas Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/licensing-policy/health-occupations-credentialing
Link to license lookup: https://ksdadsv7prod.glsuite.us/glsuiteweb/clients/ksdads/public/CertificationVerification.aspx
Contact information:
Mail: kdads.certification@ks.gov
Phone: (785) 296-6877
Address: 503 S Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603-3404