A comprehensive guide to the Oregon CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Oregon! The Oregon 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 Oregon CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the Oregon CNA Registry
Fees
During the application process, you will need to pay a fee for the exam. The normal application fee is $106, however, the final amount depends on the application route you’re taking.
Minimum Age
While the Board does not impose an age requirement for those applying for CNA certification, most training programs (and often employers) do establish their own age criteria for enrollees, often set at 16 or 17 years old.
Minimum Education
Training school may require to have a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
To qualify you must have successfully completed a nurse aide training program in Oregon within the last year (at the time of application). If you were educated outside of Oregon, you must possess a Certificate of Completion from a Nurse Assistant training program that complies with Oregon Administrative Rule 851-062-0050. This certificate needs to be submitted to the Oregon Board of Nursing.
Alternatively, you can also apply if:
- You have completed military medical training and have been on active duty status for the last two years, or
- You are a student currently enrolled in a nursing program to become an LPN/RN in Oregon or another state, and have completed the equivalent coursework in the program to qualify for certification, or
- You hold an active RN or LPN license in any state.
Competency Test
To be certified on the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry, you must pass the competency exam conducted by Headmaster, who will email you scheduling details upon approval. Additionally, you are required to complete two hours of cultural competency education in the last two years and keep copies of your completion certificates for potential audits, without sending them to the board.
See the Oregon Nursing Assistant Candidate Handbook by Headmaster for more information.
Background Check
Every applicant seeking to obtain a new license type or reactivate an existing license is required to submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting state and federal criminal history checks once their application has been filed. Moreover, many nursing programs as well as employers will require you to submit a clear criminal background check.
Applying to appear on the Oregon CNA Registry
Where to apply
Create an account with the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) Nurse Portal. When logged in, click on “Apply for License”. Under CNA, you can then select the relevant application route for you and follow the instructions.
Required Documentation
During the application, you will be required to submit information about your education and others. After your examination, you will be placed on the CNA registry in Oregon.
Restrictions
If you have any findings against you, these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and you must provide all information required by the Registry.
Processing Time
Processing time varies. While it can take a few weeks, it often goes faster.
How to keep your license on the Oregon CNA Registry
Stay Active
The certification period is for 24 months, and you must renew every 2 years and show that you’re qualified for renewal (requirements see in the section below). However, as the certification expires on your birthday, the exact renewal date varies based on your birth date and year. Therefore, it is recommended to sign up for the CNA Renewal Reminder Service, so that you will receive a 90-day warning that your expiration date is approaching.
Renew
For those seeking to renew their nursing licenses, the process requires the submission of a complete application as specified by the Board. You must attest to one of the following to qualify for renewal:
- A minimum of 400 hours of nursing practice at the level of licensure being renewed, completed within the two years immediately before the renewal application.
- Graduation from an Oregon-approved, out-of-state, or international nursing program that qualifies for LPN, RN, or APRN licensure, also within the last two years.
- Completion of a re-entry program that meets specific Oregon Administrative Rule requirements within the two years immediately before the renewal application.
- Passing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exams within the two years directly preceding the renewal application.
Alternatively, if you lack 400 hours of practice in the past two years, you have the following alternatives based on hours of practice and continuing education:
- At least 600 hours of practice in the last three years, plus 20 hours of continuing education.
- A minimum of 800 hours of practice over the last four years, with 30 hours of continuing education.
- For those with some practice but less than 960 hours in the past five years, an application for practice re-entry is required.
Additional Renewal Information:
- Renewal applications will only be processed after all applicable fees are paid.
- There is no grace period for license renewal. Applications not completed within 30 days of the expiration date are considered void.
- Late applications incur a $100 delinquent fee on top of the renewal fee.
- Every second renewal requires a national fingerprint-based criminal background check at the applicant’s expense. Alternately, renewals may undergo a no-cost Oregon-based non-fingerprint background check.
- All renewal applications may be subject to random audits to validate claimed practice.
- Starting from January 1, 2022, all license holders are required to provide proof of completing the current Oregon Pain Commission online pain management course as part of every renewal or reactivation application.
Reactivate your expired license
To reactivate a nursing license that has been expired for over 30 days, you must submit a completed application, provide fingerprints and show proof of 400 nursing practice hours within the two years before applying. If these hours were completed outside of Oregon, verification from the respective state(s) is needed.
Alternatively, if you lack 400 hours of practice in the past two years, you have the following alternatives based on hours of practice and continuing education:
- At least 600 hours of practice in the last three years, plus 20 hours of continuing education.
- A minimum of 800 hours of practice over the last four years, with 30 hours of continuing education.
- For those with some practice but less than 960 hours in the past five years, an application for practice re-entry is required.
Furthermore, starting from January 1, 2022, all license holders are required to provide proof of completing the current Oregon Pain Commission online pain management course as part of every renewal or reactivation application.
Oregon CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Oregon CNA Reciprocity page.
Oregon Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/pages/index.aspx
Link to license lookup: https://osbn.boardsofnursing.org/licenselookup
Contact information:
Email: oregon.bn.info@osbn.oregon.gov
Phone: 971-673-0685
Address:
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd.
Portland, OR 97224
