A comprehensive guide to the Pennsylvania CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania! The Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the Pennsylvania CNA Registry
Fees
The application process is free of charge.
Minimum Age
You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for registration. Some training schools will require you to be at least 18 years old to apply.
Minimum Education
Training school may require to have a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
To qualify you must complete a nurse aide training program of minimum 80 hours, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Note that state regulations do not allow nursing assistant classes to be completed online.
Competency Test
To be certified on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry, you must take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) examination which consists of a Written (or Oral) Examination and a Skills Evaluation. To take the examination you must create an account with Credentia CNA365 system, see here.
Fees:
- Written or Oral Examination & Skills Evaluation $135
- Written Examination ONLY re-test exam $50
- Skills Evaluation ONLY re-test exam $85
- Oral Examination ONLY re-test exam $50
You can find more information in the Candidate Handbook, here.
Background Check
You will have to obtain a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) report from the PA State Police during the year before you begin your training program. You can request a report here. If you have not been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least the past two years, you must obtain an FBI report as well as the PA State Police CHRI described above. Visit the PDE Nurse Aide website for more information on how to obtain your FBI report.
Applying to appear on the Pennsylvania CNA Registry
Where to apply
Once you pass the competency exam, you will be added to the Registry.
Required Documentation
This will be handled by your training provider and/or competency exam provider.
Restrictions
If you have been found guilty or pleaded guilty,
Processing Time
Unknown.
How to keep your license on the Pennsylvania CNA Registry
Stay Active
The certification period is for 24 months, and you must renew every 2 years by providing verification that you have worked a minimum of eight hours during the 24-month time frame as a paid nurse in a nursing environment (such as a nursing home, hospital or home health setting).
Renew
The Department of Health will mail a notification of continued enrollment on the Registry to your home address approximately 90 days prior to expiration. You must renew your certificate on Credentia’s CNA365 system, see here.
Processing time: Unknown.
Reactivate your expired license
If the certification expires, you must contact the Pennsylvania Registry. You may be required to retake the competency exam.
Pennsylvania CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Pennsylvania CNA Reciprocity page.
Pennsylvania Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/facilities/Nurse%20Aide/Pages/Nurse%20Aide.aspx
Link to license lookup: https://cna365.examroom.ai/registry/?StateCode=PA
Contact information:
Form: Contact Us form is available here
Phone: 888-204-6249, 800-254-5164
Address: Division of Nursing Care Facilities, Room 526, Health & Welfare Building, 625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120
