The basic renewal process for your CNA license

To renew your CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) license, you submit a renewal form to your state's nursing board, pay a renewal fee, and meet any continuing education requirements your state has set. The exact steps and timeline depend on which state issued your license — there is no single national process. Most states let you renew online through their nursing board website, though a few still require paper forms mailed in.

Your state nursing board is the only body that can renew your license. You cannot renew through your employer, a staffing agency, or a training program, even if they offer to handle it for you. The board will tell you when your license expires (usually printed on the card itself) and how long before that date you can start the renewal process.

If you let your license expire, you cannot work as a CNA until you renew it. Some states have a grace period of a few weeks or months where you can still renew without reapplying from scratch, but this varies widely. The safest approach is to start the renewal process at least two months before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state nursing board handles CNA license renewal, and you can find their website by searching "[your state] nursing board" or "[your state] board of nursing."
  • Most states require you to complete a set number of continuing education hours before you can renew, though the number and type of courses vary by state.
  • Renewal fees range from roughly $50 to $200 depending on your state, and you pay this fee as part of the renewal process.
  • The renewal process typically takes two to four weeks once you submit your process, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
  • If your license expires, you may still have a grace period to renew without reapplying, but this window is usually only 30 to 90 days.

Finding your state nursing board and renewal important date

Start by finding your state's nursing board website. Search "[your state] nursing board" or "[your state] board of nursing" — the exact name varies by state. Once you are on the site, look for a section labeled "License Renewal," "Renew Your License," or "CNA Renewal." This page will have the renewal form, the current fee, and the continuing education requirements for your state.

Your CNA license card shows your expiration date. Write this date down and count backward two months — that is when you should begin the renewal process. Some states let you renew up to six months before expiration, while others only open the renewal window 30 to 60 days before the date. The nursing board website will tell you the exact window for your state.

If you cannot find your state's nursing board online, call your state's Department of Health or Department of Nursing and ask for the nursing board's contact information. They can also tell you your license number if you have lost your card.

Continuing education requirements before you renew

Most states require CNAs to complete continuing education hours before renewal. The number of hours ranges from 12 to 40 hours per renewal cycle, depending on your state. Some states require the hours to be completed within a specific timeframe before you explore (for example, in the 12 months before renewal), while others allow you to complete them anytime during your license period.

The types of courses accepted vary by state. Common requirements include CPR/BLS certification (which many states require you to maintain separately), infection control, patient safety, and ethics. Some states accept online courses, while others require in-person training. A few states have no continuing education requirement at all, though this is becoming less common.

You can take continuing education through hospitals, nursing homes, community colleges, online providers, or training organizations. Before you enroll in a course, check your state nursing board's website to confirm the course meets your state's requirements. Keep your course completion certificates — you will need to submit them with your renewal process or have them on file in case the board asks for proof.

Completing and submitting your renewal process

The renewal process itself is usually short — typically one to three pages. You will need to provide your name, license number, current address, and confirmation that you have completed the required continuing education hours. Some states ask you to list the courses you took and their dates; others just ask you to certify that you completed the hours.

You will also declare whether anything has changed since your last renewal — for example, whether you have been convicted of a crime, had a complaint filed against you, or had any license disciplinary action. Answer these questions honestly. Lying on a renewal process can result in your license being denied or revoked.

Most states let you submit the process online through their nursing board portal. You will create an account, fill out the form, upload any required documents (usually your continuing education certificates), and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. A few states still require you to print the form, sign it, and mail it in with a check. The nursing board website will tell you which method your state uses.

Renewal fees and processing time

CNA renewal fees vary by state. Most states charge between $50 and $200 for a two-year renewal cycle. Some states charge less if you renew early or more if you renew late. A few states charge an additional fee if you renew online versus by mail, though this is becoming less common. The nursing board website will show you the exact fee for your state before you submit your process.

Processing time typically ranges from two to four weeks after you submit your process. Some states process faster if you renew online; others take the same amount of time regardless of method. If you need your renewed license by a specific date (for example, to start a new job), submit your process at least six weeks before that date to be safe.

Once your renewal is approved, your state will either mail you a new license card or let you read and print a temporary license while the card is being produced. Check the nursing board website to see which method your state uses. If you do not receive your renewed license within the stated processing time, contact the nursing board to check the status.

What happens if your license expires

If your license expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally work as a CNA. Your employer cannot pay you to perform CNA duties, and you cannot use your CNA title. If you work while unlicensed, you may face fines or other penalties depending on your state.

Many states have a grace period after expiration — usually 30 to 90 days — during which you can still renew without reapplying for certification. During this grace period, you typically cannot work, but the renewal process is simpler and faster than reapplying. After the grace period ends, you will need to retake the CNA exam and complete a training program to become certified again.

If you realize your license is about to expire, contact your state nursing board when ready. They can tell you whether a grace period applies in your state and how much time you have left to renew. Do not wait until after expiration to start the process.

Renewing your CPR certification at the same time

Most states require CNAs to maintain current CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification as a condition of licensure. Your CPR card has its own expiration date, which may not match your CNA license expiration date. You need to renew both separately.

CPR certification is typically valid for two years. You can renew it through the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or other approved providers. Some employers offer CPR renewal classes on-site; others require you to take a class on your own time. Check with your employer or your state nursing board to confirm which CPR provider and course level your state accepts.

Plan to renew your CPR certification before your CNA renewal important date. Some states will not process your CNA renewal if your CPR has already expired, and others require proof of current CPR as part of the renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CNA license if I have not worked as a CNA recently?

Yes. Most states do not require you to have worked a certain number of hours to renew. You only need to complete the continuing education hours and pay the renewal fee. However, if your license has been expired for more than the grace period, you will need to retake the certification exam.

What if I moved to a different state?

You will need to get a CNA license in your new state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that let you transfer your license with minimal additional steps, while others require you to retake the exam or complete additional training. Contact your new state's nursing board to find out what is required.

Can my employer renew my license for me?

No. Your employer cannot submit the renewal process on your behalf. You must submit it yourself to your state nursing board. Some employers may offer to pay for your continuing education or CPR renewal, but the license renewal itself is your responsibility.

What if I miss the renewal important date?

If you miss the important date and your license expires, you will have a grace period (usually 30 to 90 days) to renew without reapplying. After the grace period ends, you must retake the CNA exam and complete a training program. Contact your state nursing board when ready if your license has expired to find out how much time you have left.

Do I need to renew my CNA license every year?

No. Most states issue CNA licenses for two-year periods, though some states use three-year or four-year cycles. Your license card shows the expiration date. Check your card or your state nursing board website to find out how long your renewal cycle is.