Who maintains the CNA registry in California?
Department of Public Health Licensing & Certification Program CNA/HHA/CHT Certification Unit
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301 Sacramento, CA 95899-7416 Phone: 916.327.2445
Fax: 916.552.8785
Email: cna@cdph.ca.gov
Who investigates complaints in your state?
Department of Public Health Licensing & Certification Program
Professional Certification Branch/Investigation Section
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3303 Sacramento, CA 95899-7416
Abuse Hotline: 916.492.8232
Main Phone: 916.445.4423
Email: cnamisconduct@cdph.ca.gov
The California Department of Health (CDPH) is responsible for maintaining the CNA registry in California. They are responsible for updating and ensuring its accuracy. The CDPH also have the ability to suspend or revoke a CNAs license if they are found to be guilty of misconduct.
CNA License Requirements in California
California allows anyone 18 years of age or older to be licensed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). In order to be eligible for CNA license, students must complete a 160 hour nurse assistant program at a CNA-approved school. California CNA students must pass a criminal background check, complete a nurse aide competency test, and pass a final exam. Students who do not wish to complete a CNA training program and has equivalent CNA training can challenge the nurse aide exam in California.
To find quality programs visit our post here!
Follow the steps to get a CNA license in California:
- Step 1: Find a state approved nurse aide program
- Step 1: Complete the required training
- Step 2: Pass the California CNA exam
- Step 3: Apply for the certification
How to Verify Your CNA License in California?
The California Public Healthcare Department has created an online verification process for CNA licenses. You can verify your license 24/7, but you also have the option to call and get information on status during office hours at 916-327-2445.
To verify CNA license online, you need to follow the steps.
Step 1: Visit the Verification Website here
Step 2: Enter CNA license number (or full name)
Step 3: Verify CNA License
How to Renew Your CNA License In California?
A CNA must renew his or her license every two years. In order to renew the CNA’s license in California, the individual will need to complete 48 hours of continuing education (CE). In addition, CNAs must worked as a paid professional within his/her current certification time.
Follow the steps to renew your license:
The first thing to do to renew CNA license is to make sure your CNA license is current through the CNA Registry website.
Step 1: On the CNA Verification website, verify your license status.
Step 2: Click on Renew CNA License.
Step 3: Read the renewal requirements and fill out the application.
Step 4: Pay the renewal fee.
Step 5: Receive confirmation massage of renewal.
| Renewal Requirements | 48 hours of continuing education. Worked as a paid professional within 24 months. |
| Validation | 24 Months |
| Time Required | Two to Three Weeks |
California CNA License Renewal Form
Transferring a Out of State CNA License to California?
A CNA license is transferable throughout California as long as the state CNA license is in good standing. CNA licenses that are expired or are on probation are not transferable to another state.
In order to be placed on the registry, an applicant will need to provide copies of his/her out-of-state nursing assistant license and a “Verification of Current Nursing Assistant Certification” form to the California Department of Public Health.
A reciprocity candidate will use the same application form as a test candidate; the reciprocity candidate will just need to fill in any additional information on the reciprocity application form. To be eligible to practice as a CNA, a person must show documentation that shows employment as a CNA within the past two years.
California CNA License Reciprocity
If there is a specific license or registration that you need to have in order to work with the public then we recommend visiting the registry office mentioned above, visit our FAQ post here to learn more or reaching out directly to us for more information on how best to go about obtaining your desired certifications.