CNA reciprocity refers to the process by which certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in one state can transfer their certification to another state without having to retake the certification exam. Free CNA reciprocity states allow travel CNAs who have already completed training and obtained certification in one state to work as CNAs in another state without undergoing additional requirements.
This article is your essential guide to CNA reciprocity states. It’s important to keep in mind that the rules for CNA reciprocity differ by state. (For instance, Tennessee doesn’t accept reciprocity from Florida CNAs, requiring them to retest, while it does accept reciprocity from all other states.) Be sure to check with your state’s board of nursing before proceeding.
Discover which states offer free reciprocity, which charge fees, and which have no reciprocity. Also, keep in mind that CNAs are called state registered nurse aides (SRNAs) in Kentucky, state tested nurse aides (STNAs) in Ohio, and licensed nursing assistants (LNAs) in New Hampshire and Vermont.
To navigate the CNA reciprocity process successfully, make sure you have these essential pieces of information at your fingertips.
When it comes to CNA reciprocity, states fall into three categories: free reciprocity, fee for transfer, and those with additional requirements, like completing an exam. Understanding these distinctions will help you navigate the process of transferring your certification more effectively.
Note that the state links in the following sections are for convenience, but for the most accurate and current information, please refer to your state board of nursing or state department of health.
Navigating the process of transferring CNA certification between states can be complex, but knowing which states offer free reciprocity can simplify this transition. Below is a comprehensive list of states that provide free CNA reciprocity.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia and wish to receive Alabama CNA reciprocity, you need to apply for and get a job at a nursing home in Alabama. Your present employer then needs to contact the AL state agency and request that your name be placed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia and are listed on that area’s CNA registry in good standing, you must submit to a background screening for Florida CNA reciprocity.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may fill out an application for Georgia CNA reciprocity.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may fill out an application for Idaho CNA reciprocity.
If you are an out-of-state direct care worker, you may fill out an application for Iowa CNA reciprocity.
If you are an out-of-state nursing assistant and wish to join the State Registered Nursing Aide (SRNA) registry in Kentucky, you must create an account the state’s Board of Nursing Nurse Portal and then submit a SRNA reciprocity application.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may submit an application and required documentation for Maine CNA reciprocity.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state that is in good standing, you may Massachusetts CNA reciprocity form 9110.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state that is in good standing, you may fill out the Interstate Endorsement Forms for Minnesota CNA reciprocity.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may submit an application and required documentation for Missouri CNA reciprocity.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may submit an application for CNA Interstate Endorsement in Montana.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may be eligible for New Jersey CNA reciprocity. Call 1-877-774-4243 to apply.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may submit an application form and required documents for New Mexico CNA reciprocity
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may submit an application form and required documents for North Dakota CNA reciprocity.
The process of applying for Oklahoma CNA reciprocity differs depending on whether you are applying for long-term care jobs (PDF) or home health care jobs (digital).
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may apply for Pennsylvania CNA reciprocity by creating a CNA365 account and applying to enroll on the PA Nurse Aide Registry.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may apply for South Carolina CNA reciprocity by creating a CNA365 account and applying to enroll on the SC Nurse Aide Registry.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may fill out an Interstate Endorsement application for South Dakota CNA reciprocity.
To request to be added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry, you may fill out form 5505-NAR requesting Texas CNA reciprocity.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may fill out a application for Virginia CNA reciprocity.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may fill out a application for West Virginia CNA reciprocity.
Some states have reciprocity with a fee attached, requiring CNAs to pay a certain amount to transfer their certification. Understanding these requirements can help you plan your budget while you transition your certification.
The fee for out-of-state Arizona CNA reciprocity is $50 and you must have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing. Complete the steps listed on the Board of Nursing site to transfer your certification to Arizona.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state that is in good standing, you may submit form 9110AR for Arkansas CNA reciprocity. There is a $25 processing fee.
You can apply online for Colorado CNA reciprocity, which includes a processing fee. For more information, check with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can fill out an application to request Connecticut CNA reciprocity. The fee is $55.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may be eligible for Delaware CNA reciprocity. You must fill out out an application and submit required documentation. The processing fee is $30.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Indiana CNA reciprocity. You must fill out an application, submit required documentation, pay a fee, and take a written exam.
To apply for Illinois CNA reciprocity, complete the Out of State Application and mail it to
Southern Illinois University (SIU) Nurse Aide Testing
1840 Innovation Drive, Suite 103
Carbondale, IL 62903
You must include a money order or cashier’s check for $25 with your application. No personal checks or cash will be accepted.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Kansas CNA reciprocity. You must fill out an application, submit required documentation, pay a $20 fee, and take a written exam.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Louisiana CNA reciprocity. Submit the form found on Prometric, along with required documentation and a $35 processing fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Maryland CNA reciprocity. Submit your completed form, along with required documentation and a $20 processing fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Michigan CNA reciprocity. You must create an MILogin account and request access to MI-NATES. Then submit you application and pay the $20 fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Mississippi CNA reciprocity by requesting an application from the Mississippi NNAAP Registry at 888-204-6249. The fee is $26.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Nevada CNA reciprocity. Submit your completed form via the Nevada Nursing Portal, along with required documentation and a $50 processing fee.
For New Hampshire LNA reciprocity, fill out the universal application for endorsement, obtain a criminal background check, and pay the $63 processing fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for New York CNA reciprocity. You must fill out an application (select Route 2 for reciprocity), submit required documentation, and pay a $50 fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you may apply for Oregon CNA reciprocity. Create an account on the nursing portal. Select “apply for a license,” then “CNA endorsement application.” Fill in the required fields and documentation. The fee is $60.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Rhode Island CNA reciprocity. Submit the form, required documents, and pay the $35 processing fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Tennessee CNA reciprocity. You must fill out the out-of-state registry reciprocity form and submit required documents, along with a $25 processing fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Utah CNA reciprocity. You must fill out a form, provide required documents, and pay a $50 fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Vermont nurse assistant reciprocity. Create an account on the Office of Professional Regulation site. Choose “apply for a license” and select “licensed nursing assistant.” Then select “endorsement.” Complete the form and pay the $25 processing fee. You will also complete a background check and release form, and pay $13.25 for processing.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Wisconsin CNA reciprocity. To be added to the WI nurse registry, fill out an application, submit documentation, and pay a $25 fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Wyoming CNA reciprocity. Create an account on the WY Board of Nursing portal. Click “apply for a license,” then “CNA endorsement application.” Submit the form, documentation, and required background check. The total fee is $120.
Some states may require applicants to meet additional criteria, like appearing in person or completing an exam, as part of the reciprocity process. Remember: CNA reciprocity rules can vary depending on the state you’re transferring your license from. Always check with your state’s credentialing authority for the most accurate information.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Alaska CNA reciprocity. In addition to completing an application and background check, you must also pass a competency exam. The fee is $75.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for California CNA reciprocity. In addition to submitting an application and required documentation, you must also complete a background check, which costs $32.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Hawaii CNA reciprocity. Select route 2 (out of state/reciprocity), complete the form, and pay the $27 processing fee.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Nebraska CNA reciprocity. You must submit an application and required documentation, and you must complete a one-hour in-service on reporting abuse and neglect.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for North Carolina CNA reciprocity. Fill out an application and provide documentation. You must also complete a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program.
If you have an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia that is in good standing, you can apply for Washington CNA reciprocity. You must complete Part 1 of the Out-of-State Credential Verification form and have your current employer fill out Part 2. Your current employer must return the form to the Washington State Department of Health. You must also clear a criminal history check. The fee is $25.
The benefits for nursing assistants include:
The benefits for facilities and states include:
In the U.S., the average CNA salary is $39,610 per year. Your income can vary depending on your education, certifications, years of experience, and the state where you work. The states with the highest salaries are:
While many free reciprocity states do not require additional fees for transferring CNA certification, it’s important to note that some states may have supplementary charges. For example, in Florida, while the application process is free, applicants are required to pay a fee for a background check as part of the reciprocity process.
Yes, in most cases, you can transfer your CNA certification to multiple free reciprocity states at the same time. However, it’s essential to verify the specific requirements of each state to ensure compliance with their regulations.
In free reciprocity states, CNA certification typically needs to be renewed. Certifications are not usually valid indefinitely, so it’s important to check the renewal process and timeline for the specific state where certification is held.
Typically, the process can take a few weeks to a couple of months. The time to transfer a CNA certification to another state varies depending on factors such as the state’s processing times, the completeness of your application, and whether there are any additional requirements.
Rules differ widely when it comes to free reciprocity states for CNA license. Online applications are available in certain states, however other states, like California, require you to appear in person in order to obtain your fingerprints.
No, there is currently no compact license specifically for CNAs. Getting licensed in compact states is currently available for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), allowing them to practice in multiple states under one multistate license. CNAs must still obtain certification in each state where they wish to practice.
Now that you know about free CNA reciprocity states, it’s time to start building the career you desire. Check out the latest CNA jobs in the specialty, facility, and location you’re looking for.
