Louisiana Certified Nursing Assistant License
Louisiana Dept of Health
Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks after passing the competency exam
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Training Verification Form (TVF) — Official form provided by your LDH-approved training program confirming completion of required hours.
- Social Security Card — A copy of your official Social Security card is required for the application.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A copy of a valid Louisiana driver's license, state ID, or military ID.
- Right to Review Report — Certified criminal history record from the Louisiana State Police. Request Report
How to Apply
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Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP), which includes at least 80 hours of instruction (40 classroom, 40 clinical).
View Approved Programs -
Obtain Background Check (Right to Review) ▾Before starting clinicals, students must obtain a 'Right to Review' criminal history report from the Louisiana State Police (LSP).
LSP Right to Review -
Apply for the Competency Exam ▾Submit an application to Prometric (Route 1 for new aides). You must include your Training Verification Form (TVF) provided by your school.
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Schedule and Pass the Exam ▾Pass both the Written (or Oral) Knowledge Test and the Clinical Skills Evaluation within three attempts and within 12 months of completing training.
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Verify Registry Placement ▾Once you pass both exam components, Prometric will send your results to the LDH. Verify your active status on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry (LARS).
Verify Status
Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks after passing the competency exam
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Louisiana Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active, unencumbered CNA certification in another state and are in good standing on that state's registry.
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Submit Prometric Application (Route 8) ▾Complete the Louisiana Nurse Aide application via Prometric, selecting 'Route 8 - Reciprocity'.
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Pay Reciprocity Fee ▾Pay the non-refundable $35 administrative processing fee to Prometric.
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Upload Required IDs ▾Upload a copy of your Social Security card and a Louisiana-issued photo ID (or military ID). If living within 30 miles of the border, out-of-state ID may be accepted.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Louisiana Dept of Health
Keeping Your License Active
Louisiana Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Louisiana Dept of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $35 |
| Endorsement application | $35 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Background Checks
▾
The 'Right to Review' process can take 4+ weeks if done by mail. Applicants should go in person to LSP headquarters in Baton Rouge for same-day results.
Missing Training Verification
▾
Prometric cannot process exam applications without the official Training Verification Form (TVF) from an approved school.
Expired Out-of-State License
▾
Reciprocity is only granted for active licenses. If your license is expired, you may be required to retest in Louisiana.
Questions
How do I renew my Louisiana CNA certification?
▾
Renewal is automatic if your employer reports at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work every 24 months to the registry. There is no renewal fee.
What happens if my CNA certification expires?
▾
If it has been expired for less than 2 years, you may have one opportunity to retest. If expired for more than 2 years, you must retake a full training program.
Does Louisiana issue paper CNA certificates?
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No, Louisiana no longer issues paper certificates. Official proof of certification is maintained electronically on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry (LARS).
How much does the CNA exam cost in Louisiana?
▾
The full exam (Written + Clinical Skills) costs $125. Retesting fees are $40 for Written/Oral only and $85 for Clinical Skills only.
Board Info
Sources