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New York Certified Nursing Assistant License

New York State Dept of Health

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Training Completion Certificate — Proof of completing a NYSDOH-approved 100-hour training program.
  • Social Security Number — Required for identity verification and registry listing.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid ID (e.g., Driver's License or Passport) required for exam admission.
  • Payment Form/Money Order — Non-refundable fee payable to 'NY Commissioner of Health, NYNA'.

How to Apply

  1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program ▾
    Enroll in and successfully complete a New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP). The program must consist of at least 100 hours, including 30 hours of supervised clinical experience.
  2. Submit Examination Application ▾
    Apply online through the Prometric Online Application Portal (OAP) or mail a paper application. You must select the appropriate 'Route' (e.g., Route 1 for new nurse aides).
    Apply Online
  3. Pay Examination Fees ▾
    Submit the required fees ($115 for written/skills or $135 for oral/skills) via money order or certified check payable to 'NY Commissioner of Health, NYNA' if mailing, or via credit card if applying online.
  4. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) ▾
    Once Prometric processes your application and verifies your eligibility with your training provider, you will receive an ATT email with instructions to schedule your exam.
  5. Pass the Competency Exams ▾
    Successfully pass both the Clinical Skills Evaluation and the Written (or Oral) Knowledge Exam. You have three attempts to pass both parts within 24 months of completing your training.
  6. Registry Listing ▾
    After passing both exams, your name will be automatically added to the New York State Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your status online.
    Verify Registry Status
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the New York State Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State Status ▾
    Ensure you hold an active, unencumbered CNA certification in another state.
  2. Submit Reciprocity Application ▾
    Complete the New York Nurse Aide Registry Application and select 'Route 2: Reciprocity'.
    Start Reciprocity Application
  3. Provide Proof of Employment ▾
    If your current state registry does not provide an expiration date, you must submit a letter on facility letterhead verifying at least 7 hours of paid nursing-related work in the last 24 months.
  4. Pay Reciprocity Fee ▾
    Submit the $50 application processing fee.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (based on documented work activity)
Compact
No
Board
New York State Dept of Health

Keeping Your License Active

New York Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (based on documented work activity). Contact the New York State Dept of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

Slow Downs

Incomplete Application ▾
Missing signatures from training coordinators or employers is the most frequent cause of delay.
Payment Errors ▾
Submitting personal checks instead of money orders or certified checks will result in application rejection.
Name Mismatch ▾
Ensure the name on your application exactly matches your government-issued photo ID to avoid being turned away at the test center.
Background Check Processing ▾
Delays in the employer-initiated fingerprinting process can stall final registry approval.

Questions

How do I renew my New York CNA certification? ▾
You must submit a renewal form to Prometric every two years with a $40 fee and proof of at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work in the past 24 months.
How many times can I take the CNA exam? ▾
You are allowed three attempts to pass both the written and skills portions. If you fail after three attempts, you must retrain in an approved program.
Can I work as a CNA before I am certified? ▾
In New York, you may work for up to 120 days in a nursing home while completing your training and testing requirements, provided you are enrolled in an approved program.
What are the continuing education requirements? ▾
New York requires 12 hours of in-service education per year to maintain competence, typically provided by the employer.

Board Info

New York State Dept of Health
Phone800-829-6105
Sources
State statutes