Oregon — aerial view of Crater Lake and surrounding mountains

Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant License

Oregon State Board of Nursing

Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
1 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Certificate of Training Completion — Proof of completing an OSBN-approved nursing assistant training program.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, unexpired ID (e.g., Driver's License or Passport) required for exam admission and background check.
  • Social Security Number — Required for the application and background check process.
  • Fingerprint Receipt — Confirmation from Fieldprint that your fingerprints were captured.

How to Apply

  1. Complete an Approved Training Program
    Enroll in and successfully complete an Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) approved CNA training program consisting of at least 155 hours (80 classroom/75 clinical).
    Find Approved Programs
  2. Create an OSBN Nurse Portal Account
    Visit the OSBN Nurse Portal to create a new account. You must use a computer as the portal is not compatible with mobile devices.
    Create Portal Account
  3. Submit Application and Pay Fees
    Log in to the portal, select the 'CNA Certification by Exam' application, and pay the $106 application fee.
    Submit Application
  4. Complete Fingerprinting
    After submitting your application, schedule a fingerprinting appointment through Fieldprint Oregon using code FPORBoardNursingDAS. The fee is $70.50.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  5. Register for the Competency Exam
    Once OSBN approves your application, you will receive an email to activate your TestMaster Universe (TMU) account to schedule your knowledge and skills exams.
    Schedule Exam
  6. Pass the State Exams
    Successfully pass both the multiple-choice knowledge exam and the clinical skills evaluation within three attempts.
    Exam Candidate Handbook
  7. Verify Certification
    After passing the exams and clearing the background check, verify your status on the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry. No physical certificates are mailed.
    Verify License
Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
1 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Oregon State Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Confirm Eligibility
    Ensure you hold an active, unencumbered CNA certificate in another US state or jurisdiction.
  2. Complete Required CE
    Complete 1 hour of Pain Management training from the Oregon Pain Management Commission and 2 hours of Cultural Competency training.
    CE Requirements
  3. Submit Endorsement Application
    Apply through the OSBN Nurse Portal and pay the $60 endorsement fee.
    Apply by Endorsement
  4. Verify Out-of-State License
    Request verification of your current CNA license to be sent directly to OSBN, typically via Nursys or a state-specific verification form.
    Nursys Verification
  5. Submit Fingerprints
    Complete the fingerprinting process through Fieldprint Oregon after submitting your application.
    Fieldprint Oregon
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Oregon State Board of Nursing

Keeping Your License Active

Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Oregon State Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$60
Endorsement application$60

Slow Downs

Fingerprinting Before Applying
Fingerprints must be taken AFTER the application is submitted so they can be matched to your file. Doing this early causes significant delays.
Inaccurate Personal Information
Typos in your name, SSN, or date of birth will prevent exam scheduling and background check processing.
Missing CE Documentation
For endorsement or renewal, failing to complete or document the required Cultural Competency or Pain Management hours will stall the process.
Background Check Issues
Criminal history or incomplete disclosure on the application requires manual review by the Board, which can take several weeks.

Questions

How many times can I take the CNA exam?
Candidates are allowed up to three attempts to pass both the knowledge and skills portions of the exam. If you fail three times, you must retake the entire training program.
Will I receive a physical CNA certificate in the mail?
No. Oregon is a paperless state. You must verify your certification status online through the OSBN License Lookup portal.
What is the 'CNA Consolidation' starting July 1, 2025?
Effective July 1, 2025, OSBN is merging CNA 1 and CNA 2 into a single CNA credential to simplify the licensing structure.
How often do I need to renew my CNA certification?
CNA certifications must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires 400 hours of paid work as a CNA and 2 hours of Cultural Competency training.
Can I work as a CNA while my application is pending?
You may work as a 'nursing assistant' for up to 120 days from your hire date if you have completed an approved training program but have not yet passed the exam.

Board Info

Oregon State Board of Nursing
Sources
State statutes