Tennessee Certified Nursing Assistant License
Tennessee Dept of Health
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Social Security Card — A copy of your original, non-laminated Social Security card.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, unexpired driver's license, state ID, or passport.
- Training Certificate — Proof of completion from a state-approved CNA training program.
- Employment Verification Form — Required for renewals; must show at least 8 hours of work in a licensed facility within the last 24 months.
How to Apply
-
Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a 75-hour Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission.
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Create a TMU Account ▾Register on the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal. Your training provider will verify your training completion within this system.
Create TMU Account -
Pay Examination Fees ▾Submit payment for the Knowledge ($40) and Skills ($100) exams through the TMU portal using a credit or debit card.
Pay Fees -
Schedule and Pass Exams ▾Select a test date and location through the TMU portal. You must pass both the Knowledge and Skills components within 24 months of training completion.
Schedule Exam -
Automatic Registry Placement ▾Upon passing both exams, your name is automatically added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. No separate application is required for initial graduates.
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Tennessee Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Out-of-State Status ▾Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in your current state. Tennessee does not accept reciprocity from Florida.
-
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Complete the 'Out of State Registry Reciprocity Form' online via the TMU portal.
Apply for Reciprocity -
Upload Required IDs ▾Upload clear images of your Social Security card and government-issued photo ID to your TMU profile.
-
Pay Reciprocity Fee ▾Pay the $20 non-refundable processing fee through the TMU portal.
-
Wait for Verification ▾The Health Facilities Commission will verify your status with your home state. Processing typically takes about one week.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Tennessee Dept of Health
Keeping Your License Active
Tennessee Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Tennessee Dept of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Endorsement application | $25 |
Slow Downs
Name Mismatch
▾
The name on your TMU account must match your ID and Social Security card exactly. Discrepancies will prevent testing and certification.
Incomplete Training Verification
▾
If your training program has not electronically verified your hours in TMU, you cannot schedule an exam.
Missing SSN Upload
▾
Failure to upload a clear copy of your Social Security card is a primary reason for reciprocity application rejection.
Questions
How often do I need to renew my Tennessee CNA certification?
▾
Certification must be renewed every 24 months. You must provide proof of at least 8 hours of paid work in a licensed healthcare facility during that period.
Can I challenge the CNA exam in Tennessee?
▾
Yes, nursing students, military-trained medics, and foreign-trained nurses may challenge the exam by submitting a Challenge Application to the Health Facilities Commission.
Does Tennessee accept CNA reciprocity from Florida?
▾
No. Individuals certified in Florida must retrain and retest in Tennessee to be listed on the registry.
What are the exam fees?
▾
The Knowledge Exam is $40 and the Skills Exam is $100. Fees are paid directly to the vendor, D&SDT-Headmaster, via the TMU portal.
Board Info
Sources