{"application_form_url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/","application_portal_url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/","board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"nar@hhs.texas.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Texas HHSC","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"512-438-2050","board_physical_address":null,"board_source_url":null,"board_url":null,"canonical_url":null,"ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"Using the wrong service code at IdentoGO prevents HHSC from receiving your background check results. Always verify the code with HHSC first.","title":"Missing Service Code for Fingerprints"},{"description":"Applications cannot move to the testing phase until the training program director logs into TULIP to approve the student's training completion.","title":"NATCEP Director Verification"},{"description":"Failing to include Form 5506-NAR when an out-of-state certificate lacks an expiration date will result in the application being returned.","title":"Incomplete Reciprocity Forms"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:12:03.550665+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/","endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in your current state.","title":"Verify Out-of-State Status","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Obtain a criminal history report from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).","title":"Complete Texas Background Check","url":"https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/crime-records","url_label":"DPS Crime Records"},{"description":"Log in to TULIP and complete the 'Request for Entry on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry through Reciprocity' application.","title":"Submit Reciprocity Application","url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/","url_label":"TULIP Portal"},{"description":"Upload Form 5505-NAR, your out-of-state certificate, ID, and Social Security card.","title":"Upload Required Forms","url":null,"url_label":null}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"There is no application fee to HHSC. However, the Prometric exam costs $125 ($135 for oral), and fingerprinting fees vary by location.","question":"How much does it cost to become a CNA in Texas?"},{"answer":"The process typically takes 4 to 12 weeks from the start of training to the issuance of the certificate.","question":"How long does the Texas CNA application process take?"},{"answer":"Renew every two years via TULIP. You must document 24 hours of in-service education, including geriatrics and dementia care, and verify qualifying employment.","question":"How do I renew my Texas CNA certification?"},{"answer":"No. You must be listed as 'Active' on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry before you can legally work in a licensed nursing facility.","question":"Can I work as a CNA in Texas while my reciprocity is pending?"}],"fee_payment_url":null,"fingerprint_delay_weeks":null,"fingerprint_fee":null,"fingerprint_method_in_state":null,"fingerprint_method_out_of_state":null,"fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":"https://www.identogo.com/locations/texas","fingerprint_vendor":null,"fingerprint_vendor_url":null,"initial_fee_amount":0.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"1.5 to 2 Weeks","profession":"Certified Nursing Assistant","provisional_info":null,"reciprocity_info":null,"renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years","renewal_fee_amount":null,"renewal_portal_url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/","required_documents":[{"description":"A valid driver's license, state ID, or passport.","name":"Government-Issued Photo ID","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"A copy of your original Social Security card for identity verification.","name":"Social Security Card","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Proof of completing the 100-hour state-approved training program.","name":"NATCEP Training Completion Certificate","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Employment verification form required for renewals or if your out-of-state certificate has no expiration date.","name":"Form 5506-NAR (if applicable)","url":null,"url_label":null}],"slug":"texas-cna","state_name":"Texas","state_slug":"texas","statutes_url":"https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=4&ti=26&pt=1&ch=556","steps":[{"description":"Complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) consisting of 100 total hours (60 classroom, 40 clinical).","title":"Complete Approved Training","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Register for an account on the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP) to manage your application.","title":"Create TULIP Account","url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/login/SelfRegister","url_label":"Register for TULIP"},{"description":"Log in to TULIP and submit the 'New Nurse Aide by Examination' application. Select your training program from the dropdown menu.","title":"Submit Initial Application","url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/","url_label":"Login to TULIP"},{"description":"Schedule a fingerprint appointment with IdentoGO. You must use the specific service code provided by HHSC or your training program.","title":"Complete Fingerprinting","url":"https://www.identogo.com/locations/texas","url_label":"Schedule Fingerprints"},{"description":"Once your training is verified by your program director and your background check clears, you will receive an 'Approval to Test' email from SMT Notice.","title":"Receive Approval to Test","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Use the link in your approval email to schedule and pay for the Written/Oral and Skills exams through Prometric.","title":"Register for Exams","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Pass both exam components. Results are sent to HHSC, and your certificate will be available for download in TULIP.","title":"Pass Exams and Get Certified","url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/","url_label":"Download Certificate"}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-05-10T08:06:44.984122+00:00","verify_license_url":"https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/public-search"}