How to Renew & Get a Copy of a CNA Certificate

Certified nursing assistants (CNA) are one of the most important parts to play in health care. They provide round-the-clock physical and emotional care for every type of patient, no matter how small or severe. CNAs are vital to our health care system, but there is a shortage. In many cases, CNAs let their licenses lapse due to loss of work or by simply forgetting their renewal dates. Although assistants may still be able to find work without a license, the certification makes it much easier to find jobs. It adds credibility to your resume and could get you higher pay.

Verifying and Getting a Copy of Your Certificate

• Get online and search for your state's Nurses Aide Registry to find out if your license is valid, is up for renewal or has lapsed permanently. This will give you the contact information for your local licensing office. Make sure to look for an online verification process. If there is none, you will have to go to the office personally. Bring your license number, certification number and date of issue with you; your social security number should be sufficient if you do not know your numbers. You will have to pay a small verification fee.

  If your license is valid, the licensing authority will either email or mail your certificate and license to you. Email may be tempting but opt for the mailed package because your certificate will have the original seal of the licensing authority. You will have to renew or re-register your license if it has lapsed permanently.

Renewing your certificate

• Every state is different, but most states ask for an annual renewal of your license. They will also send a renewal notice to your registered address or the address you had when you first got your license. Depending on state guidelines, you may need to have worked a certain number of hours. You will need a written or signed approval from your supervising RN, and you will have to pay a renewal fee. The fee is generally inexpensive. Many states will allow you to renew and pay your fee online. Once you verify your information and pay the renewal fee, the licensing authority will either email or mail an updated certificate to you.

  To find out what you will need to do for your certain state, check with your local licensing authority before you need to renew.

Permanent Lapse

• You will have to fill out another application, retake the written and practical exam and re-register with your state if your license has lapsed permanently. The fee will fall between $300 and $500 depending on the state you are registering in, and the application process can take up to 4 to 8 weeks. This is reason enough to keep your license up to date at all times, whether or not you are currently working as an assistant.