How Do I Renew My CNA License? (2026)
Maintaining an active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license is essential for your career in healthcare. While many focus on initial certification, understanding the renewal process is equally important to ensure you can continue providing vital patient care without interruption. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting over 211,800 openings for nursing assistants and orderlies each year through 2034, keeping your credentials current is key to career stability and growth. The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $39,530 as of May 2024, making it a critical role in the healthcare economy.
Most states require you to renew your CNA license every two years. The process typically involves submitting an application with proof of recent, paid work experience and, in some states, completion of continuing education units (CEUs).
Key Points
- CNA certification renewal is typically required every 24 months.
- Renewal requirements vary significantly by state; some mandate extensive continuing education, while others only require proof of recent work.
- The most common work requirement is at least one paid 8-hour shift within your two-year certification period.
- Always use your state's official Nurse Aide Registry or designated online portal for renewal; third-party sites are for informational purposes only.
- Letting your license expire can lead to more complex reinstatement requirements, such as re-testing or completing a new training program.
How do I renew my GA CNA license online?
In Georgia, you can renew your CNA license through the Georgia Department of Community Health. You must submit proof of working at least 8 hours as a CNA in the past 24 months while your certification is active. There is also no CNA license renewal fee being charged in Georgia!
How do I renew my expired CNA license in NV?
In Nevada, if your CNA license has expired, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass the state competency exam again. You can apply for this through the Nevada State Board of Nursing website.
How do I renew my expired CNA license in Ohio?
In Ohio, if your CNA license has expired, you can renew it by submitting proofs of 48 hours of in-service training and at least one day of paid service (8 hours) as a CNA in the last 24 months. You can renew your license online through the Ohio Department of Health's website.
How do I renew my SC CNA license?
To renew your CNA license in South Carolina, you must have worked a minimum of 8 hours in the past 24 months. You can renew your license online through your CNA365 account found in the Credentia - South Carolina Nurse Aide Certification website.
What do I need to renew my CNA license in Texas?
To renew your CNA license in Texas, you need to have worked for pay as a nurse aide for at least 8 hours in the last 24 months and complete 24 hours of in-service education every two years. The renewal process can be completed online through the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) website.
Where do I renew my CNA license in PA?
In Pennsylvania, you can renew your CNA license through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's online Nurse Aide Registry. To qualify for renewal, you must have worked as a paid nurse aide for a minimum of 8 hours in the past 24 months and complete 12 hours of in-service training each year.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your CNA licence current is a fundamental responsibility for your career in healthcare. By staying informed about your state's specific rules, tracking your expiration date, and completing all requirements on time, you can ensure uninterrupted service to your patients and stability in your profession. For more information on CNA educational needs and finding approved training programs, consider exploring resources like Dreambound.
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Sunshine is a member of the School Growth team at Dreambound, where she assists students and schools with their billing and onboarding needs. She is a licensed mechanical engineer. Outside of work, she enjoys road trips with her family, discovering cozy cafes, and exploring her love for art.
