Renew your CNA before the expiration date on your card

CNA certification renewal depends on your state and employer. Most states require you to renew every two years, though some allow three years. You will need to check your state's nursing board website to find the exact important date — it is printed on your certification card. The renewal process usually involves paying a fee (typically $50 to $200), submitting a form, and sometimes completing continuing education hours or passing a test again. Starting the renewal process at least two months before your card expires gives you time to complete all steps without a lapse in certification.

Your employer may require renewal before your card expires, even if your state allows you to work during a grace period. Some facilities will not let you work on an expired card at all, so check your employee handbook or ask your manager about their policy. If your card lapses, you cannot legally work as a CNA in most states, and reactivating it usually costs more and takes longer than renewing on time.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state nursing board sets the renewal important date — check your card or your state's website to find out when yours expires.
  • Most states require renewal every two years and charge between $50 and $200, though some states and employers have different rules.
  • Many states let you renew online through the nursing board portal, while others require you to mail in a paper form and fee.
  • Some states require continuing education hours or a refresher course before renewal, so confirm what your state demands before you start.
  • If your card expires, you cannot work as a CNA legally, so renew at least two months early to avoid a gap in employment.

Find your state's renewal requirements and important date

Each state's nursing board handles CNA certification differently. Go to your state nursing board website — search "[your state] nursing board CNA renewal" — and look for the renewal section. You will find the expiration date on your card, the renewal fee, what documents you need, and whether your state requires continuing education. Write down the important date and any forms you need to submit.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state nursing board directly. The phone number is on their website. Have your CNA card in front of you when you call so you can give them your certification number. Ask them three things: when your card expires, what the renewal fee is, and whether you need to complete any courses or hours before you renew.

Complete continuing education if your state requires it

Some states require you to complete a set number of continuing education hours before renewal — often 12 to 20 hours over the two-year period. Other states do not require any continuing education for renewal. Check your state's nursing board website or call them to find out whether you need to complete hours.

If your state requires continuing education, you can usually take it through a community college, a healthcare facility, an online provider, or a nursing association. The course must be approved by your state nursing board — the provider will tell you whether their courses meet your state's requirements. Keep the certificate of completion, because you will need to show it when you renew. Start this step early, because some courses take weeks to complete and you need proof before you submit your renewal form.

Gather your documents and renewal fee

Most states ask for your renewal form, your current CNA card, proof of continuing education (if required), and the renewal fee. Some states also ask for proof of employment or a letter from your employer. Check your state's renewal checklist to see exactly what you need to send or upload.

The renewal fee varies by state. Call your state nursing board or check their website to find out the exact amount and whether they accept credit card, check, or money order. Some states let you pay online when you submit your form; others require you to mail a check with your process. If you are renewing through your employer, ask whether they cover the renewal fee or whether you pay it yourself.

Submit your renewal form online or by mail

Most states now offer online renewal through their nursing board portal. Go to your state nursing board website and look for the "renew CNA" or "license renewal" section. You will create an account, log in, fill out the form, upload your documents, and pay the fee. The system will tell you when ready whether your submission was accepted. Keep the confirmation number for your records.

If your state does not offer online renewal, you will mail a paper form to the nursing board. Print the renewal form from the state website, fill it out completely, include your fee and any required documents, and mail it to the address on the form. Use certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Mail your form at least six weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing. Some states take two to four weeks to process mail renewals, so do not wait until the last minute.

Pass a renewal exam if your state requires one

A few states require you to pass the CNA exam again at renewal, while most states do not. Check your state nursing board website or call them to find out whether you need to test. If you do, you will schedule the exam through the testing company your state uses — usually Prometric or Pearson VUE. The exam fee is separate from your renewal fee and usually costs $100 to $150.

If you need to test, schedule your exam at least one month before your card expires. Study using the same materials you used for your original certification — your state's CNA handbook, practice tests, and skills review. The exam covers the same content as the original test: patient care skills, safety, infection control, and communication. Once you pass, submit your test results with your renewal form or the testing company will send them directly to your state nursing board.

Track your renewal status and receive your new card

After you submit your renewal, your state nursing board will process it. Online renewals usually show a status update within a few days. Mail renewals take longer — typically two to four weeks. You can check the status on your state nursing board website by logging into your account or calling them with your certification number.

Your new card will arrive by mail once your renewal is approved. It usually takes one to two weeks after approval. If your card expires before the new one arrives, ask your employer whether they will accept a printed confirmation from the nursing board website. Some employers will let you work with proof of renewal while you wait for the physical card. If your new card does not arrive within three weeks of approval, contact your state nursing board to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my CNA card expires before I renew?

You cannot work as a CNA once your card expires. Your employer will likely place you on unpaid leave or terminate you if you do not renew before the expiration date. If your card lapses, you will have to reactivate it rather than renew it, which usually costs more and takes longer. Renew at least two months early to avoid losing work.

Can I renew my CNA if I have not worked as a CNA recently?

Most states allow you to renew even if you have not worked recently. However, some states require proof of employment or hours worked during the certification period. Check your state nursing board website or call them to see whether you need to show work history. If you have not worked at all, you may need to retake the exam or complete a refresher course instead of renewing.

How much does CNA renewal cost?

Renewal fees vary by state, typically ranging from $50 to $200. Some states charge less for online renewal than mail renewal. If you need to retake the exam, add another $100 to $150. Check your state nursing board website for the exact fee, or call them directly. Some employers cover the renewal fee as part of your benefits.

Can I renew my CNA online in every state?

Most states offer online renewal, but not all. Check your state nursing board website to see whether they have an online portal. If not, you will mail a paper form and fee to the nursing board. Online renewal is usually faster — you get confirmation within days instead of weeks — so if your state offers it, use that option.

What if I miss my renewal important date?

If your card expires, you cannot work as a CNA. You will have to reactivate your certification rather than renew it, which usually requires retaking the exam and paying a higher fee. Contact your state nursing board when ready to find out the reactivation process. It is faster and cheaper to renew on time than to reactivate after expiration.