State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). The registry FAQ also uses “certified nursing assistant.” Alabama Nurse Aide Registry FAQ ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Alabama at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Alabama Department of Public Health |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Alabama CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Alabama?
Alabama-approved nurse aide training must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training and 16 hours of lab training. You get at least 16 hours of training before you have any direct contact with residents.[2] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- Pass both the written/oral and skills competency tests. The registry allows three attempts within 24 months of training; otherwise the applicant must retrain.[1] [3]
- ADPH lists approved certification test providers in its training guide; Prometric publishes the current Alabama candidate bulletin and regional test-site process.[2] [3]
- A successful applicant is listed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. The FAQ says program certificates come from the training program and Alabama has no separate reciprocity form.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
ADPH CNA training-program guidance ↗[1] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What are the steps?
Confirm an ADPH-approved program
ADPH says state-approved programs are offered at community colleges, nursing homes and some private schools. Ask ADPH to confirm the specific program before paying.[1]
Complete the 75-hour training
Use an approved curriculum with at least 16 supervised practical hours.[2]
Register and pass the competency exam
Use an approved test provider and keep proof of training for the test site.[3]
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm the provider’s current approval with ADPH. The state’s training guide does not include one current statewide list.
- Confirm current vendor fees and scheduling with the testing provider.
Where did this information come from?
- Alabama Nurse Aide Registry FAQ ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Training and testing requirements; program enrollment; 24-month test window; employer-initiated reciprocity
- Alabama Nurse Aide Training Program guide and curriculum ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Overview: minimum 75 clock hours, 16 hours supervised practical training, 16 classroom hours before resident contact; certification test providers
- Prometric Alabama Certified Nursing Assistant bulletin ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Eligibility to test: state-approved training; three attempts; testing within two years
See the partial CNA program list →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Alabama?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Alabama Department of Public Health. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Employer requests registry placement — Active out-of-state nurse aide seeking nursing-home employment
Key requirement: Hold active out-of-state certification without validated abuse findings.
Train and test in Alabama — Out-of-state aides who cannot transfer through a nursing-home job, such as those who want home-health work only
Key requirement: Complete an approved CNA program with clinicals and pass the state written and skills tests.
What are the first steps for Employer requests registry placement?
Ask the hiring nursing home to initiate placement
Alabama has no reciprocity form; the employer contacts the state agency.
What else should you know?
- Active status requires at least eight hours of paid qualifying direct care every 24 months; volunteer work does not count.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the current FAQ and application details with the agency.
- Confirm the current application fee and processing time with the agency.
What will the Alabama planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Employer requests registry placement, Train and test in Alabama)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Alabama? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Alabama?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Your active status lasts 24 months from your competency test date, then 24 months beyond your last qualifying work date. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid direct patient care as a nurse aide, under an RN's supervision, every 24 months in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice agency or mental health facility. Volunteer work, private sitting, assisted living and doctor's office work don't count. |
| CE or in-service | ADPH says CEUs don't keep your certification active. Skilled nursing facilities must give CNAs 12 hours of continuing education each year. |
| Renewal window | There's no renewal process or form. Your certification stays active as long as you meet the work requirement. |
| If the credential lapses | If you haven't worked as a CNA for more than 24 months, you must complete a nurse aide training program again and retake the certification test. |
Alabama has no CNA renewal process or form. Your certification stays active for 24 months after your last paid work as a nurse aide, as long as you work at least 8 hours every 24 months in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice agency or mental health facility. Volunteer work, private sitting, assisted living and doctor's office work don't count, and CEUs don't keep you active. If you haven't worked as a CNA for more than 24 months, you must retrain and retest.
Source: Alabama Nurse Aide Registry FAQ ↗
Open the official Alabama registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state