State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Alaska Nurse Aide Registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Alaska at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Alaska Board of Nursing, Nurse Aide Registry |
|---|---|
| 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 Alaska CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Alaska?
Alaska-approved CNA training programs must be at least 140 hours, including 60 hours of classroom instruction (12 AAC 44.835 and 44.845).[3] 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?
- The Board of Nursing makes nurse aide certification decisions and publishes the approved program list.[1]
- The registry links Credentia for nurse aide testing.[1]
- The examination route is for uncertified applicants who completed a state-approved program within two years; apply through MY LICENSE or the linked examination application.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
Board-approved nurse aide training programs ↗[1] [2] 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.
Where did this information come from?
- Nurse Aide Registry ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Certification information, examination application, online applications
- Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Revised February 13, 2026
- Alaska Nursing Statutes and Regulations, September 2025 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Alaska nursing statutes and regulations. 12 AAC 44.815: biennial renewal by a department-set date, reminder at least 60 days ahead, 160 paid hours in the period, unrenewed certifications lapse. 12 AAC 44.820: reinstatement after a lapse of one day to under two years, and two to under five years. 12 AAC 44.825: 24 CE contact hours (12 or none on a first renewal). 12 AAC 44.835(c): training of at least 140 hours.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Alaska?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Alaska Board of Nursing, Nurse Aide Registry. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Certification by endorsement — Applicants with an unencumbered current out-of-state credential and qualifying training/testing.
Key requirement: The application packet requires state-approved training meeting federal minimum standards, an unencumbered credential current when approved, and a competency evaluation.
What are the first steps for Certification by endorsement?
Prepare the application
Apply online through your MyAlaska account, or use the paper Certified Nurse Aide by Endorsement application, Form 08-4070.
Arrange verification
School sends training verification; initial and current registries send credential verification directly.
Complete screening
Send the required original FD-258 fingerprint card to the Board.
What exceptions apply?
- No current certificate — A program completed within two years may lead to examination instead of endorsement.
- Non-English foreign education — The application packet specifies additional English-proficiency evidence; follow its instructions.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the portal steps and individual eligibility with the agency.
- Processing time is not guaranteed. General application-processing copy includes examination language and is not an endorsement promise.
What will the Alaska planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Certification by endorsement)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Alaska? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Alaska?
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 | Every two years. Certificates expire March 31 of even-numbered years. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 160 hours of paid CNA work in the U.S. or Canada during the certification period that's ending. |
| CE or in-service | 24 contact hours of continuing education during the certification period. On your first renewal, you need 12 hours if you've been certified at least a year, or none if less than a year. You attest to your CE and work; you'll need documents if you're audited. |
| Renewal window | Renew on or before the date the department sets for your biennial period; a reminder is mailed at least 60 days ahead. A certification that isn't renewed lapses. |
| If the credential lapses | Alaska's sources describe lapses differently. The regulation (12 AAC 44.820) uses reinstatement for lapses from one day up to five years, while the Division's reinstatement form covers certifications lapsed one year to under five years. Reinstatement requires a $100 fee plus a $75 fingerprint fee, and CE and paid work covering the lapsed period (or a recent competency evaluation). After five years or more, you must complete a state-approved training program and reapply. If your certification lapsed recently, ask the Division which form to use. |
Alaska CNA certificates expire March 31 of even-numbered years, and a reminder goes out at least 60 days ahead. You need at least 160 hours of paid CNA work and 24 hours of continuing education in the certification period (12 or none on a first renewal); you attest to both and keep proof for an audit. If you don't renew, your certification lapses and you must reinstate it with fees, fingerprints, and CE and work covering the lapsed period; after five years, you must retrain and reapply.
Source: Alaska Administrative Code 12 AAC 44.815 and 12 AAC 44.825 ↗ Alaska Nursing Statutes and Regulations, September 2025 ↗ CNA by Endorsement Application 08-4070, revised 06/18/2025 ↗ Alaska Nurse Aide Registry ↗ Reinstatement of Nurse Aide Certification Application (#08-4365) ↗
Open the official Alaska registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state