State terminology: Certified nursing assistant (CNA) and licensed nursing assistant (LNA). Arizona distinguishes CNA registry listing from LNA licensure. Choose the state instructions for the credential you’re seeking. Arizona nursing assistant applications ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Arizona at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Arizona State Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| 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 Arizona CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Arizona?
To get certified by exam, you must graduate from a Board-approved nursing assistant program of at least 120 hours.[1] 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?
- Submit the initial exam application through the Board Nurse Portal, completion certificate, passing exam evidence and lawful-presence documentation.[1]
- CNA certification and LNA licensure are separate credentials. CNA applicants don't submit fingerprints to the Board; LNA applicants do, along with other licensure requirements.[1]
- D&S Headmaster uses Arizona TMU for registration, scheduling and exam management. Use the current candidate handbook.[3]
Where can you find training programs?
Board-approved nursing assistant program list ↗[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.
What are the steps?
Choose an approved program
Check the Board program list and arrange enrollment directly with an active program.[5]
Apply and complete examination
Use CNA Initial Exam in the Board Nurse Portal and follow the current CNA by Exam instructions.[6]
Check the credential route
Keep registry CNA and licensed LNA requirements distinct.[6]
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm the current classroom, lab and clinical hour split with the state.
- Confirm current exam attempt limits, fees, admissions and schedules with the provider or school.
Where did this information come from?
- Apply for a License ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · CNA by Exam and Licensed Nursing Assistant sections
- Education Program Lists ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Nursing Assistant Programs link
- Arizona CNA — Headmaster ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Current candidate handbook effective February 1, 2026; TMU exam management
- Arizona Board of Nursing Nursing Assistant Programs ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · All 107 rows in the 15-page AZBN list dated October 14, 2026 reviewed via the public document reader on November 4. Renewal Due Date is not an approval-expiration field. Pending applications and Board-action notes are retained in the program directory.
- Arizona Board of Nursing Education Program Lists ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Nursing Assistant Programs list; page explains lists are updated after Board meetings.
- Arizona Board of Nursing Apply for a License ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Certified Nursing Assistant & Licensed Nursing Assistant; CNA by Exam and LNA by Exam; education, examination, lawful presence and fingerprint distinctions.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Arizona?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Arizona State Board of Nursing. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Registry CNA endorsement — Applicants choosing Arizona CNA registration.
Key requirement: Out-of-state CNA status must be active or have been active within two years of application.
Licensed Nursing Assistant endorsement — Applicants choosing the distinct LNA license.
Key requirement: Out-of-state CNA status must be active or have been active within two years of application.
What are the first steps for Registry CNA endorsement?
Choose CNA endorsement
Apply through the Nurse Portal and supply completion evidence.
Follow the CNA screening rule
CNA endorsement does not require fingerprints to AZBN.
What else should you know?
- CNA and LNA are different Arizona credentials. An LNA also requires fingerprints and fees, and the Board has broader jurisdiction over LNAs for unprofessional conduct.
What should you confirm?
- Prior Arizona CNA/LNA return pathways and case-specific verification alternatives need Board confirmation.
- The FAQ abbreviates training to 75 hours; use the explicit endorsement requirements, which also specify the 45 work hours for that route.
What will the Arizona planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Registry CNA endorsement, Licensed Nursing Assistant endorsement)
- Have you previously been listed as a CNA or held an LNA license in Arizona? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Arizona?
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. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 paid hours working as a nursing assistant, or doing nursing assistant tasks, in the last 2 years. An LNA needs at least 160 paid hours to renew. |
| CE or in-service | The Board's renewal page lists paid work hours and fees; it doesn't list a continuing-education requirement. |
| Renewal window | Renew through the Board's Nurse Portal. The CNA renewal fee is $0. If you worked more than a year after your expiration date, a late fee of $10 is due for each year you worked. |
| If the credential lapses | If you can't meet the 8-hour work requirement, contact the Board before you apply. Its renewal page doesn't describe a separate CNA reinstatement route; the fee schedule lists a reinstatement fee for LNAs only. |
Arizona CNA certification renews every two years at no cost. You need at least 8 paid hours of nursing assistant work in the last 2 years (LNAs need 160). The Board's renewal page doesn't list continuing education. If you worked more than a year after your certificate expired, a $10 late fee applies for each year you worked. If you can't meet the work requirement, contact the Board before applying.
Source: Arizona Board of Nursing renew your license ↗
Open the official Arizona registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state