State terminology: Certified nurse assistant (CNA). CDPH nurse assistant form ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 6, 2026. California Department of Public Health, Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to California?
Review the agency instructions and the details that still need confirmation before choosing a pathway.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in California?
Approved training requires at least 160 hours: 60 theory and 100 supervised clinical.
- Initial applicants must be at least 16 and obtain criminal record clearance.
- CDPH currently lists Headmaster, Credentia and Regional Testing Center.
Official training directory: CA approved training-program directory ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state CNA reciprocity
Active good-standing out-of-state CNA
- If your CNA certificate is active and in good standing in another state, you may be able to get certified in California without retaking training or the exam. CDPH reviews each application.[2]
- You need proof of paid nursing or nursing-related work from the last two years, such as a paystub or W-2. CDPH describes a two-year exception. See the exception below and ask CDPH which date counts before leaving out proof of work.[2] [3]
Complete CDPH 283E
Fill out the Certified Nurse Assistant Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (CDPH 283E).[1]
Complete fingerprints
In California: get fingerprinted at a Live Scan site and send a copy of form BCIA 8016. Outside California: send two FD-258 fingerprint cards to CDPH with a $32 check or money order payable to the Department of Justice.[1]
Assemble credential and work proof
Gather your current certificate or a screenshot of your active registry record. Confirm whether CDPH also needs form CDPH 931 and whether you qualify for the work-proof exception before mailing your package.[1] [2]
Mail package
Mail your package to HPCTS, P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301, Sacramento, CA 95899-7416. Watch your email and mail for requests for missing items.[1]
Official route: US postal mail. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in California?
CDPH's renewal form says a California certificate can be renewed within two years after it expires. If you held a California certificate before and now hold an active certificate from another state, ask CDPH which route applies to you.[2]
Who sends registry verification?
CDPH’s online instructions ask for form CDPH 931 when your issuing state has no online registry. Form CDPH 283E lists CDPH 931 in its application checklist. Ask CDPH whether an online record is enough before mailing your package. If CDPH requires the form, complete Part I and ask your issuing agency to complete Part II and send it to CDPH.[1] [2] [3]
What exceptions apply?
Work-proof exemption
You may not need proof of work if your out-of-state certificate is less than two years old. CDPH's web page says the certificate must be "issued within the last two years," while its application form says "initial certification" within the last two years. If your certificate was renewed or reissued, ask CDPH which date counts.[1] [2]
Staffing-agency pay
If a staffing agency paid you but you worked in a facility, send a letter from the facility confirming your supervised work. CDPH says staffing agencies don't qualify on their own.[1]
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state CNA reciprocity: Out-of-state fingerprint cards | $32 payable to Department of Justice[1] |
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Live Scan / application. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm whether CDPH requires form CDPH 931 and which certification date it uses for the work-proof exception.
- No total processing time or full application/fingerprinting cost verified.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the California planner ask?
- Is your current nurse aide credential active? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Where are you currently located? (In California, Outside California, I’m not sure)
- Was your out-of-state certificate issued within the last two years? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in California? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- CNA Reciprocity Application Package ↗
Checked November 6, 2026 · Steps 1–6 of the official application instructions.
- CDPH 283E Equivalency/Reciprocity Application ↗
Checked November 6, 2026 · 05/2022, page 3 Section B and page 4 renewal
- CDPH 931 Verification of Current Nurse Assistant Certification ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 07/2011, Part II
- CDPH: How to Complete Your Renewal Application ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 48 hours of in-service training or CEUs; 12 hours each year; online limit
- CDPH: CNA work requirement FAQ ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · At least one day of paid nursing or nursing-related work in a facility; acceptable settings
- CDPH 283C: CNA and/or HHA Renewal Application, July 2024 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · PDF pages 4-5, A(1), C(1) and E: renewal after expiration requires requirements met by expiration; reactivation evaluation within two years; delinquent status is not active. No renewal payment requirement is stated in this form.
- CDPH Helpful Tips & Advice for a Successful CNA & HHA Renewal Application ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Items 1-2: CNA education and work requirements; complete renewal package may be submitted up to six months before expiration.