State terminology: Certified nursing assistant (CNA). Florida CNA requirements ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Florida Department of Health, Board of Nursing.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Florida?
Route to review: MOBILE endorsement. Check all the conditions for this route. An out-of-state credential alone does not establish eligibility.
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 Florida?
Florida's standard CNA training program is at least 120 hours: 80 hours in the classroom and 40 hours of clinical instruction, including at least 20 hours in a licensed nursing home (rule 64B9-15.006). You can also qualify for the exam without a program if you have a high school diploma or equivalent, or are at least 18. If you fail the exam three times, you must finish an approved program before you can test again (s. 464.203).
- The exam has a written part and a skills part, given through Prometric. If you finished an approved training program within 6 months before you apply, you only take the written part. You can ask to take an oral exam instead of the written part (s. 464.203).
- Apply through Prometric. The Board reviews your file within 30 days and tells you if anything is missing. Once approved, the Board sends Prometric your eligibility so you can schedule the exam.
Official training directory: Florida Board-approved CNA training program list ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
MOBILE endorsement
Comparable active unencumbered out-of-state credential
- Two years active practice in preceding four; no current discipline proceeding or discipline in preceding five years; NPDB restrictions/exceptions and other statutory criteria apply.[1]
Request verification
State boards where licensed must provide verification; sufficient online disciplinary verification accepted.[1]
Apply in MQA
Complete application, list all health licenses and upload explanations/supporting records.[2]
Complete Level II fingerprints
Use approved Livescan instructions and CNA ORI EDOH0380Z.[1]
Official route: online. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Florida?
If you previously held Florida certification, confirm the renewal or recertification route with the Board.
Who sends registry verification?
Staff first try online verification. If it is unavailable or insufficient, the authority must send official verification directly; license copies are insufficient.[2]
What exceptions apply?
Insufficient practice or eligibility/history issues
Do not assume automatic endorsement or apply RN/NCLEX alternate-route instructions to CNAs. Ask the Board.[2]
What else should you know?
Board says allow up to 10 business days initial review; seven-day issuance statement starts after all requirements are met, not from submission.[1]
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| MOBILE endorsement: CNA application type 4401 | $0[2] |
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Livescan. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- If you previously held Florida certification or are below the MOBILE practice threshold, confirm the correct route with the Board.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Florida planner ask?
- Is your current nurse aide credential active? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Florida? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Have you actively practiced for at least two of the preceding four years? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- CNA initial license by MOBILE endorsement ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · MOBILE Requirements, Process and Fees
- MOBILE DH-MQA-5102 revised 6/2026 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Pages 2, 6, 8, 10; shared CNA/LPN/RN/APRN form
- Florida Board of Nursing: CNA renewal ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Renewal groups; 24 months of paid work; 24 hours of in-service; delinquency and null-and-void status
- Florida Statutes s. 464.203: Certified nursing assistants; certification requirement ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · (1): exam routes, including the written-only option within 6 months of finishing a program, and the diploma or age-18 route without a program. (2): three attempts, then an approved program. (3): oral exam on request. (5): 24 months without paid work means new training and evaluation, or a new evaluation.