State terminology: Nurse aide certification. Hawaii Nurse Aide Program ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing; Prometric registry administrator.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Hawaii?
Route to review: Route 2: reciprocity/out of state. 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 Hawaii?
DCCA contracts with Prometric for the nurse-aide competency exam and registry.
- Use Prometric’s linked candidate bulletin and examination application for the applicable training/testing route.
- The combined program/evaluator list includes approval periods; verify the specific program’s current approval and enrollment before choosing training.
Official training directory: State-approved NATCEP programs and RN evaluator list ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Route 2: reciprocity/out of state
Applicants with current active out-of-state CNA certification.
- DCCA decides direct registry placement versus required competency examination.[3]
- Include a current active certificate showing the issuing state and expiration date.[3]
Complete Route 2
Provide training history, all certification states and the requested current employment information.[4]
Submit to Prometric
Use the current application’s mailing and payment instructions.[4]
Allow verification
Prometric contacts other state registries before transfer.[3]
Official route: Current Prometric application / mail instructions. [4] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Hawaii?
Expired Hawaii certification uses Route 3, whose paths distinguish whether the original training program remains approved and operating.[3]
Who sends registry verification?
Prometric contacts all other certification states to verify registry status.[3]
What exceptions apply?
Out-of-state certificate not active
The bulletin requires the competency examination rather than assuming direct transfer.[3]
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Route 2: reciprocity/out of state: Route 2 reciprocity fee on current linked form | $27; confirm the live form before paying. This is not the separate $25 initial testing processing fee.[4] |
What should you confirm with the agency?
- The currently linked bulletin appears in a 2022 directory, and the application footer does not show a current date. Confirm the current form with the testing provider.
- Confirm the application and payment steps with the testing provider.
- Ask the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry what the competency evaluation for state-licensed or state-certified settings involves.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Hawaii planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Route 2: reciprocity/out of state)
- Have you previously held nurse aide certification in Hawaii? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- DCCA Nurse Aide Program ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Applicant and Licensee Information links Prometric
- Prometric Hawaii Nurse Aide ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Candidate Information Bulletin / Application & Other Forms
- Currently linked Hawaii candidate bulletin (2022 file) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Prometric Hawaii Nurse Aide bulletin: recertification fee $27; to recertify you must have worked for pay as a nurse aide at least eight hours during your most recent certification period; renewal forms must be mailed.
- Currently linked HI CNA application ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Route 2 / Exam Selection and Fees
- Hawaii Administrative Rules 89A-C, Nurse Aides ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 16-89A-4 maintenance and recertification; work verification; 24 hours of continuing education for state-licensed settings