State terminology: State registered nurse aide (SRNA). Kentucky SRNA reciprocity ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Kentucky Board of Nursing.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Kentucky?
Compare the reviewed application routes to see which one fits your situation. 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 Kentucky?
Kentucky’s Medicaid nurse aide training program requires at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training.
- The competency evaluation has a timed, 75-question multiple-choice written test, and you need at least 70% to pass. You must also correctly demonstrate at least five skills for an examiner. KCTCS runs Kentucky's Medicaid nurse aide training and testing program.
- Within 30 days of successful completion, KCTCS notifies the Kentucky Board of Nursing, which adds the aide to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry.
Official training directory: KCTCS nurse aide resources and program-coordinator directory ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
SRNA reciprocity through Nurse Portal
Active aide registered in another state
- Upload Social Security card, driver’s license and state certification; a current paystub may be requested.[1]
- CHFS requires an employment record showing fewer than 24 months since paid aide work and no validated registry complaint.[4]
Apply in the KBN Nurse Portal
Choose Apply for a License, then State Registered Nurse Aide Reciprocity.[1]
Application name: State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) Reciprocity Application[1]
Official route: Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
Reinstate existing Kentucky registration
Lapsed Kentucky SRNA
- Provide eight paid nursing-related hours for each two-year period lapsed; without proof, retake classes and competency testing.[2]
Use the existing record
Apply for reinstatement beside the credential in the Nurse Portal.[2]
Official route: KBN Nurse Portal reinstatement. [2] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Kentucky?
Use reinstatement for a lapsed Kentucky record.[2]
Who sends registry verification?
KBN uses online verification; written and mailed verifications are not available. Incoming CHFS guidance calls for sending-registry verification; confirm any extra document through the portal.[3] [4]
What exceptions apply?
No active status in another state
KBN directs an approved Kentucky training course and competency evaluation.[1]
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Reciprocity fee. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the current reciprocity and reinstatement fees with the agency.
- The portal instructions do not clearly say who must send the sending-state verification. Confirm with the agency.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Kentucky planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (SRNA reciprocity through Nurse Portal, Reinstate existing Kentucky registration)
- Have you previously been listed as an SRNA in Kentucky? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- State Registered Nurse Aide Reciprocity ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Information required; Documentation Required; inactive out-of-state status
- SRNA Reinstatement ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · How to Reinstate; proof for each lapsed two-year period
- SRNA Verification ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Final paragraph: all verification online
- Nurse Aide Training ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Reciprocity: sending-agency verification and employment record
- Kentucky Board of Nursing: SRNA renewal ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Two-year active status; 8 hours of paid employment; renewal process