State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). North Dakota certified nurse aide information ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. North Dakota Health and Human Services — Health Facilities Unit.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to North Dakota?
Route to review: Interstate registry 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 North Dakota?
The HHS Health Facilities Unit approves CNA training programs and maintains the registry.
- The current agency hub links D&S Headmaster’s North Dakota candidate handbook and online results.
- Use the HHS-approved training list and the linked candidate handbook for training and competency testing; confirm active registry status through current HHS online services.
Official training directory: HHS certified nurse aide training program list ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Interstate registry endorsement
Applicants certified in another jurisdiction
- Supply proof of meeting the other jurisdiction’s certification requirements and North Dakota active-status requirements.[2]
- Current other-state registry status without a validated adverse finding can support endorsement.[2]
Prepare the application
Upload requested records. Personal-background Yes answers require explanations and supporting records.[3]
Arrange all-state verification
Request verification from every state where you hold or held registry status; upload a verification copy where that state offers online verification.[3]
Official route: Online CNA endorsement application. [3] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in North Dakota?
Use renewal/reactivation guidance for an existing North Dakota listing; a new reciprocity application is not assumed to replace it.[2]
Who sends registry verification?
All current and former registry states must send verification; the application also allows an uploaded copy where the other state offers online verification.[3]
What exceptions apply?
No qualifying paid work within a continuous 24 months
Section -11(1)(e) requires approved training and competency evaluation, or an approved competency evaluation, to renew after fewer than eight qualifying paid hours.[2]
What else should you know?
Use the current nurse-aide directory and CNA endorsement application.[3]
The application advises using Save for Later rather than the browser Back button to review earlier answers.[3]
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Interstate registry endorsement: CNA initial registry listing | $0 under section 33-43-01-11(1)(f); confirm unrelated third-party costs with the provider.[2] |
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the prior North Dakota inactive-listing procedure with the registry.
- Confirm later application screens and applicant-specific decisions with the agency.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the North Dakota planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Interstate registry endorsement)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in North Dakota? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Certified Nurse Aide Information ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Nurse Aide Registry Online Services and administrative-code links
- ND Administrative Code 33-43-01 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Sections 33-43-01-09(5), -11(1)(c), -11(1)(e)-(f)
- Certified Nurse Aide Endorsement Application — application overview ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Required Documentation and Information; Save for Later.
- North Dakota CNA renewal application instructions ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 24-month registration; 8 hours of paid work; no fee; employer verification