State terminology: Nurse aide. Ohio’s nurse aide training materials have also used “state tested nurse aide” (STNA). Ohio nurse aide rules ↗ · Ohio nurse aide curriculum ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Ohio Department of Health, Nurse Aide Registry (not Ohio Board of Nursing).
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Ohio?
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 Ohio?
Ohio nurse aide training programs must be at least 75 hours. That includes classroom instruction (some can be online), skills practice in a lab, and at least 16 hours of clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility.
- To be listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, you must pass the state competency evaluation. D&S Diversified Technologies is Ohio's testing vendor.
- You may be able to take the competency evaluation without a training program if you're a current nursing student who has finished courses in basic nursing skills, infection control, safety, emergency procedures and personal care, or if you have at least 1,600 hours as a bedside aide in a hospital within the last five years. Contact D&S for the documents you'll need.
Official training directory: ODH nurse aide training program locations and resources ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state registry recognition
Nurse aide on another state registry
- Other state certifies its nurse-aide training/competency program complies with federal requirements.[2]
Request current official form
Ask the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry for the current form: (614) 752-9500 from out of state, or (800) 582-5908 in state.[4]
Arrange transferring-state information
ODH instructions require the reciprocity request to include the transferring state’s information and signature. Confirm the current routing with ODH.[4]
Official route: Confirm current instructions with ODH. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Ohio?
Previous Ohio eligibility with work-record lapse has its own documentation/training provisions; confirm record before using out-of-state form.[3]
Who sends registry verification?
Official instructions require the transferring state’s information and signature. Confirm whether direct agency sending is currently required.[4]
What exceptions apply?
Twenty-four months without verified work
Registry maintenance requires 7.5 consecutive paid hours or eight hours within 48 hours during the relevant 24-month period; missing evidence triggers documentation or training/competency provisions.[3]
What else should you know?
Confirm the current application steps and form with ODH before applying.[5] [4]
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Application. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the current HEA 6907 form and mailing address with ODH.
- Processing time is not guaranteed.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Ohio planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Out-of-state registry recognition)
- Have you previously been listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Ohio Board of Nursing agency referral ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · CNA/NAR responsibility and NAR contact
- Rule 3701-17-07.1 ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Effective July 17, 2025; B(4) other-state registry; D work lapse
- Rule 3701-17-07.3 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Effective July 17, 2025; B-D verified work/reinstatement
- ODH Registry Requirements ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Official instructions: request form with transferring-state information and signature; confirm the current page with the agency.
- ODH Request for Reciprocity resource ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Official form listing; confirm the current form with the agency.