State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Texas nurse aide certification ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 6, 2026. Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Texas?
Route to review: Registry entry by reciprocity. 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 Texas?
Traditional training totals 100 hours: 60 classroom and 40 clinical; HHSC classroom CBT may supply the 60 hours, with approved-program clinical work.
- State and federal nurse aide rules do not require a high-school diploma or GED.
- Candidates register through the SMT Notice email link and pass the Prometric written and skills exams. HHSC issues the certificate through TULIP.
Official training directory: TX approved training-program directory ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Registry entry by reciprocity
Active out-of-state nurse aides
- Current certification must be active.[1]
Check criminal history
Obtain DPS name-based checks for every last name used.[3] [1]
Prepare documents
Upload checks, active certificate, government photo ID, Social Security card, and Form 5506 when the issuing state has no expiration date.[3] [1]
Apply and monitor
Choose Request for Entry through Reciprocity; correct Response Required deficiencies. Approval notice arrives from TULIP.[1]
Official route: online. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Texas?
Contact Texas registry for renewal/retesting versus transfer instructions if previously Texas-certified; FAQ requires employment verification at least every two years for active status.[2]
Who sends registry verification?
The reviewed instructions ask you to upload your active certificate from the other state. They do not mention a separate verification sent by the other state's registry; ask HHSC if you are unsure.[3] [1]
What exceptions apply?
Training only; no exam or registry
Separate out-of-state training waiver: approved training within 24 months; use New Nurse Aide by Examination, Out-of-State Training eligibility route.[1]
Military spouse stationed in Texas
Separate permit/waiver option exists; review orders, affidavit, attestation and marriage-document instructions.[1]
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: DPS checks. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm processing time with HHSC and the criminal history check fee with DPS.
- If you were previously certified in Texas and are active elsewhere, confirm the correct route with HHSC.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Texas planner ask?
- Is your current nurse aide credential active? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Does your certificate or registry entry show an expiration date? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Texas? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Texas ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Reciprocity; Military Spouse; Out-of-State Training Waiver
- NAR Credentialing FAQs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Reciprocity; expired certificates
- Reciprocity process map ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · April 2024, single-page process
- Renew or Make Changes to a Nurse Aide Certificate in Texas ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Options 1 and 2 cover renewal with documented work and 24 in-service hours; renewal can start three months before expiration. Options 3 and 4 cover expired certificates without documented work: retrain and retest, or retest only (with a DPS criminal history check).
- 26 TAC §556.9 Certificate of Registration, Nurse Aide Registry, and Renewal ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Texas rule on nurse aide registration and renewal. (c): no fee to issue or renew. (e): expires after 24 months; Form 5506-NAR work verification for the preceding year; an annual infection control and PPE course; 24 in-service hours every two years.
- Texas Register: adopted nurse aide registration rule ↗
Checked November 6, 2026 · September 13, 2024 adopted rules, 26 TAC §556.9(c): HHSC does not charge for certificate issuance or Nurse Aide Registry listing.