State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Colorado Board of Nursing rules ↗ · Colorado nurse aide program description ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Colorado at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Colorado DORA Division of Professions and Occupations, Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Agency confirmation needed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Colorado CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Colorado?
Colorado nurse aide training programs must be at least 75 hours, with at least 16 classroom hours and 16 clinical hours supervised by an RN or LPN. The first 16 hours come before you work with clients (3 CCR 716-1, Rule 1.11).[4] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- DORA’s CNA education tab publishes approved nurse-aide programs separately from RN, LPN and psychiatric-technician programs.[1]
- Credentia administers the Colorado NNAAP nurse-aide examination and links its current handbook.[2]
- Start with the standard state-approved-program exam eligibility route; use Credentia registration instructions and DORA’s CNA-specific application guidance.[2] [3]
Where can you find training programs?
DORA nurse aide approved programs by name ↗[1] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm individual program availability directly with the school.
Where did this information come from?
- Colorado Nursing Education Resources ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Certified Nurse Aide Training tab; approved programs by name, county and type.
- Colorado nurse aide examination — Credentia ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · NNAAP registration steps and current online handbook
- Colorado Nursing Applications ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Separate CNA tab; examination application information
- 3 CCR 716-1 Nursing Rules and Regulations (effective March 17, 2026) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 3 CCR 716-1. Rule 1.10(F): late fee during the 60-day grace period; attestation of at least 8 paid hours of nursing care activities in the 24 months before renewal; reinstatement under and over two years; renewal without work requires passing the competency evaluation within 24 months. Rule 1.11(E)(2): at least 75 hours, with 16 classroom and 16 supervised clinical hours, and the first 16 hours pre-clinical.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Colorado?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Colorado DORA Division of Professions and Occupations, Board of Nursing. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
CNA endorsement — Out-of-state applicants seeking Board assessment.
Key requirement: The guide requests all non-Colorado healthcare licenses, another-state CNA verification, name-change evidence if needed, screening disclosures and the Healthcare Professions Profile.
What are the first steps for CNA endorsement?
Use DORA Online Services
Choose CNA initial license by endorsement; Credentia processes examination applications, not this endorsement route.
Supply the guide’s evidence
Follow the licensing checklist in the CNA Licensing Guide.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the current application fee and portal steps with DORA.
What will the Colorado planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (CNA endorsement)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Colorado? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Colorado?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Every two years, with a 60-day grace period after expiration. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | When you renew, you attest that you were paid for at least 8 hours of nursing care activities in the 24 months before you apply. |
| CE or in-service | Colorado's nurse aide renewal rule (3 CCR 716-1, Rule 1.10) requires the work attestation; it doesn't list continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Renew before your certificate expires. If you renew after it expires but within the 60-day grace period, you may be charged a late fee. After the grace period, you'll need to reinstate. |
| If the credential lapses | Expired less than two years: submit a reinstatement application and fee. Expired more than two years: retake and pass the competency evaluation. If you can't attest to the 8 work hours, you must show you passed the competency evaluation within the past 24 months. |
Colorado nurse aide certificates renew every two years. When you renew, you attest that you were paid for at least 8 hours of nursing care activities in the past 24 months; the renewal rule doesn't list continuing education. There's a 60-day grace period after expiration, during which a late fee may apply. After that, a certificate expired less than two years can be reinstated with an application and fee; after two years, you must retake the competency evaluation.
Source: Colorado Board of Nursing FAQ: renewal and continued competency ↗ Colorado Nursing Applications and Forms ↗ 3 CCR 716-1 Nursing Rules and Regulations (effective March 17, 2026) ↗
Open the official Colorado registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state