State terminology: State registered nurse aide (SRNA). Kentucky SRNA reciprocity ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Kentucky at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Kentucky Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Kentucky CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
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.[2] [3] 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?
- 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.[4] [1]
- Within 30 days of successful completion, KCTCS notifies the Kentucky Board of Nursing, which adds the aide to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry.[1] [4]
Where can you find training programs?
KCTCS nurse aide resources and program-coordinator directory ↗[3] 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 are the steps?
Use a KCTCS/Medicaid-approved provider
The regulation sets program approval and instructor requirements; use the KCTCS program network.[1] [2]
Complete 75 hours including 16 practical hours
Confirm the approved program’s schedule and clinical arrangements directly.[3]
Pass the written and performance tests
Use the current Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide testing manual and KCTCS instructions.[4]
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm program availability, tuition and KCTCS provider approval directly with the school.
- Confirm current test fees and scheduling with the testing provider.
Where did this information come from?
- Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide Training ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · KCTCS administers the training program; registry maintained by the Kentucky Board of Nursing; 75-hour regulation
- 907 KAR 1:450 Nurse aide training criteria and registry ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Section 3: minimum 75 clock hours and at least 16 hours supervised practical training; Section 8 registry
- KCTCS Medicaid Nurse Aide Curriculum Guidelines ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · 75-hour program including minimum 16 hours supervised clinical instruction
- Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide testing manual, revision July 14, 2026 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 75-question written test plus performance test; KCTCS notifies KBN within 30 days
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Kentucky?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Kentucky Board of Nursing. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
SRNA reciprocity through Nurse Portal — Active aide registered in another state
Key requirement: Upload Social Security card, driver’s license and state certification; a current paystub may be requested.
Reinstate existing Kentucky registration — Lapsed Kentucky SRNA
Key requirement: Provide eight paid nursing-related hours for each two-year period lapsed; without proof, retake classes and competency testing.
What are the first steps for SRNA reciprocity through Nurse Portal?
Apply in the KBN Nurse Portal
Choose Apply for a License, then State Registered Nurse Aide Reciprocity.
What exceptions apply?
- No active status in another state — KBN directs an approved Kentucky training course and competency evaluation.
What should you confirm?
- 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.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Kentucky?
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 from the date the competency exam was passed. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | Proof of at least 8 paid hours working as a state registered nurse aide, doing nursing or nursing-related tasks, in each 24-month period. A pay stub, last year's W-2, or a signed letter on a healthcare facility's letterhead works as proof. |
| CE or in-service | The Kentucky Board of Nursing's renewal page asks for proof of paid work; it doesn't list continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Renew through the KBN Nurse Portal. The renewal option appears no sooner than 60 days before your expiration date, and you'll upload your proof of work in the application. |
| If the credential lapses | To reinstate, show proof of 8 paid hours for every two years your registration has been lapsed. If you can't, contact KCTCS to retake the nurse aide classes and the competency test. |
Kentucky SRNA status lasts two years from the date you passed your competency exam. To renew, you need proof of at least 8 paid hours of nurse aide work in each 24-month period, such as a pay stub, W-2 or facility letter. Renew through the KBN Nurse Portal, starting no sooner than 60 days before expiration. The renewal page doesn't list continuing education. To reinstate a lapsed status, show 8 paid hours for every two years lapsed, or retake the classes and test.
Source: Kentucky Board of Nursing: SRNA renewal ↗ SRNA Reinstatement ↗
Open the official Kentucky registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state