State terminology: Nurse aide. Pennsylvania nurse aide testing and registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Pennsylvania at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Pennsylvania Department of Health; Credentia manages day-to-day registry |
|---|---|
| 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 Pennsylvania CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires 80 training hours, including 37.5 supervised clinical hours.[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?
- Choose a PDE-approved program; PDE publishes age, criminal-history and health prerequisites. Confirm program admissions and start dates directly.[1]
- After approved training, register through Credentia. The official state service page links its Pennsylvania candidate handbook and registry.[3]
- The state describes a 24-month training-to-exam window and registry placement after passing the examination.[3]
Where can you find training programs?
PDE approved nurse aide training programs and map ↗[1] [2] 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 school approval and availability directly; the state workbook lists programs but does not guarantee current classes.
- Confirm current handbook fees, test appointments and school admission requirements directly.
Where did this information come from?
- PDE Nurse Aide Training Program ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Approved-program Excel link, enrollment criteria, Credentia exam/handbook reference.
- PDE Approved NATCEP by County, March 2026 ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · PDE training page; approved-program workbook.
- PA Apply to Become a Nurse Aide ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · How to Become: PDE training, 24-month testing window, Credentia, registry placement.
- Credentia Pennsylvania Handbook FAQ ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Question 4: 80 training hours including 37.5 supervised clinical hours; official state page links contractor handbook.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Pennsylvania?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Pennsylvania Department of Health; Credentia manages day-to-day registry. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Online reciprocity — Active good-standing other-state registry
Key requirement: Must be active and in good standing under federal nursing-home nurse-aide statutes.
What are the first steps for Online reciprocity?
Use Pennsylvania account
Follow PA page to the state-specific Credentia account; existing other-state account is not the PA application.
Complete reciprocity request
In Registry section open nurse-aide reciprocity request, enter certification details, attach requested records and submit for review.
Monitor status
Use PA account for reciprocity status and registry details.
What exceptions apply?
- Other-state listing lapsed through 24 months without work — PA state page lists this as testing eligibility, separate from active-registry reciprocity.
What else should you know?
- PA renewal work requirements are continued-enrollment rules. Confirm whether they affect an initial reciprocity application.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the current portal steps, attachments and verification-sender rules with the agency.
- Confirm the reciprocity fee and processing time with the agency.
What will the Pennsylvania planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Online reciprocity)
- Have you previously been listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Pennsylvania?
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. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid nurse aide work in each 24-month period, in a setting such as a nursing home, hospital, personal care home, nursing agency or intermediate care facility. Private duty and self-employment don't count. |
| CE or in-service | Pennsylvania doesn't require training hours to renew your registry. Nursing homes must give nurse aides at least 12 hours of in-service education each year. |
| Renewal window | Renew online through Credentia. The Department of Health mails a notice to your home address about 90 days before your registry expires. |
| If the credential lapses | If your registry has lapsed, you get one chance to retest. Or you can show proof of at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid work in each 24-month period. |
Pennsylvania nurse aide registry enrollment renews every two years. You need at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid nurse aide work in an approved setting during the 24-month period; self-employment, private duty and doctor's office work don't count. There are no training hours required to renew, but nursing homes must give nurse aides at least 12 hours of in-service education each year. If your registry lapses, you get one chance to retest, or you can show proof of qualifying work for each period.
Source: Nurse Aide Testing ↗ Pennsylvania NNAAP Handbook: Frequently Asked Questions ↗
Open the official Pennsylvania registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state