State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Texas nurse aide certification ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Texas at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Texas Health and Human Services Commission |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 3, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 6, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Texas CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 3, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
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.[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?
- State and federal nurse aide rules do not require a high-school diploma or GED.[4]
- Candidates register through the SMT Notice email link and pass the Prometric written and skills exams. HHSC issues the certificate through TULIP.[3]
Where can you find training programs?
TX approved training-program directory ↗[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 are the steps?
Choose approved training
Use the HHSC NATCEP directory and arrange the required clinical component.[1]
Apply in TULIP
Select New Nurse Aide by Examination and New Nurse Aide eligibility. The program director approves training, background and misconduct checks.[3]
Register and pass examinations
Use the SMT Notice email registration link; pass written and skills tests through Prometric.[3]
Obtain registry certificate
Prometric sends scores to TULIP; HHSC issues the certificate and emails the applicant. Print from TULIP.[3]
What should you confirm with the state?
- The state directory is the current source for approved programs. Confirm a school’s approval before enrolling.
- Confirm TULIP account steps, exam prices, program costs and enrollment availability directly.
Where did this information come from?
- HHSC Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Texas ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Traditional Route; links to approved NATCEP spreadsheet and initial certification process map.
- HHSC NATCEP approved program directory ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Approved NATCEP spreadsheet linked from the current Traditional Route page.
- HHSC Certification - Nurse Aide Initial process map ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Single-page flowchart dated 4/2024: training, TULIP, director approval, SMT Notice, Prometric and certificate issuance.
- HHSC NAR Credentialing FAQs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Minimum education question: neither state nor federal nurse aide regulations require a high-school diploma or GED.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Texas?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Sources checked November 6, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Registry entry by reciprocity — Active out-of-state nurse aides
Key requirement: Current certification must be active.
What are the first steps for Registry entry by reciprocity?
Check criminal history
Obtain DPS name-based checks for every last name used.
Prepare documents
Upload checks, active certificate, government photo ID, Social Security card, and Form 5506 when the issuing state has no expiration date.
Apply and monitor
Choose Request for Entry through Reciprocity; correct Response Required deficiencies. Approval notice arrives from TULIP.
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.
- Military spouse stationed in Texas — Separate permit/waiver option exists; review orders, affidavit, attestation and marriage-document instructions.
What should you confirm?
- 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.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Texas?
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 | Your registration expires 24 months after it was issued or 24 months after your last verified employment as a nurse aide, whichever comes first. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | Your nursing facility submits Form 5506-NAR showing you did paid nursing or nursing-related work there during the preceding year. If it doesn't, you can submit the form yourself. |
| CE or in-service | At least 24 hours of in-service education every two years, including geriatrics and the care of residents with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. You also need to complete an HHSC course in infection control and PPE every year. |
| Renewal window | Renew online through TULIP. You can start renewing three months before your certificate expires. HHSC doesn't charge a renewal fee. |
| If the credential lapses | If your certificate expired and you don't have documented work in each two-year period, HHSC offers two options: retrain and retest, or retest without retraining. Retesting without retraining requires a Texas DPS criminal history check, which has a fee. |
Texas nurse aide registration lasts up to 24 months: it expires 24 months after it was issued or 24 months after your last verified nurse aide employment, whichever comes first. To renew, you need paid nursing or nursing-related work during the preceding year (verified on Form 5506-NAR), at least 24 hours of in-service education every two years including geriatrics and dementia care, and an HHSC infection control and PPE course every year. You can renew online through TULIP starting three months before expiration, and there's no fee. If your certificate expired without documented work, you can retrain and retest, or retest without retraining.
Source: Renew or Make Changes to a Nurse Aide Certificate in Texas ↗ 26 TAC §556.9 Certificate of Registration, Nurse Aide Registry, and Renewal ↗
Open the official Texas registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state