State terminology: Certified nursing assistant (CNA). Utah Nursing Assistant Registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Utah at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) |
|---|---|
| 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 Utah CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Utah?
Utah nurse aide training programs must provide at least 100 hours of supervised, documented training by a licensed nurse, including at least 24 hours of supervised practical training in a nursing care facility (Utah Admin. Code R432-45-5).[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?
- UNAR approves and oversees Utah nursing-assistant training programs and instructors and manages certification services.[1]
- UNAR’s guide uses TMU to manage certification testing and registry records; testing includes knowledge and manual-skills components.[3]
- Complete an approved training program, then pass both the written knowledge exam and the manual skills exam within one year of finishing the program. You get three attempts at each exam, and no extensions are given.[3]
- Programs set their own fees; confirm class format, dates and financial assistance directly with the program.[2]
Where can you find training programs?
UNAR-approved training programs ↗[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.
Where did this information come from?
- Utah Nursing Assistant Registry ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · UNAR authority and current handbook link
- UNAR Approved Training Programs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Current city-filtered program directory
- UNAR State Certification Exam Guide, 3rd edition ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Current linked March 2026 guide; training completion and TMU
- Utah Admin. Code R432-45-5: Nurse Aide Training Program Requirements Under UNAR (LII copy) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Cornell Legal Information Institute's reproduction of the Utah Administrative Code, amended effective May 8, 2025. (6): at least 100 hours of supervised and documented training by a licensed nurse. (7): at least 24 of the 100 hours of supervised practical training in a nursing care facility.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Utah?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR). Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Utah reciprocity — Applicants with a current active CNA certificate in another state.
Key requirement: A current, active out-of-state certificate is required. Transfer it to Utah by submitting the reciprocity application.
What are the first steps for Utah reciprocity?
Prepare the uploads
Include valid photo ID, Social Security card, current CNA card or registry screenshot, and all other current/expired CNA certificates.
Submit the linked application
Complete the online reciprocity application and use PDF or JPEG uploads, not HEIC.
Pay through UNAR’s secure link
Approved applications receive a payment link; pay within three weeks of approval.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm individual eligibility and application requirements with the registry.
- The source describes processing stages, not a guaranteed approval time.
What will the Utah planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Utah reciprocity)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Utah? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Utah?
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 200 paid hours of nursing or nursing-related work under a licensed nurse's direction in the previous 24 months. Your employer verifies the hours on your renewal form, and a licensed nurse signs it. |
| CE or in-service | UNAR's renewal requirements are based on paid work hours; its handbook and renewal answers don't list continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Your renewal form is in your TMU account starting 90 days before expiration, and you'll get email and text reminders at 90, 60 and 30 days. Submit it by email or mail. If it arrives one day to six months late, there's a $40 late fee; the six months isn't extra time to finish your 200 hours. |
| If the credential lapses | Six to 24 months expired: pass the state written and manual skills exams through the Expired Certificate Application. More than 24 months expired: complete another approved training program and pass the state exams. |
Utah CNA certificates renew every two years. You need at least 200 paid hours of nursing or nursing-related work under a licensed nurse in the past 24 months, verified by your employer on the renewal form. The form opens in TMU 90 days before expiration, with reminders at 90, 60 and 30 days. Up to six months late, you pay a $40 late fee; six to 24 months expired, you retest; more than 24 months, you retrain and retest. UNAR's renewal requirements don't list continuing education.
Source: UNAR Common Questions ↗ Utah Nursing Assistant Registry State Certification Handbook ↗
Open the official Utah registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state