CNA Requirements in Kentucky
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Kentucky: the training, exam, background check, and timeline you need to plan for.
Find Kentucky CNA Training ProgramsKentucky CNA Requirements at a Glance
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
75 hours minimum
Time to Certification
5-9 weeks from program start to Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry listing
Exam Vendor
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator
Becoming a CNA in Kentucky
Becoming a nurse aide in Kentucky follows a slightly different naming convention than most states: Kentucky credentials its aides as State Registered Nurse Aides (SRNAs) rather than CNAs. The pathway is governed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Department for Medicaid Services (which approves training programs under 907 KAR 1:450) and the Kentucky Board of Nursing (which maintains the registry). Training is 75 hours — the federal minimum — with about 59 classroom hours and at least 16 hours of clinical practice in a Medicaid-approved facility.
Kentucky is unique in that the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the sole approved testing administrator for the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test (KNAT). Whether you train at a KCTCS college, a hospital, or a private school, your written and skills exams are scheduled through a KCTCS KNAT Coordinator using the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform. The combined exam fee is approximately $115, and you may test at any approved Kentucky testing site regardless of where you trained.
Once you pass both portions of the KNAT, KCTCS transmits your results to the Kentucky Board of Nursing, which adds you to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry as an SRNA — typically within 1-3 weeks. To stay on the registry you must perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services every 24 months. Permanent hires must complete the KNAT within the first four months of employment; unemployed graduates have 12 months from training completion. Kentucky honors reciprocity from other states if the applicant is in good standing and has recent work experience.
Detailed Kentucky CNA Requirements
Regulatory Body
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) — Medicaid Services Branch (in cooperation with the Kentucky Board of Nursing)
Minimum Age
You must be at least 16 years old to begin CNA training in Kentucky.
Education Requirement
No statewide high school diploma or GED requirement to enter training; many KCTCS-affiliated programs require students to be at least 16-17 and able to read and write English
Training Hours
75 hours minimum required.
Approximately 59 hours of in-person or online classroom instruction plus a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical practice in a Medicaid-approved long-term care facility
Background Check
Kentucky state and FBI criminal background check; substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state registry disqualify applicants, and Kentucky's Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Inspector General investigates allegations
Competency Exam
Administered by Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator. Kentucky Nurse Aide Test (KNAT): two-part evaluation — a 75-item written knowledge test (70% pass score, 2-hour limit) plus a skills test of 5 randomly selected skills observed by a nurse evaluator
Cost: $135 total for the written track ($40 written knowledge + $95 skills) or $150 total for the oral track ($55 oral/audio + $95 skills) paid to KCTCS via ky.tmutest.com; testing fees are non-refundable
Application Fee
$0 directly to the Kentucky Board of Nursing for initial SRNA registry placement after passing the KNAT
Total Cost Estimate
$0-$1,500 depending on whether training is employer-sponsored, KCTCS, or a private provider
Where You Can Work
Kentucky-licensed long-term care facilities, nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and hospice programs that participate in Medicaid
What's Different About Kentucky
Kentucky uses a unique 'SRNA' (State Registered Nurse Aide) credential rather than 'CNA', and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the only approved testing administrator statewide
How to Become a CNA in Kentucky: Step by Step
Confirm you meet Kentucky's prerequisites
Most Kentucky training programs require students to be at least 16 or 17 years old (set by each program), able to read and write English, and free of disqualifying convictions. You must be willing to undergo a Kentucky state and FBI criminal background check before clinical hours and registry placement. A high school diploma is not required by the state.
Enroll in a state-approved Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide Training Program (KMNATP)
Find a 75-hour nurse aide program approved by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Approved providers include the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) colleges, the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville Schools of Nursing, many long-term care facilities, and private schools. Training must include 59 classroom hours and at least 16 hours of clinical practice in a Medicaid-approved facility.
Complete training and obtain your KCTCS testing authorization
Pass all classroom modules and demonstrate the required clinical competencies. Your training program will enter your record into the KCTCS TestMaster Universe (TMU) system, which authorizes you to register for the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test (KNAT).
Register for and schedule your KNAT exam
Register through your local KNAT Coordinator via the KCTCS Nurse Aide Testing system (1-877-528-2748 or [email protected]). The combined fee for both portions is approximately $115. You may test at any approved Kentucky testing location regardless of where you trained. Permanent employees must test within four months of hire; unemployed graduates have 12 months from program completion.
Pass both portions of the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test
The KNAT written exam is 75 multiple-choice questions in a 2-hour limit, requiring at least 70% to pass. The skills test asks you to perform 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills under a nurse evaluator's observation. Score both portions; KCTCS transmits results to the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Get listed on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry as an SRNA
After you pass both portions, the Kentucky Board of Nursing — in cooperation with the Department for Medicaid Services — adds you to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry as a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA). Verify your status at kybn.boardsofnursing.org/licenselookup. Listing typically appears within 1-3 weeks.
Begin working as an SRNA in Kentucky
Once you are listed as Active on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry you may work in any Kentucky-licensed long-term care facility, hospital, home health agency, or hospice. To maintain active status you must perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work during each 24-month renewal cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a CNA and an SRNA in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the official credential is State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA), not CNA. Functionally an SRNA is the same role as a CNA in other states — the credential satisfies federal OBRA requirements for nurse aide certification — but you'll see the term 'SRNA' on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, on job postings, and on Kentucky Board of Nursing communications.
Who administers the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test (KNAT)?
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the sole approved testing administrator for the KNAT, using the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform. KCTCS Nurse Aide Testing can be reached at (877) 528-2748 or [email protected]. You can test at any approved Kentucky testing site, not just KCTCS colleges, regardless of where you completed your training.
How long do I have to take the KNAT after completing training?
If you are unemployed when you finish training, you have 12 months from your program completion date to pass both portions of the KNAT. If you are hired by a long-term care facility as a permanent nurse aide, you must complete the KNAT within the first four months of employment under federal OBRA rules. Miss either deadline and you must retrain.
How much does it cost to become an SRNA in Kentucky?
Total costs typically range from $0 (employer-sponsored training) to about $1,500. KCTCS Medicaid Nurse Aide programs are often the most affordable option, the KNAT exam is approximately $115 for both portions combined, and the Kentucky Board of Nursing does not charge a separate initial application fee for SRNA registry placement. Budget another $25-$75 for background check fees and required uniforms.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky accepts reciprocity from other state registries through the Kentucky Board of Nursing's SRNA reciprocity process. You must submit a reciprocity application with copies of your driver's license, Social Security card, and current state certification. Your home-state registry must verify you are in good standing with no findings, and you must have recent work experience in the field.
What disqualifies you from becoming an SRNA in Kentucky?
Substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property on any state registry permanently disqualify you. Certain felony convictions — particularly those involving violence, theft, fraud, or sexual offenses — disqualify under Cabinet for Health and Family Services rules. The Office of Inspector General investigates allegations against Kentucky SRNAs and can issue findings that prevent registry placement.
Free Study Materials for the Kentucky CNA Exam
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator exam used by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) — Medicaid Services Branch (in cooperation with the Kentucky Board of Nursing) tests both knowledge and hands-on skills. Use these free study guides to prepare for the topics most commonly tested in Kentucky:
Infection Control
Standard precautions, PPE, hand hygiene, transmission-based precautions, and biohazard handling for the Kentucky CNA exam.
Basic Nursing Skills
Vital signs, intake/output, positioning, transfers, and range of motion — the largest block on the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator skills test.
Personal Care & Elimination
Bathing, peri-care, oral care, toileting, and incontinence management — heavily tested Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator skills in Kentucky.
Safety & Emergencies
RACE/PASS fire safety, fall prevention, choking, CPR, and seizure care — required knowledge for Kentucky CNA candidates.
Communication Skills
SBAR handoff, therapeutic communication, and adaptations for hearing, vision, and dementia residents — tested throughout the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator exam.
Patient Rights
OBRA '87 resident rights, HIPAA, advance directives, and freedom from restraints — graded on every Kentucky CNA practical exam skill.
Data Collection & Reporting
Objective vs subjective data, pain scales, what to report immediately, and documentation rules used on the Kentucky exam.
Body Systems & Conditions
Cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine basics, plus pressure-injury staging — frequently tested on the Kentucky written exam.
End-of-Life Care
Hospice vs palliative care, Kübler-Ross stages, and postmortem care for Kentucky CNAs working in long-term care.
Mental Health & Dementia
Delirium vs dementia, sundowning, validation therapy, and de-escalation — frequently tested on the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator written exam in Kentucky.
Legal & Ethical Issues
Scope of practice, the four elements of negligence, mandatory reporting, and ethical principles every Kentucky CNA must know before working.
Test yourself for the Kentucky CNA exam
Free Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator Practice Tests
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) via the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — KCTCS is the sole approved testing administrator written exam used in Kentucky has 60 scored multiple-choice questions. Drill our free NNAAP-style practice tests until you can consistently score above 80%, then walk into the testing center confident.
Ready to Start Your Kentucky CNA Career?
Find approved training programs, free study materials, and license verification tools for Kentucky.