Arizona

Arizona CNA Registry

Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official Arizona State Board of Nursing - Nursing Assistant Registry.

Visit Official Registry

2 years

Renewal Period

8 paid hours of nursing assistant work within the previous 2 years

Work Requirement

Yes

Accepts Reciprocity

Free

Online Lookup

How to Look Up Your Arizona CNA License

1

Open the AZBN License Lookup

Go to the Arizona State Board of Nursing's online verification portal, which is the official primary source for verifying CNA, LNA, UCNA, medication assistant, health aide, and school nurse credentials issued in Arizona.

AZBN License Lookup
2

Choose your search method

Select to search by name (recommended for nursing assistants), by credential number, or by NCSBN ID. AZBN notes that nursing assistant credential numbers can vary in format across CNA, LNA, and UCNA records, so name search is the most reliable method.

3

Enter the nursing assistant's information

Type in the last name and first name (partial names are accepted) and choose the appropriate license type from the dropdown - typically CNA or LNA for nursing assistants. Complete the security verification checkbox.

4

Review the verification results

Click Search to see the credential holder's certification number, license type, issue and expiration dates, current status, and any public disciplinary action. This information is the official primary source verification recognized by Arizona employers and regulators.

About the Arizona State Board of Nursing - Nursing Assistant Registry

The Arizona Nursing Assistant Registry is administered by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN), the state agency responsible for approving training programs, certifying nursing assistants, and maintaining the primary source verification system for all CNAs, LNAs, medication assistants, and health aides working in Arizona. AZBN's online verification tool is the official record used by employers, schools, and the public to confirm that an Arizona nursing assistant credential is active and in good standing.

Arizona requires a minimum of 120 hours of state-approved training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, which exceeds the federal floor of 75 hours. Under Arizona Administrative Code R4-19-802, that 120-hour curriculum must include at least 40 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of supervised skills laboratory practice, and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience (with at least 20 of those clinical hours providing direct resident care in a long-term care facility licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services). The remaining 20 hours are distributed by the program based on student and resource needs.

Arizona is unusual in offering two tiers of nursing assistant credentials: the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and the Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA). The LNA pathway requires meeting all CNA requirements plus submitting fingerprints and additional fees, and places the holder under the Board's broader disciplinary jurisdiction. All applicants performing clinical work in Arizona must also obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which is governed by ARS § 41-1758.07 and is required by most healthcare employers in the state.

Contact Information

Phone Number

(602) 771-7800

Mailing Address

Arizona State Board of Nursing 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000 Phoenix, AZ 85007

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Arizona CNA Testing Information

Testing Vendor

Arizona uses D&S Diversified Technologies - Headmaster LLP to administer the nurse aide competency evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration.

Visit D&S Diversified Technologies - Headmaster LLP

Training Requirements

Arizona requires 120 hours total: 40 classroom + 20 skills lab + 40 supervised clinical (with 20 hours of direct resident care in a licensed long-term care facility) + 20 additional program-allocated hours. Training programs must be approved by the state.

Find Arizona CNA Classes

Arizona CNA Renewal Requirements

Renewal Period

Arizona CNA certification is valid for 2 years from the date of initial certification or last renewal.

Work Requirement

You must perform at least 8 paid hours of nursing assistant work within the previous 2 years during your certification period to be eligible for renewal.

Employer Verification

Your employer verifies your work hours directly through the registry system. Keep your contact information current with your employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update my name or address on the Arizona Nursing Assistant Registry?

Arizona CNAs and LNAs can update name and address information through the AZBN Nurse Portal. Address changes can be made online through your account. Name changes require legal documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, submitted through the Nurse Portal or by mail to the Arizona State Board of Nursing at 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Keeping your information current with AZBN is required and helps ensure you receive renewal notices.

Do I need a Fingerprint Clearance Card to work as a CNA in Arizona?

Yes. To complete clinical hours and to work in most Arizona healthcare settings, you must obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS). Precluding offenses are defined in ARS § 41-1758.07. While CNAs are not required to submit fingerprints directly to AZBN, applicants pursuing the Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) credential must submit fingerprints to the Board along with a one-time $50 background check fee.

What is the difference between a CNA and an LNA in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the few states that offers two tiers of nursing assistant credentials. A CNA meets the educational and exam requirements set by AZBN. An LNA meets those same requirements and additionally submits an application, fingerprints, and fees to the Board. The LNA is regulated under AZBN's broader jurisdiction for any act of unprofessional conduct. LNA initial application and renewal each cost $50, while the CNA renewal fee is $0.

How often must I renew my Arizona CNA certification and what does it cost?

Arizona CNA and LNA credentials must be renewed every 2 years. There is no renewal fee for the CNA credential, but LNAs pay a $50 renewal fee. To remain on the active registry, you must have worked at least 8 paid hours performing nursing assistant duties within the previous two years. Late renewals are subject to a $50 per month late fee, up to a maximum of $200, and require submission of a Late/Invalid License Questionnaire.

Can I transfer my out-of-state CNA certification to Arizona?

Yes. AZBN accepts endorsement applications from CNAs certified in other states. You must have completed an out-of-state nursing assistant training program of at least 75 hours and have proof of at least 45 hours of paid nursing assistant work. Your out-of-state certificate must be active or have been active within the past 2 years. The CNA endorsement fee is $50; choosing the LNA endorsement route requires an additional $50 background check fee and fingerprints. Applications are submitted through the AZBN Nurse Portal.

Who administers the Arizona CNA certification exam?

Arizona's CNA competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies - Headmaster LLP (Headmaster). Candidates must be registered for the exam by their AZBN-approved training program and can schedule the written and skills tests at hdmaster.com. Headmaster's candidate support line is 800-393-8664. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation, both of which must be passed to be placed on the Arizona Nursing Assistant Registry.

Becoming a CNA in Arizona?

See the step-by-step requirements to become a CNA in Arizona, find approved training programs, or access free study materials.