Pennsylvania CNA Registry
Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
Look Up Your License2 years
Renewal Period
8 hours of paid employment
Work Requirement
$37
Reciprocity Fee
Free
Online Lookup
How to Look Up Your Pennsylvania CNA License
Visit the PA Nurse Aide Registry
Go to the Pennsylvania Department of Health nurse aide verification website.
Go to Lookup ToolEnter Search Criteria
Search by last name and first name. You can also search by certification number if known.
Review Search Results
Select the correct person from the search results to view their detailed certification information.
View Certification Details
The record shows certification status, expiration date, training completion date, and any findings.
About the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
The Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Nursing Care Facilities. The registry contains records of all individuals who have completed state-approved nurse aide training and passed the competency evaluation.
Pennsylvania uses Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE) as its testing vendor for the nurse aide competency evaluation. After passing the exam, your information is automatically transmitted to the state registry.
Employers in Pennsylvania are legally required to verify that all nurse aides are properly certified and have no disqualifying findings before allowing them to work with residents or patients.
Contact Information
Registry Information
PA Department of Health - Nurse AidesOnline Lookup Tool
NAR Search PortalPhone Number
(800) 852-0518Mailing Address
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Nursing Care Facilities
625 Forster Street, Room 526
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Testing Vendor (Credentia)
(800) 852-0518
Pennsylvania CNA Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Pennsylvania CNA certification is valid for 2 years. Your expiration date is 24 months from your initial certification or last renewal.
Work Requirement
You must work at least 8 hours as a paid nurse aide during your 2-year certification period. This can be in any healthcare setting.
Automatic Renewal
If your employer reports your work hours to the registry, your certification renews automatically. No separate application is needed.
Pennsylvania Background Check Requirement
Pennsylvania requires CNAs to have current background clearances including PA State Police Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Federal Criminal History (for those who have lived outside PA). These must be renewed every 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my Pennsylvania CNA certification?
Pennsylvania CNA certification must be renewed every 2 years. To renew, you must have worked at least 8 hours as a nurse aide for pay during your certification period. Your employer reports your employment to the registry. If you haven't met the work requirement, you'll need to retake and pass the competency exam.
How long does it take to appear on the Pennsylvania registry?
After passing your competency evaluation, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for your name to appear on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Testing results are submitted by the testing organization (Credentia) directly to the registry.
Can I transfer my CNA license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Yes, Pennsylvania accepts reciprocity. You must submit a Reciprocity Application with a $37 fee, verification of current certification from your original state, and pass a Pennsylvania criminal background check. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Who administers the Pennsylvania CNA competency exam?
The Pennsylvania nurse aide competency evaluation is administered by Credentia. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration test. You can schedule your exam through Credentia's website or by calling them directly.
What happens if my Pennsylvania CNA certification expires?
If your certification expires, you must retake and pass both parts of the competency evaluation (written and skills). You do not need to complete a new training program. Contact Credentia to schedule your exam. There is a testing fee of approximately $118.
How do I update my information on the Pennsylvania registry?
To update your name or address, submit a written request to the Pennsylvania Department of Health with documentation supporting the change (such as a marriage certificate or driver's license). Name changes also require a new background check. Updates can take 2-4 weeks to process.
Need CNA Training in Pennsylvania?
If you're looking to become a CNA in Pennsylvania, find state-approved training programs near you.