Pennsylvania CNA Registry
Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
Visit Official Registry2 years
Renewal Period
8 hours of paid employment
Work Requirement
Yes
Accepts Reciprocity
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
Phone Number
(800) 852-0518Mailing Address
Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Nursing Care Facilities 625 Forster Street, Room 526 Harrisburg, PA 17120
Pennsylvania CNA Testing Information
Testing Vendor
Pennsylvania uses Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE) to administer the nurse aide competency evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration.
Pennsylvania CNA Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Pennsylvania CNA certification is valid for 2 years from the date of initial certification or last renewal.
Work Requirement
You must perform at least 8 hours of paid employment 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 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.
Pennsylvania CNA Refresher Topics
Whether you are preparing to renew your Pennsylvania certification, brushing up before returning to work, or studying for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry reinstatement exam, these free guides cover the topics most commonly tested:
Patient Rights & HIPAA
OBRA '87 resident rights, mandatory reporting, advance directives — essential for any Pennsylvania CNA returning to active status.
Infection Control
Standard precautions, PPE protocols, and transmission-based precautions for Pennsylvania nurse aides working with vulnerable residents.
Safety & Emergencies
Fall prevention, RACE/PASS fire response, choking, and CPR — heavily tested on Pennsylvania CNA reinstatement exams.
Personal Care & Elimination
Bathing, peri-care, toileting, and incontinence management procedures used daily by Pennsylvania CNAs in long-term care.
Dementia & Cognitive Care
Validation therapy, sundowning, and de-escalation techniques for working with cognitively impaired residents in Pennsylvania.
Body Systems & Conditions
Recognizing strokes (FAST), hypoglycemia, pressure injuries, and CHF — essential clinical knowledge for active Pennsylvania CNAs.
Legal & Ethical Issues
Scope of practice, negligence, mandatory reporting, and professional boundaries — review essentials for any Pennsylvania CNA renewing certification.
Communication & SBAR
SBAR handoff, therapeutic responses, and adaptations for hearing- or vision-impaired residents — practical refreshers for Pennsylvania CNAs.
Data Collection & Reporting
Objective vs subjective documentation, pain scales, and what to report immediately — refresh the rules used daily by Pennsylvania CNAs.
End-of-Life Care
Hospice vs palliative care, recognizing signs of approaching death, and postmortem care — for Pennsylvania CNAs in long-term care settings.
Becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania?
See the step-by-step requirements to become a CNA in Pennsylvania, find approved training programs, or access free study materials.