Texas

Texas CNA Registry

Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official Texas Nurse Aide Registry.

Visit Official Registry

2 years

Renewal Period

8 hours of paid nursing services

Work Requirement

Yes

Accepts Reciprocity

Free

Online Lookup

How to Look Up Your Texas CNA License

1

Access the Texas NAR Search

Visit the Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry search page.

Go to NAR Search
2

Enter Search Criteria

Search by name (first and last) or by the nurse aide registry number if known.

3

Review Search Results

Select the correct individual from the search results to view their detailed certification information.

4

Verify Status

Check active/inactive status, expiration date, and whether there are any findings on record.

About the Texas Nurse Aide Registry

The Texas Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) is maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). It contains information about all individuals who have completed a state-approved nurse aide training program and passed the competency evaluation in Texas.

Texas is one of the largest states in the nation with a significant healthcare workforce. The registry serves as a critical tool for nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies to verify that potential employees are properly certified and have no disqualifying findings.

The registry also maintains records of any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property, which are reported to the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) database.

Contact Information

Phone Number

(512) 438-2050

Mailing Address

Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry, MC E-370 P.O. Box 149030 Austin, TX 78714-9030

Hours of Operation

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

Texas CNA Testing Information

Testing Vendor

Texas 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.

Visit Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE)

Training Requirements

Texas requires 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. Training programs must be approved by the state.

Find Texas CNA Classes

Texas CNA Renewal Requirements

Renewal Period

Texas 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 nursing services 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 Texas CNA certification?

Texas CNA certification must be renewed every 2 years. You must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services during your certification period. Your employer reports your employment to the registry. If you haven't worked, you'll need to retake the competency evaluation to renew.

How long does it take to get listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry?

After passing your state competency evaluation, it typically takes 2-4 weeks for your name to appear on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. You can contact the registry at (512) 438-2050 if your name doesn't appear within 30 days of passing your exam.

Can I transfer my CNA certification to Texas from another state?

Yes, Texas accepts reciprocity from other states. You'll need to submit a Reciprocity Application, provide verification of active certification from your current state, pass a criminal background check, and pay the application fee. Your certification must be in good standing with no findings.

What are the consequences of having a finding on my record?

If you have a substantiated finding of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property, you cannot work as a nurse aide in Texas or any other state. Findings are reported to the national database and are permanent. You have the right to appeal findings through a hearing process.

My Texas CNA certification expired. What do I need to do?

If your certification has been expired for less than 2 years, you may be eligible for reinstatement by providing proof of 8 hours of nursing-related work. If expired for more than 2 years, you'll need to retake and pass the competency evaluation. Contact the registry for specific requirements based on your situation.

How do I update my personal information on the Texas registry?

To update your name, address, or other personal information, submit a Change of Information form to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. Name changes require legal documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Forms are available on the HHS website.

Texas CNA Refresher Topics

Whether you are preparing to renew your Texas certification, brushing up before returning to work, or studying for the Texas 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 Texas CNA returning to active status.

Infection Control

Standard precautions, PPE protocols, and transmission-based precautions for Texas nurse aides working with vulnerable residents.

Safety & Emergencies

Fall prevention, RACE/PASS fire response, choking, and CPR — heavily tested on Texas CNA reinstatement exams.

Personal Care & Elimination

Bathing, peri-care, toileting, and incontinence management procedures used daily by Texas CNAs in long-term care.

Dementia & Cognitive Care

Validation therapy, sundowning, and de-escalation techniques for working with cognitively impaired residents in Texas.

Body Systems & Conditions

Recognizing strokes (FAST), hypoglycemia, pressure injuries, and CHF — essential clinical knowledge for active Texas CNAs.

Legal & Ethical Issues

Scope of practice, negligence, mandatory reporting, and professional boundaries — review essentials for any Texas CNA renewing certification.

Communication & SBAR

SBAR handoff, therapeutic responses, and adaptations for hearing- or vision-impaired residents — practical refreshers for Texas CNAs.

Data Collection & Reporting

Objective vs subjective documentation, pain scales, and what to report immediately — refresh the rules used daily by Texas CNAs.

End-of-Life Care

Hospice vs palliative care, recognizing signs of approaching death, and postmortem care — for Texas CNAs in long-term care settings.

Becoming a CNA in Texas?

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