Wyoming CNA Requirements 2026
Wyoming Certified Nurse Aides are certified by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing after completing a state-approved training program and passing a two-part competency exam. Applicants also complete a criminal background check and submit their application through the WSBN online portal. Wyoming offers advanced CNA credentials, including CNA II and medication aide certification.
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Wyoming certifies nurse aides at multiple levels, starting with the standard CNA credential. The Wyoming State Board of Nursing handles certification, and the Wyoming Department of Health maintains the state’s CNA registry. Getting certified requires completing an approved training program, passing a competency exam, and clearing a criminal background check. Nurses who already hold an RN or LPN license in Wyoming can find credential-specific requirements on the nursing license requirements in Wyoming page.
Jump to a section:
- CNA Training Requirements
- The Competency Exam
- The Application Process
- Criminal Background Checks
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Temporary Permits
- Renewing Your Certification
- Advanced Certifications
- Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry
CNA Training Requirements in Wyoming
Candidates must complete a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Wyoming Department of Health. Programs must meet state and federal minimum requirements for instruction hours, including classroom and hands-on clinical components. The Wyoming Department of Health publishes its current list of approved programs. Community colleges across the state, including Casper College, Laramie County Community College, Central Wyoming College, Northwest College, and Eastern Wyoming College, offer approved programs.
After finishing the program, candidates have a set eligibility period to complete all competency exam requirements. Candidates who are working under a Graduate Nurse Aide temporary permit have a shorter timeframe and should schedule their exam as soon as possible after training ends.
The Competency Exam
Wyoming uses the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NACE) to assess readiness for practice. The exam has two components, and candidates must pass both to earn certification. Candidates typically attempt both parts on the same testing day.
The knowledge test is computer-based and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete it. An oral exam option is also available in English or Spanish for candidates who need an alternative format. Note that even the oral version includes some English reading comprehension questions designed to confirm that candidates have the minimum reading ability required for the job.
The skills test requires candidates to perform nursing assistant tasks in a live demonstration. Every candidate must perform proper hand hygiene. Additional skills are selected at random, but at least one task involving measurement appears in every testing session. All steps marked as “critical” in the candidate handbook must be completed correctly to pass.
Candidates may make up to five attempts on each component within the eligibility period after program completion. Failing one part does not require retaking the other. Candidates who exhaust all five attempts without passing will need to complete a new training program before becoming eligible to retake the test. Graduate Nurse Aide permit holders should be aware that their permit is no longer valid after an exam failure.
Exam registration is handled through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing’s Nurse Portal. Candidate handbooks, skills checklists, and other testing resources are available through the Board’s website and the testing vendor’s site. Exam structure, timing, fees, and retest limits are set by the WSBN and the testing vendor and are subject to change. Verify current details through the Nurse Portal and the testing vendor’s candidate handbook before registering.
The Application Process
The certification application and exam registration are two separate processes in Wyoming. The Board recommends completing both simultaneously. Applications are submitted through the WSBN Nurse Portal. Create an account on the Board’s website and select the appropriate application type.
The application includes screening questions about criminal history and related background. Answering yes to any screening question requires a personal statement and supporting documentation, such as court judgments or a physician’s statement. Processing time can run up to 14 business days. Wyoming does not issue paper certificates, and certification status can be checked online through the portal.
Application, exam, endorsement, and renewal fees all apply and are among the most frequently updated items on the Board’s schedule. Verify current amounts through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing’s Nurse Portal before submitting any application or payment.
Criminal Background Checks
Wyoming requires a criminal background check for all CNA applicants. Applicants submit two fingerprint cards as part of the process. If fingerprint cards aren’t included with the application, the Board will send them. Background check processing times vary. Applicants should submit fingerprints as early as possible and monitor their Nurse Portal for status updates.
Out-of-State CNAs
Nurse aides certified in another state can apply for certification in Wyoming by endorsement. To qualify, candidates must have worked as a certified nurse aide at some point in the prior 24 months and completed 24 hours of in-service education during that time. An exception applies to candidates who completed a nurse aide training program or the first semester of nursing school within the past 24 months; in that case, the in-service requirement does not apply.
Before applying for endorsement, confirm that your out-of-state certification is current and in good standing. Out-of-state CNAs can be granted a 90-day temporary permit to work in Wyoming while the endorsement application is processed.
Temporary Permits
Wyoming graduates of an approved CNA training program are eligible for a Graduate Nurse Aide Temporary Permit. The permit is issued when the training program instructor submits the list of eligible graduates to the Board. Candidates who have not been offered employment yet can request a delay in permit issuance. Contact the Board before program completion to arrange this.
Temporary permits are only valid until exam requirements are met or the eligibility window closes. The Board notes that Graduate Nurse Aide permits are no longer valid after an exam failure. Candidates should verify their permit status with the Board immediately after a failed attempt and should not continue practicing without confirmed authorization.
Renewing Your Certification
Wyoming CNA certifications must be renewed every two years, with renewals due before December 31 of each even-numbered year. Wyoming publishes several competency pathway options for renewal, and the Board periodically updates these requirements. Check the Wyoming State Board of Nursing website for the current renewal competency options and fee amounts well before your deadline. All renewals are processed online through the WSBN Nurse Portal.
CNAs who do not complete an applicable renewal pathway within the required period will need to retrain and repass the competency exam, or complete another Board-approved pathway, before returning to practice.
Advanced Certifications
Wyoming offers a CNA II credential for nurse aides who want to take on more clinical responsibilities. CNA IIs can perform more advanced duties for patients with stable chronic conditions. Per Wyoming State Board of Nursing guidance, candidates must have at least 1,500 hours of work experience as a CNA, complete 30 additional hours of training through a Board-approved CNA II program, and pass a final examination and field test. The curriculum covers skills such as wound care, oxygen therapy, and blood glucose testing. Confirm current eligibility requirements and the list of approved CNA II programs directly with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nurse aides who want to become medication aides must first complete CNA II training. Medication aide certification requires passing a separate Board-approved competency examination. Contact the Wyoming State Board of Nursing for current program and exam information. CNAs looking to advance further into licensed nursing can review LPN requirements in Wyoming as a next step.
Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry
To verify CNA certification status in Wyoming, use the “Verify a CNA” tool on the Wyoming State Board of Nursing’s website. Enter the candidate’s name or certification number to check current status. This is the primary verification tool used by candidates, employers, and facilities. The Wyoming Department of Health’s Healthcare Licensing and Surveys division also oversees the state’s CNA registry and approves training programs.
The Wyoming State Board of Nursing can be reached by telephone at (307) 777-7601 or by email at [email protected]. For questions about exam registration and testing resources, contact the Board or refer to the Nurse Portal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Wyoming?
Most state-approved CNA training programs in Wyoming can be completed in four to eight weeks, depending on the school and schedule. After finishing the program, you have a defined eligibility window to pass the two-part competency exam. Background check processing times vary, so submit your fingerprints as early as possible and monitor your Nurse Portal for status updates. For current fees on the application and exam, check the Wyoming State Board of Nursing website before you apply.
What is the Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry?
The Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry tracks all active certified nurse aides in the state. To verify your own certification status or a colleague’s, use the “Verify a CNA” tool on the Wyoming State Board of Nursing’s website. Enter a name or certification number to check current status. Employers routinely use this tool to verify candidates before hiring.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to Wyoming from another state?
Yes. Wyoming accepts out-of-state CNAs through an endorsement process. You’ll need active certification in good standing, documented work as a CNA within the past 24 months, and 24 hours of completed in-service education. If you completed your training within the last 24 months, the work experience requirement may not apply. A 90-day temporary permit is available while the endorsement application is reviewed.
What is a CNA II in Wyoming?
CNA II is an advanced credential that allows Wyoming nurse aides to perform more clinical tasks for patients with stable chronic conditions. Requirements include 1,500 hours of CNA work experience, 30 additional training hours through a Board-approved CNA II program, and passing a final exam and field test. The curriculum covers wound care, oxygen therapy, and blood glucose testing, among other skills.
When does a Wyoming CNA certification expire?
Wyoming CNA certifications must be renewed every two years, before December 31 of each even-numbered year. Wyoming offers several competency pathway options for renewal, and the requirements are periodically updated. Check the Wyoming State Board of Nursing website for current renewal options and fees. All renewals are processed online through the WSBN Nurse Portal.
Key Takeaways
- Board-approved training is required — Candidates must complete a Wyoming-approved NATCEP before sitting for the competency exam.
- Two-part competency exam — The Wyoming NACE includes a written knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration. Both parts must be passed to earn certification.
- Applications go through the WSBN Nurse Portal — Certification applications and exam registration are submitted online. The Board recommends completing both simultaneously.
- Certification renews every two years — Wyoming CNAs renew before December 31 of each even year. Renewal competency pathways are set by the WSBN and updated periodically.
- Advanced credentials are available — Wyoming offers CNA II and medication aide certifications for CNAs looking to expand their clinical responsibilities.
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