Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in Alaska
Alaska’s Certified Nurse Aides are credentialed by the Alaska Board of Nursing. Certification requires completing a state-approved training program of at least 140 hours, passing the NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam through Credentia, and clearing a fingerprint-based background check. The total application fee is $275.
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Alaska’s Certified Nurse Aides are registered through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. The process runs in a set order: complete training, submit your application, pass the competency exam, and clear the background check. Candidates with prior nursing education or military healthcare training may qualify through an alternate pathway. For other credential types, see RN and LPN licensing requirements in Alaska.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, the application process, endorsement, and renewal information.
- Training Requirements
- Alternate Training Pathways
- Examination Requirements
- Background Check Requirements
- The Application Process
- CNA Certification by Endorsement
- Renewal Requirements
- English Proficiency for International Candidates
Training Requirements
Before applying for certification, you’ll need to complete a state-approved CNA training program. Alaska requires a minimum of 140 total training hours: 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of supervised clinical skills training. Programs must meet state standards set by the Alaska Board of Nursing.
A list of approved programs is available on the Board of Nursing’s website. The Board will only accept training completed within the two years prior to application, so timing matters if you’ve already finished a program.
One exception applies to nursing home employees: a person enrolled in a nursing assistant program at a nursing home may begin performing nursing assistant duties before receiving certification, but must become certified within 120 days.
Alternate Training Pathways
Alaska recognizes several alternate routes to certification for applicants with prior healthcare training.
Completion of at least one year of nursing school qualifies if the program included both classwork and clinical hours. The applicant must apply for examination within two years of completing that program.
U.S. military corpsman or medic training is also accepted, provided it was completed within the prior five years.
Any applicant who holds a current or lapsed nursing license in good standing is eligible for certification as a nurse aide. The nursing license may be issued by a U.S. state, Canadian province, or territory of the United States or Canada. CNAs who want to move in the other direction can advance from CNA to RN through bridge programs available in most states.
Candidates who completed nursing education outside the United States or Canada are eligible as well. Any documents not in English must be translated before submission.
Examination Requirements
Prospective Alaska CNAs must pass the NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam, which has two components: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills assessment. Both must be passed to qualify for certification.
The examination is administered by Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services. Once the Board approves your application, you’ll receive an Approval to Test (ATT) letter with instructions for scheduling. Exams are scheduled through a CNA365 account at credentia.com. Credentia customer service is available at (888) 204-6249.
Candidates who have difficulty with the written format may request an oral examination in its place. The skills assessment must be completed in person, regardless of which written format is used.
Candidates who do not pass either section will receive information identifying areas where improvement is needed. A candidate may attempt both the knowledge and skills tests up to three times before being required to complete another approved training program.
Background Check Requirements
All CNA applicants in Alaska must complete fingerprint-based state and national criminal history checks. Fingerprints are taken on standard FD 258 fingerprint cards, which are available at many fingerprinting sites. Applicants may also request a card directly from the Board of Nursing using the online request form on the Board’s website.
The completed fingerprint card is submitted along with the application.
The Application Process
You’ll submit your application after completing training but before taking the examination. Applications are available online through the MY LICENSE portal or as paper forms on the Board of Nursing’s website. Use form #08-4069 (Certified Nurse Aide by Examination). Make sure you’re using the current version before completing it.
The training program must verify your education directly by completing form #08-4069b, which it returns to the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry. If you’re qualifying through nursing school transcripts, submit those in place of the training verification form.
Fees are as follows:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (nonrefundable) | $100 |
| Certification fee | $100 |
| Fingerprint processing fee (nonrefundable) | $75 |
| Total due at application | $275 |
The Nurse Aide Registry will provide status information approximately two weeks after receiving a completed application. Applicants who are in arrears on child support payments may be issued only a nonrenewable temporary license valid for 150 days.
CNA Certification by Endorsement
CNAs already listed on a registry in another state apply for Alaska certification by endorsement. You’ll send the Verification of Nurse Aide Certification form to your current state’s credentialing agency. Alaska requires verification from both the state where you originally certified and your current state of certification, if different. Contact information for other state agencies is included in the Alaska application packet.
Alaska accepts endorsement from any U.S. state or territory, or from a Canadian province or territory. The applicant must have completed at least 140 total hours of training, with a minimum of 60 classroom hours and 80 hours of skills training.
Endorsement applicants may receive a temporary certificate authorizing them to work while the required background check is processed.
Renewal Requirements
Alaska CNA certification renews on a two-year cycle, with certificates expiring on March 31 of even-numbered years regardless of when they were issued. Continued competency requirements depend on how long you’ve held certification:
- Certified 2 or more years: 24 contact hours of continuing education and 160 hours of paid CNA employment during the renewal period
- Certified for more than 1 year but less than 2 years: 12 contact hours of continuing education and 160 hours of paid CNA employment
- Certified less than 1 year: no continuing education or work-hour requirement
Renewal notices are sent by email or mail at least 60 days before the expiration date, but you’re responsible for renewing on time regardless of whether you receive a notice. Confirm current requirements directly with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, as requirements are subject to change.
English Proficiency for International Candidates
Candidates who graduated from a foreign prelicensure education program not taught in English must demonstrate English proficiency as part of their application. The current application accepts one of three options:
- Pass an English proficiency examination that covers reading, speaking, writing, and listening (the Online IELTS Indicator Test and TOEFL at Home Test are not accepted)
- Submit a full course-by-course evaluation from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Credential Evaluation Service (CGFNS) showing that the nursing education was taught in English
- Submit an official International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) certificate verifying completion of the VisaScreen: Visa Credential Assessment Service
Confirm which specific exams are currently accepted with the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry before submitting, as requirements are subject to change.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Alaska?
Most state-approved CNA programs in Alaska take four to six weeks to complete. The program must include at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of supervised clinical training. After completing training, allow additional time for application processing (approximately two weeks) and exam scheduling.
What exam do Alaska CNA candidates take?
Alaska CNA candidates take the NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam, which has two parts: a written knowledge test and a hands-on skills assessment. Both must be passed to receive certification. The exam is administered by Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services through the CNA365 platform. Candidates may attempt each section up to three times before being required to complete another approved training program.
How do I verify my Alaska CNA license?
CNA license verification in Alaska is handled through the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry, which is maintained by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Registry lookup information is available on the Board of Nursing’s website.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to Alaska from another state?
Yes. Alaska accepts CNA certification by endorsement from any U.S. state or territory and from Canadian provinces and territories. You’ll need to request verification from both your original certifying state and your current state of certification. You must also have completed at least 140 total training hours, including a minimum of 60 classroom hours and 80 clinical hours.
How often does an Alaska CNA certification need to be renewed?
Alaska CNA certification renews every two years. Renewal requires 24 contact hours of continuing education and documentation of at least 160 hours of paid employment as a CNA during the renewal period. CNAs who have held certification for less than two years at renewal time may qualify for a reduced continuing education requirement.
Key Takeaways
- 140 training hours required — Alaska CNA programs must include at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of supervised clinical skills training at a state-approved program.
- Two-part competency exam — Candidates must pass both a written knowledge test and a hands-on skills assessment. Three attempts are allowed for each section before additional training is required.
- Fees total $275 — The application, certification, and fingerprint processing fees combine to $275, payable to the State of Alaska at the time of application submission.
- Endorsement is available — CNAs certified in another U.S. state, territory, or Canadian province can apply for Alaska certification by endorsement with at least 140 documented training hours.
- Renew every two years — Renewal requires 24 CEUs and 160 hours of paid CNA employment per two-year cycle.
Find state-approved CNA training programs in Alaska using the search tool below.