Kansas CNA Requirements 2026
Kansas certifies nurse aides through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Candidates complete a 90-hour KDADS-approved training program and pass the two-part Kansas Nurse Aide Test, which includes a written exam and a clinical skills evaluation. Passing places them on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, which is required to work legally in the state.
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Certification is handled by KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing, which approves training programs, manages the registry, and sets eligibility rules for the exam. Some healthcare workers can qualify to sit for the exam without completing a standard training program. For Kansas RN and LPN licensing requirements, see the state overview page.
Use the links below to jump to Kansas CNA training requirements, the exam process, out-of-state reciprocity, application steps, and renewal information.
- Training Requirements
- The Kansas Nurse Aide Test
- Out-of-State CNAs
- The Application Process
- Recertification
Training Requirements
KDADS-approved training programs are at least 90 hours. The curriculum is split into two parts, each combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical or lab experience. At least half the time in each part must involve direct patient care, completed in a simulated school lab, an adult care home, or a hospital long-term care unit. Programs follow a state curriculum, and students must perform a set of skills evaluated by a registered nurse.
Candidates must be at least 16 years old to enroll. Applicants under 18 need parental consent. Students who complete the first part of the training and pass the skills evaluation earn the Nurse Aide Trainee II designation, which allows them to work for up to 4 months while awaiting the state exam.
KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing maintains the current list of approved programs. Students should confirm they’re viewing the most current list, as it carries a validity date range.
Alternate Pathways for Healthcare Workers
Some healthcare workers can qualify to sit for the Kansas Nurse Aide Test without completing a training program. KDADS extends examination eligibility to individuals who currently hold, or held within the past 24 months, an LPN, RN, or Licensed Mental Health Technician license in any U.S. state. Licenses that expired within the past 24 months still qualify, provided they expired in good standing and were not revoked or suspended.
Current nursing or LMFT students may also apply for approval to test if they have had supervised geriatric experience and training covering nutrition and feeding, hygiene, transfer and ambulation, and positioning and range of motion.
Once approved to test, these candidates may work as a Nurse Aide Trainee II under direct LPN or RN supervision while awaiting their exam date. CNAs who want to advance further can explore CNA-to-RN bridge programs.
The Kansas Nurse Aide Test
The Kansas Nurse Aide Test has two parts: a written section and a clinical skills evaluation. The written portion contains 100 multiple-choice questions, and the minimum passing score is 75%. Candidates who need to take the exam in a language other than English may use a bilingual dictionary during the written section, and time extensions are available upon request.
The skills section requires candidates to demonstrate a set of hands-on nursing tasks in front of an evaluator. Both parts must be passed to receive certification.
The exam is administered at testing sites across Kansas. Candidates who completed an approved training program may make up to three attempts within 12 months of their course start date. Those approved through the alternate pathway are allowed only one attempt. A failed attempt as an alternate-pathway candidate requires enrollment in a full KDADS-approved training program before testing again.
If a registered test taker misses a scheduled exam, rescheduling can be arranged through KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing. A $20 rescheduling fee applies. If the test taker is employed by a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing home, the facility covers the examination fee.
Out-of-State CNAs
An out-of-state CNA may be certified in Kansas without completing a new training program if KDADS determines that the candidate holds an equivalent credential from another state. A CNA who is currently active on another state’s nurse aide registry may sit for the Kansas Nurse Aide Test without re-enrolling in training. In most cases, out-of-state applicants will still need to test in Kansas.
Interstate applicants can contact Health Occupations Credentialing directly for application instructions.
The Application Process
Candidates apply for certification before meeting examination requirements. For students in Kansas-approved programs, the program instructor typically collects applications and fees on behalf of the class. Out-of-state and alternate-pathway applicants contact Health Occupations Credentialing directly.
Certification status can be verified through the KDADS online registry portal.
Recertification
Kansas CNA certification is tied to active work. A nurse aide who does not work at least 8 hours in a nurse aide role during any 24 months will move from active to inactive status and cannot legally work as a CNA until reactivated. Work must be in a healthcare facility. Time logged in a doctor’s office or clinic does not count toward the 8-hour requirement.
To return to active status, an inactive CNA can either complete a KDADS-approved refresher course or complete a skills checklist with a registered nurse. The checklist can be done at a hospital, long-term care facility, or school lab, but not through a home health agency. The RN submits the completed checklist directly to KDADS.
CNAs inactive for five or more years must retake the full 90-hour training program and pass the exam again before resuming work.
KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing maintains the list of approved refresher course sites. The office can be reached at 785-296-1240. The Kansas Nurse Aide Registry line is 785-296-6877. Written inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a CNA in Kansas?
Complete a 90-hour KDADS-approved training program and pass the two-part Kansas Nurse Aide Test: a 100-question written exam and a clinical skills evaluation. A passing score of 75% on the written section is required. After passing both parts, you’ll be added to the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, which is required before you can legally work as a CNA in Kansas.
How long does a Kansas CNA certification last?
Kansas CNA certification doesn’t expire on a fixed schedule, but it moves to inactive status if you don’t work at least 8 hours in a nurse aide role during any 24 months. To reactivate, complete a KDADS-approved refresher course or an RN-administered skills checklist. If you’ve been inactive for five or more years, you must retake the full 90-hour program and retest.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Kansas?
Yes. Kansas allows out-of-state CNAs to apply without completing a new training program if KDADS determines that your existing certification is equivalent. In most cases, you’ll still need to pass the Kansas Nurse Aide Test. Applicants who are currently active on another state’s nurse aide registry can register to test without re-enrolling in training.
What is the passing score for the Kansas Nurse Aide Test?
The written section requires a minimum score of 75% on 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam also includes a clinical skills evaluation in which candidates demonstrate hands-on nursing tasks before an evaluator. Both parts must be passed to earn certification.
Who oversees CNA certification in Kansas?
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) oversees CNA certification through its Health Occupations Credentialing office. KDADS approves training programs, administers the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, and sets eligibility requirements for the Kansas Nurse Aide Test.
Key Takeaways
- 90-hour training required — KDADS-approved programs combine classroom, lab, and clinical instruction across two parts, with at least half of each part involving direct patient care.
- Two-part exam — The Kansas Nurse Aide Test includes a 100-question written section (minimum score of 75%) and a clinical skills evaluation. Both must be passed.
- Registry required to work — Passing the exam places you on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, which is required for legal employment as a CNA in Kansas.
- 8-hour activity rule — CNAs must work at least 8 hours in a nurse aide role within 24 months to keep their certification active. Doctor’s office hours don’t count.
- Healthcare workers can challenge — LPNs, RNs, and Licensed Mental Health Technicians may qualify to sit for the exam without completing a training program.
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