Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry: SRNA Requirements and How to Get Listed
Kentucky credentials nurse aides as State Registered Nurse Aides (SRNAs) through the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. To get listed, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours and pass the Kentucky Competency Evaluation Program.
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In Kentucky, the credential that most of the country calls a CNA goes by a different name: State Registered Nurse Aide, or SRNA. The Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) maintains the official registry and acknowledges that “certified nurse aide” is the more widely recognized title, but SRNA is the official designation used for licensing and employment verification. If you’re searching for how to get on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, this page covers the full path: training requirements, the competency exam, registry placement, renewal, and how to transfer an active credential from another state. For RN and LPN licensure in the state, see Kentucky RN licensing requirements.
Training Requirements
Before you can sit for the competency exam, you must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program. Kentucky’s training standards match the federal minimums set under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA). Programs must be at least 75 hours in total and include at least 16 hours of supervised practical training in a licensed facility. The Department of Medicaid Services defines supervised training as performing nurse aide tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) approves all training programs in Kentucky. You can get a current list of approved programs by contacting the CHFS directly. The CHFS has cautioned against unapproved home study programs, which do not satisfy the clinical training requirement and will not qualify you to sit for the exam.
Graduates of out-of-state nurse aide programs generally cannot test directly in Kentucky based solely on that training and typically must either qualify through reciprocity or meet Kentucky training requirements. Verify your specific situation with the CHFS or KBN before enrolling in additional training.
Nursing students are an exception. Students currently enrolled in an approved Kentucky nursing program can apply to sit for the SRNA competency exam without completing a separate nurse aide training program. Contact a KCTCS testing coordinator for specifics on the documentation required.
If you’re considering using SRNA experience as a foundation for a nursing career, see our overview of CNA to RN programs for bridge program options available nationally.
Competency Evaluation Program
The competency exam is administered by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. There are two components: a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration.
Skills Demonstration
The skills portion requires you to demonstrate five randomly selected nurse aide tasks in front of a testing administrator. Tasks are drawn from a standardized list and include things like measuring and recording vital signs, providing nail care, and repositioning bedridden residents. Each skill is broken into a series of steps, some of which are designated as critical. Candidates must successfully complete the required skills evaluation in accordance with current KCTCS testing standards. Confirm the exact scoring criteria in the latest KCTCS Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook before your test date.
Written Test
The written test is multiple choice. The passing score is 70%. If you need an accommodation, you can request an oral test in place of the written one. Bring one form of photo identification to the testing site. You can take the exam at any KCTCS testing location in the state, not just the site where you trained.
Retake Policy
If you don’t pass one or both components, you may have additional attempts available. The timeframe depends on your situation. If you’re employed at a nursing facility while completing training requirements, all requirements must be met within four months. Nursing students and graduates of approved programs who are not currently employed in a facility have one year from the date of training completion to pass all components. Confirm the current retake limit and any applicable fees in the latest KCTCS Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook before scheduling a retake.
After passing both components, KCTCS submits your results to KBN for registry placement. Processing times vary. Verify your registry status through the KBN Nurse Portal once you’ve received your passing results.
Registry Renewal
SRNA registrations must be renewed every two years. The Kentucky Board of Nursing sends a renewal notice before your renewal date. To renew, you must provide proof of at least eight hours of employment as an SRNA performing nursing or nursing-related duties within the 24-month period before your renewal date.
Acceptable proof includes a paycheck stub, a W-2 form, or a signed letter from your employer on official letterhead. If you provide private duty care, you’ll need to submit a notarized private duty form documenting your duties, dates, and payment. If your registration lapses, see the reinstatement section below.
Reinstatement After Expiration
If your SRNA registration has expired, you may be able to reinstate it without retraining. To reinstate, you must provide proof of at least eight paid hours of nursing-related work for each two-year period during which your registration has lapsed. Log in to the KBN Nurse Portal, navigate to your dashboard, and use the “Apply for Reinstatement” option to submit your documentation online.
If you can’t show proof of employment during the lapsed period, reinstatement isn’t available. You’ll need to complete a new approved training program and pass the competency exam again before being relisted on the registry.
Using the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry
The Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry serves two purposes: it lists qualified SRNAs eligible for employment and tracks nurse aides with adverse findings, including substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. All long-term care facilities in Kentucky are required to check both lists before hiring.
If you have a name or address change, contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Aide Registry directly at the earliest opportunity. The registry uses your contact information to send renewal notices, so outdated information can cause you to miss a renewal deadline. The registry mailing address is 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300-A, Louisville, KY 40222.
Out-of-State CNAs: Reciprocity
If you hold active CNA or nurse aide credentials in another state, you may be eligible to transfer your certification to Kentucky without retesting. KBN will verify your active status and confirm that you have no adverse findings on your out-of-state registry. You’ll also need to demonstrate recent work experience in the field.
To begin the reciprocity process, log in to the KBN Nurse Portal. You’ll need to provide copies of your driver’s license, Social Security card, and out-of-state certification, along with your certification or registration number and the name of your certifying state. For questions about reciprocity, contact the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry at (888) 530-1919.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a CNA and an SRNA in Kentucky?
They’re the same credentials under different names. Kentucky’s official title is State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA), which is what appears on the registry and in state regulations. Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is the commonly used national term recognized by most employers and nursing schools. The Kentucky Board of Nursing acknowledges that both terms refer to the same role.
How do I verify someone’s SRNA status on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry?
Registry verification is available through the Kentucky Board of Nursing website. Long-term care facilities are required to check the registry before hiring. If you’re verifying your own status or checking before applying for a position, you can look up registry status through the KBN Nurse Portal online.
How many times can I retake the SRNA competency exam in Kentucky?
You may have multiple attempts available for the competency exam. The window to complete all attempts depends on your situation: four months if you’re employed at a nursing facility during training, or one year from program completion if you’re not. Confirm the current retake limit in the latest KCTCS Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, as retake policies may be updated by the testing vendor.
What happens if my SRNA registration expires in Kentucky?
If your registration lapses, you may be eligible to reinstate it by documenting at least eight hours of paid nursing-related work for each two-year lapse period. If you can’t document that work history, you’ll need to retrain and retest. The reinstatement process is handled through the KBN Nurse Portal.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky grants reciprocity to nurse aides who hold active credentials in other states, provided you have no adverse findings and can show recent work experience in the field. The process is initiated through the KBN Nurse Portal. Contact the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry at (888) 530-1919 if you need assistance with the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky calls it SRNA, not CNA — The official credential is State Registered Nurse Aide. Both terms refer to the same role, but SRNA is the term that appears on the registry and in state job postings.
- Training must be state-approved — Programs must be at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Out-of-state program completions do not satisfy Kentucky’s requirements.
- Two-part exam, retakes available — You must pass both the skills demonstration and the written test through KCTCS. Confirm the current retake limit in the KCTCS Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook before your test date.
- Renewal is every two years — Maintaining your SRNA registration requires proof of at least eight hours of paid nursing-related work per renewal period.
- Reciprocity is available — Active credentials from other states may transfer to Kentucky without retesting, provided your record is clear, and you have recent work experience.
If you’re looking to start a nurse aide training program in Kentucky, use the tool below to find state-approved CNA programs near you.