Oregon CNA Requirements 2026
Oregon certifies nursing assistants through the Oregon State Board of Nursing. To become certified, you’ll complete a Board-approved training program, pass the two-part Oregon Nursing Assistant Competency Examination, clear a fingerprint-based background check, and apply through the OSBN Online Nurse Portal. Both CNA 1 and CNA 2 certificate holders transitioned to the unified CNA credential when Oregon consolidated the two levels on July 1, 2025.
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Oregon’s CNA certification process is administered entirely by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). The OSBN approves training programs, sets eligibility criteria for the competency exam, and maintains the state’s CNA registry. For a full picture of Oregon nursing license requirements across all credential types, the state licensing page also covers RN and LPN pathways. Whether you’re starting from scratch or transferring a certification from another state, the OSBN is your primary point of contact throughout the process.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, the application process, and renewal information.
- Training Requirements
- The Competency Examination
- The Application Process
- Registry Listing and Active Status
- Renewal Requirements
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Certified Medication Aide
Training Requirements
Before you can sit for the Oregon CNA competency exam, you need to complete a Board-approved training program. Programs cover both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical hours. Most run for 4 to 10 weeks for full-time students, with part-time options available for those who need a more flexible schedule. Some long-term care facilities offer free training in exchange for a work commitment after certification.
To be eligible for the competency examination, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- Completed an OSBN-approved CNA training program within the previous two years
- Completed a CNA program approved by another state within the previous two years, provided the program was at least 75 hours and met OBRA requirements
- Graduated from an OSBN-approved LPN or RN nursing education program
- Are an international nursing graduate who meets the OSBN criteria
- Are a military medic or corpsman who met OBRA training requirements and has at least 400 hours of nursing-related employment within the previous two years
Candidates who complete an Oregon-approved program will take a final program examination as part of their training before being cleared for the state competency evaluation. The OSBN maintains a searchable list of approved programs on its website.
The Competency Examination
Oregon contracts with Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) to administer the Oregon Nursing Assistant Competency Examination. The exam has two parts: a knowledge test and a manual skills test. Both must be passed to earn certification.
The knowledge test is written and consists of multiple-choice questions. You can request it in oral format, but be aware it includes reading comprehension questions, since CNAs are required to read at a minimum level. You can also take the knowledge test remotely with an online proctor, which eliminates the need to travel to a physical testing site.
The manual skills test is hands-on. You’ll first demonstrate proper handwashing technique, then perform several nursing assistant tasks assigned at random, such as using a gait belt for ambulation, applying an anti-embolism stocking, or assisting with a partial bed bath.
To schedule your exam, you need OSBN authorization first. Apply to the OSBN at least three weeks before your desired exam date. Once authorized, you’ll receive confirmation and can schedule with the Headmaster at a regional testing site or through remote proctoring. Results are typically posted online within one to three business days after testing.
If you fail only one portion, you’ll only need to retake that portion. Check the current Headmaster candidate handbook at hdmaster.com for the exam attempt policy, testing sites, and fee information.
The Application Process
After passing the competency examination, you’ll submit your certification application through the OSBN Online Nurse Portal. Oregon no longer issues a physical license card. Once your application is approved, your certification details, including your certification number, issue date, and expiration date, are accessible through the portal.
The Board requires all applicants to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. You can have your fingerprints taken at a law enforcement agency of your choosing. Follow the fingerprinting instructions provided by the OSBN during the application process. Include a copy of your training certificate along with your completed fingerprinting documents when submitting your application materials.
Some candidates receive application materials directly from their training program instructor. Others will access the process through the Oregon State Board of Nursing website. The OSBN can be reached at (971) 673-0685 on weekdays. Verify current application fees and fingerprinting fees on the OSBN website before submitting.
Registry Listing and Active Status
Once you’ve passed the exam and your application is approved, you’ll be added to the Oregon CNA Registry, which is maintained by the OSBN. You must be listed on the registry before you can work as a CNA in Oregon. Employers routinely verify registry status, and you can look up your own certification status through the OSBN portal at any time.
To maintain an active status, you’ll need to meet the renewal requirements before your certification expires. The OSBN sends courtesy renewal reminders at 90, 60, and 15 days before expiration, but meeting the deadline is your responsibility regardless of whether you receive those notices.
Renewal Requirements
CNA renewal in Oregon requires two things: documented work hours and continuing education.
Work hours: You need at least 400 hours of paid employment as a CNA within the two years before your certification expires. The hours must be within CNA-authorized duties and under the supervision or monitoring of a nurse. If you were certified less than two years ago, you won’t need to meet the work-hour requirement on your first renewal. Volunteer time doesn’t count toward the employment requirement.
Continuing education: Oregon CNAs must complete two hours of cultural competency education every 48 months after initial certification. This is a separate requirement from the work-hour renewal requirement.
If you don’t meet the employment requirement by your expiration date, you may need to requalify. Contact the OSBN for guidance on your options if your certification has lapsed. CNAs who are weighing next steps may also want to review the requirements for becoming an RN in Oregon, as CNA experience counts toward clinical hour requirements in many nursing programs.
Out-of-State CNAs
CNAs certified in another state can apply for endorsement (reciprocal certification) in Oregon. To qualify, your original training program must have met OBRA requirements. In most cases, you’ll also need at least 400 hours of CNA employment experience within the previous two years, under the supervision of a nurse.
CNAs who received their certification within the previous two years don’t need to document work experience for endorsement.
Endorsement application packets are available on the OSBN website. The process includes submitting training and certification verification. For most states, you’ll fill out the top portion of the verification form and send it to your state of original certification for completion. However, CNAs from the following states have a different process and should send the form to the Oregon State Board instead:
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
If you’re from one of those states, contact your out-of-state registry before submitting to confirm your current status and whether a fee is required. Verify current Oregon endorsement and fingerprinting fees with the OSBN before applying, as fees are subject to change.
Certified Medication Aide
Oregon’s Certified Medication Aide (CMA) credential is a separate certification that builds on CNA status. To be eligible, you must hold a current CNA certification and be listed in good standing on the Oregon CNA Registry. CMAs complete a Board-approved training program and pass an additional competency examination. Contact the OSBN for current CMA program listings, requirements, and application procedures.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to CNA 1 and CNA 2 in Oregon?
Oregon consolidated CNA 1 and CNA 2 into a single CNA certification effective July 1, 2025. Both CNA 1 and CNA 2 certificate holders transitioned to the unified credential. Candidates now complete one training program and one competency examination. If you’ve seen references to CNA 2 programs or requirements, those no longer apply under the current system.
How long does CNA training take in Oregon?
Most Oregon CNA programs run for 4 to 10 weeks for full-time students. Part-time schedules take longer depending on the program format. Fully online programs aren’t available because in-person clinical hours are required before you’re eligible for the competency exam. Some programs offer hybrid formats that combine online coursework with in-person lab and clinical components.
Who administers the Oregon CNA exam?
Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) administers the Oregon Nursing Assistant Competency Examination under contract with the OSBN. The exam includes a knowledge test and a manual skills test. You can take the knowledge portion at a regional testing site or remotely with an online proctor. The headmaster’s website at hdmaster.com provides current scheduling information and testing locations.
How do I keep my Oregon CNA certification current?
You need at least 400 hours of paid CNA employment within the two years before your certification expires, along with two hours of cultural competency continuing education every 48 months. The OSBN sends courtesy renewal reminders, but you’re responsible for renewing on time. If you don’t meet the employment hours, you may need to requalify before practicing again.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to Oregon from another state?
Yes. Oregon offers endorsement for out-of-state CNAs whose original training met OBRA requirements. In most cases, you’ll need at least 400 hours of documented CNA work experience within the previous two years. CNAs certified within the last two years don’t need to show work experience. Application packets are available on the OSBN website, and the process varies slightly depending on your state of original certification.
Key Takeaways
- Single credential since July 2025 — Oregon eliminated the two-tier CNA 1/CNA 2 system and now issues one unified CNA certification valid across all care settings.
- Board-approved training is required — Programs run four to ten weeks and must meet OSBN standards before you’re eligible to sit for the competency exam.
- Two-part competency exam — The OSBN-contracted examination includes a knowledge test and a manual skills test. You can take the knowledge portion remotely with an online proctor.
- 400 hours to renew — Maintaining certification requires paid CNA work experience in the two years before expiration, plus cultural competency continuing education every 48 months.
- Out-of-state CNAs can endorse — If your original training met OBRA requirements, you can apply for reciprocal certification in Oregon through the OSBN endorsement process.
Select your state below to find approved CNA programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.