Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires CNAs to complete a state-approved training program of at least 80 hours, including 37.5 hours of supervised clinical practice, pass the two-part NNAAP competency examination, and clear a fingerprint-based criminal background check before enrollment. Credentia administers the exam and maintains the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
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Pennsylvania’s nurse aide certification process is coordinated across multiple state agencies, but the sequence is clearly defined. The Department of Education sets training standards and reviews pre-enrollment background clearances. Credentia administers the NNAAP competency examination and places successful candidates on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Most candidates reach active certification status within four to twelve weeks of completing their training program. Candidates who want to continue beyond CNA certification can review CNA-to-RN programs for information on bridge options.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, the examination process, application steps, endorsement, and renewal information.
- Eligibility and training requirements
- The examination process
- Applying for registry placement
- Endorsement from another state
- Renewing lapsed certification
- Contacts and resources
Eligibility and Training Requirements
Who is eligible to enroll?
Before applying to a Pennsylvania-approved CNA program, candidates must meet minimum eligibility requirements. Prospective students must be at least 16 years old, able to read, write, and perform basic math in English, and free of communicable diseases, as confirmed by a physical exam before enrollment. A fingerprint-based criminal background check through the state’s approved vendor is also required before a candidate can enter training.
Not all criminal convictions are disqualifying. After results are reviewed, the Department of Education notifies the candidate of their eligibility status by phone at 717-772-0814 and then by official letter. The training school requires a copy of that approval letter before enrollment can proceed. Candidates with qualifying nursing education, such as nursing students and graduates, may be eligible to bypass the standard training requirement and sit for the exam directly, pending Department of Education authorization.
What does approved training cover?
Pennsylvania-approved nurse aide training programs are at least 80 hours long. At least 37.5 of those hours must be supervised clinical practice in a healthcare setting. Programs authorized by the Department of Education cover core nursing assistant competencies: patient safety, infection control, vital signs, mobility assistance, communication, and patient rights. The Department maintains a list of approved programs on its website and publishes examination pass rates by program, which is a useful data point when comparing options.
The Examination Process
What is the NNAAP exam?
Pennsylvania CNAs take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, or NNAAP, examination. The NNAAP has two components: a written knowledge test and a skills demonstration. Initial candidates take both on the same day. A candidate who passes one portion but fails the other doesn’t need to retake the part already passed. Only the failed portion requires a follow-up attempt.
Skills evaluation
During the skills component, candidates demonstrate five nursing aide skills. At least one must involve taking and recording a measurement, such as blood pressure or weight. Hand hygiene is always evaluated. The remaining skills are randomly selected and change from one evaluation session to the next. A candidate must pass all five tested skills to receive credit for this portion of the exam.
Written knowledge test
The written test is multiple choice. An oral administration is available for candidates who need it. Those requesting the oral version should note their preference on their application. The oral version also includes reading comprehension questions. Score reports are typically provided at the test site on the day of examination.
Retesting and reimbursement
Candidates are allowed a maximum of three attempts before they’re required to complete additional training. Absences count against the attempt limit, so scheduling matters carefully. CNAs employed by nursing homes can generally expect their employer to cover training and testing fees. Those hired by a nursing home within a defined window after completing requirements may also be eligible for fee reimbursement through the Department of Human Services at 800-932-0939, Option 1.
Applying for Registry Placement
Pennsylvania’s process involves two separate applications: a student-level application submitted before training, and an examination-level application submitted before testing. The exam application is the final step required for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry.
Examination applications are typically available through the training program. Candidates can also download them from the Credentia website or contact Credentia directly with questions about completing the paperwork. Once a candidate passes both portions of the NNAAP, Credentia reports the results and adds the candidate to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry automatically. No separate registry application is required.
Nursing students and graduates must take one additional step: obtain prior authorization from the Department of Education before submitting an exam application. That authorization paperwork is available on the Department of Education website at education.pa.gov, and it must accompany the exam application submission.
Endorsement from Another State
CNAs who hold active credentials in another state and want to work in Pennsylvania are eligible for endorsement. Applicants must be in good standing under federal standards, meaning no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property, and must have recent work experience in the field.
The endorsement process runs through Credentia’s CNA365 platform. Applicants submit a verification form to the state where they originally certified, and Credentia coordinates the transfer. Background checks are required at the time of employment. Candidates who have lived in Pennsylvania for less than two years must complete both a state and a federal background check. Employers may bring on endorsement candidates for up to 90 days while the background report is still pending, provided the candidate confirms no disqualifying conviction exists.
Renewing Lapsed Certification
Pennsylvania CNA certification lapses when a nurse aide goes 24 consecutive months without working in a qualifying nursing care capacity. After a lapse, the credential can be restored by passing the NNAAP competency exam. Pennsylvania doesn’t require retraining before that first retest attempt. This applies whether the credential was originally issued in Pennsylvania or in another state through endorsement.
If the candidate doesn’t pass on that first attempt after lapsing, retraining becomes required before testing again. From that point, the process mirrors the steps for initial certification.
Contacts and Resources
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s CNA Training Program Office handles oversight of training programs, background clearance inquiries, and student authorizations. Staff can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 717-772-0814. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional program information, including the approved program list, is available at education.pa.gov.
Credentia handles exam scheduling, registry placement, endorsement, and renewal for Pennsylvania. Credentia can be reached at 888-204-6249. For reimbursement questions related to employer-sponsored testing, contact the Department of Human Services at 800-932-0939, Option 1.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses. For RN and LPN requirements specific to Pennsylvania, see Pennsylvania nursing license requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Pennsylvania?
Most candidates complete the full process (training, exam, and registry placement) in four to twelve weeks. Training programs typically run four to eight weeks, though accelerated options can move faster. Scheduling an exam date immediately after completing training keeps the overall timeline as short as possible.
What criminal convictions disqualify a CNA applicant in Pennsylvania?
Not all convictions are automatically disqualifying. The Department of Education reviews background check results on a case-by-case basis. After the check is processed, candidates can contact the DOE at 717-772-0814 to hear their eligibility determination before committing to a training program. An official letter follows with the decision.
How do I restore a lapsed Pennsylvania CNA certification?
If your certification lapsed because you went more than 24 months without working in nursing care, you can restore it by passing the NNAAP exam. Pennsylvania allows one retest attempt after a lapse without requiring retraining first. Renewal and retest scheduling are handled through Credentia’s CNA365 platform.
Can I transfer my out-of-state CNA certification to Pennsylvania?
Yes. CNAs who are actively certified and in good standing in another state can transfer through Pennsylvania’s endorsement process via Credentia’s CNA365 platform. Background checks are required. Candidates who have lived in Pennsylvania for less than two years need both a state and federal check before full clearance is granted.
Key Takeaways
- Training minimum is 80 hours — At least 37.5 of those hours must be supervised clinical practice in a state-approved program before exam eligibility.
- Background check comes before training — Pennsylvania requires a fingerprint-based criminal background clearance before a candidate can enroll in a CNA program, not after.
- The NNAAP has two parts — Candidates must pass both a skills demonstration and a written knowledge test. Passing one part doesn’t require retaking it if the other fails.
- Registry placement is automatic — Candidates who pass both NNAAP portions are added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry by Credentia without a separate application step.
- Lapsed certification can be restored — Pennsylvania allows a lapsed CNA to retest without retraining on the first attempt. A failed retest triggers the full training requirement.
Find state-approved CNA training programs in Pennsylvania, compare costs and schedules, and review program options for your area.