Tennessee CNA Requirements | How to Become a CNA in TN 2026
Tennessee CNAs must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, pass both parts of the competency examination administered by Credentia, and be listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. Certification renews every two years. LPN and RN students may be eligible to challenge the exam without completing a separate training program.
Sponsored School(s)
The Tennessee Department of Health oversees nurse aide certification in the state. Prospective CNAs work through a structured process: complete approved training, pass a two-part competency exam, and get listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. The registry is the official record of active CNAs in the state that employers check before hiring.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam procedures, application steps, and renewal information.
- Prerequisites and Eligibility
- CNA Training Requirements
- The Competency Examination
- The Application Process
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Registry Renewal
- Next Steps After Certification
Prerequisites and Eligibility
Tennessee does not require a high school diploma or GED for CNA certification, though individual programs may have their own enrollment requirements. Minimum age and other eligibility criteria vary by program. Confirm current requirements directly with any program you are considering and with the state registry before applying.
Applicants are subject to background check requirements as part of the certification process. Confirm the current screening requirements with the Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office or the testing vendor before applying.
Most candidates qualify by completing a state-approved training program. Others may qualify to challenge the examination directly based on prior training or credentials, as described in the training section below.
CNA Training Requirements
In most cases, prospective CNAs must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program before attempting the competency examination. The Tennessee Department of Health maintains a list of approved training facilities, searchable by region, on its website. Programs are available through community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities across the state.
Approved programs are at least 75 hours. Students may begin direct patient contact after completing the first 16 hours of instruction. Those initial hours cover foundational concepts, including interpersonal skills and safety and emergency procedures.
Candidates must pass both parts of the examination within two years of completing their training program. Missing that window means starting the process over.
Some candidates may qualify to challenge the examination without completing a separate CNA training program. Eligible challengers include students currently enrolled in LPN or RN programs and individuals with equivalent military training. All challengers must receive prior written approval from the Tennessee Department of Health before scheduling the exam.
The Competency Examination
Tennessee contracts with Credentia to administer the CNA competency exam. Candidates must pass both portions to become certified.
The knowledge test is multiple-choice and available in English or Spanish. Candidates with limited reading proficiency may request an oral exam, though one section will still test English reading comprehension.
The skills test requires candidates to demonstrate 5 of approximately 25 competencies. Hand washing is always included. The remaining four skills are selected randomly. Candidates must score at least 80% on each skill and must complete all steps identified as critical in the candidate handbook. Missing a critical step is a failure for that skill regardless of overall performance.
Study materials, the candidate handbook, and a practice test are available through the Credentia website. Candidates should confirm they have the most current version of the handbook before testing, as it is the authoritative guide for test-day procedures and scoring criteria.
Current testing fees are posted on the Credentia website. Confirm fees before applying. Candidates employed in long-term care facilities may have their fees covered by their employer.
Applications must be submitted at least ten business days before the desired test date. Candidates who do not receive confirmation within five business days should follow up by phone. Each candidate receives one free reschedule, which must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Failing to appear is considered a no-show in most cases, requiring reapplication and payment of the full fee. Absences may be excused in extreme circumstances if the candidate follows the procedures outlined in the Application Step-by-Step document.
Test results are sent by mail or email. Candidates who fail either portion receive detailed diagnostic feedback identifying the specific areas that need improvement.
The Application Process
The examination and application processes are connected. Candidates who pass the exam are automatically added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. There is no separate registry application to file after passing.
Examination applications are available through the Credentia testing portal. Graduates of approved CNA programs submit their applications directly to the testing vendor.
Challengers follow a different path. They must first obtain written approval from the Tennessee Department of Health before scheduling the exam. The challenge application is available for download from the Credentia website, but it must be mailed to the Department of Health in Nashville. Supporting documentation typically includes college transcripts, military training records, copies of licenses or certificates, curriculum documentation, and copies of the applicant’s social security card and photo identification.
Once the challenge validation letter is in hand, applicants submit it to the testing vendor along with the standard application form and fee. Candidates who pass can expect their certification card within four to six weeks of testing.
Out-of-State CNAs
CNAs certified in most U.S. states can apply for reciprocity in Tennessee. The reciprocity application is available through Credentia. Applicants identify their state (s) of certification, answer screening questions, and mail the form to the Tennessee Department of Health along with copies of identifying documents. Tennessee must confirm the certification is current and in good standing before granting reciprocity. If it is, no additional training or testing is required.
There are three exceptions. Tennessee does not extend reciprocity to CNAs from Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina. CNAs from Georgia may challenge the Tennessee examination using the same process available to other challengers. CNAs from Florida or North Carolina must complete a full 75-hour state-approved training program in Tennessee before they can test.
Registry Renewal
Tennessee CNA certification renews on a two-year cycle. To maintain an active status on the registry, CNAs must complete a minimum of 8 hours of paid nurse aide work in a licensed healthcare facility during the previous 24 months. CNAs who do not meet that work requirement may need to retrain or retest before reactivating.
For current renewal instructions and reinstatement procedures, contact the Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office at (615) 532-5171. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
Next Steps After Certification
CNA certification is a starting point in nursing, not a ceiling. Many CNAs use the credential as a foundation for advancing to licensed practical nursing or registered nursing. Hands-on patient care experience carries real weight in nursing program admissions, and some programs offer advanced placement for candidates with documented CNA training and work history.
Tennessee LPN programs typically run 12 to 18 months and lead to the NCLEX-PN. Review Tennessee LPN requirements for details on the application and licensing process. RN programs take two to four years, depending on whether you pursue an ADN or BSN track. CNAs who want to move directly into a registered nursing program can find guidance on CNA to RN programs and what to expect from that transition.
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 Tennessee?
Most candidates complete the process in six to ten weeks. State-approved training programs require at least 75 hours of instruction and supervised clinical practice. After training, candidates schedule and pass the two-part competency exam. Certification cards typically arrive four to six weeks after passing both portions.
What happens if I fail part of the CNA exam in Tennessee?
Candidates who fail either the knowledge or skills test receive detailed diagnostic feedback identifying the areas that need improvement. You can retake the failed portion separately. All testing must be completed within two years of finishing your training program, so pay attention to that window when scheduling retakes.
Does Tennessee accept CNA certifications from other states?
Tennessee accepts certifications from most states through reciprocity, provided the credential is current and the state is in good standing. The exceptions are Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. CNAs from Georgia may challenge the Tennessee exam. CNAs from Florida or North Carolina must complete a 75-hour approved training program in Tennessee before testing.
Do I need a high school diploma or GED to become a CNA in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not require a high school diploma or GED for CNA certification. Individual training programs may have their own enrollment requirements, so confirm directly with any program you are considering before applying.
Who administers the Tennessee CNA exam?
Credentia administers the Tennessee CNA competency examination under contract with the state. Candidates register through the Credentia testing portal, select a test site and date, and receive results by mail or email after testing.
Key Takeaways
- 75-hour training is the minimum — all state-approved programs meet this baseline, and many run longer depending on the institution.
- Two-part exam, both parts required — the knowledge test and the skills test are administered separately, and candidates must pass both to be listed on the registry.
- A challenge pathway exists — LPN and RN students, and those with equivalent military training, may qualify to skip the standard training program and test directly.
- Reciprocity has three exceptions — Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina CNAs cannot transfer by reciprocity and must take additional steps to certify in Tennessee.
- Renewal is every two years — active registry status requires a minimum of 8 hours of paid nurse aide work in a licensed facility every 24 months.
Find approved CNA and nursing programs in Tennessee and compare training options, locations, and schedules for your area.