My CNA certification expired — do I have to retest?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
If you have gone 24 consecutive months without doing paid nursing or nursing-related work, federal rules require you to complete a new training and competency evaluation program or a new competency evaluation before working as a nurse aide in a nursing home again. Which of those your state requires, and how renewal works if you haven't hit 24 months, is set by your state's registry.
| Situation | What usually happens | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Worked for pay as a nurse aide within the last 24 months, renewal date passed | Renew through the state's process (often employment verification) | Your state's registry page |
| 24+ consecutive months with no paid nursing-related work | New competency evaluation, or new training plus evaluation (federal rule) | Your state's registry page and handbook |
| Listed with a finding (abuse, neglect, misappropriation) | Different rules apply | Your state's registry |
The federal 24-month rule
Federal nursing home rules (42 CFR 483.35) say that if, since your most recent training and competency evaluation, there has been a continuous period of 24 consecutive months during which you did not provide nursing or nursing-related services for pay, you must complete a new training and competency evaluation program or a new competency evaluation program.
Can I retest without retaking the class?
Some states allow previously certified aides to take only the competency exam; others require a refresher or full training course first. Check your state's registry page — our state pages link them.
Getting back up to speed
Procedures and terms may have changed since you trained. Run the free practice test to see which topics need work, and walk through the skills checklists.
Quick answers
- My CNA lapsed more than 24 months — what now?
- Under federal rules you'll need a new competency evaluation (and possibly new training) before working as a nurse aide in a nursing home. Your state decides which.
- How do I renew an expired CNA license?
- Follow your state registry's renewal process. If you haven't worked for pay in 24 consecutive months, expect to retest.
- Is there a refresher course for the CNA exam after expiration?
- Some states require or offer one. Check your state's registry page for approved options.
- Can I take the CNA test again without the class if I was certified before?
- In some states yes, in others no. Your state's registry page states the rule for previously certified aides.
What to do next
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Take the free practice testRelated guides
- How do I transfer my CNA license to another state?
- How do I check my CNA registry status (in any state)?
- CNA exam by state
- What is the Illinois CNA exam pass rate?
- Can you take the CNA exam without a CNA class? (Challenge exam rules)
- What's the difference between STNA and CNA in Ohio?
- What is the passing score for the California CNA exam?
- How much does the Pennsylvania CNA test cost?
Sources
- 42 CFR 483.35 — Nursing services (Cornell LII)
- 42 CFR 483.156 — Registry of nurse aides (Cornell LII)
- eCFR — 42 CFR Part 483 Subpart D
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.