Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License Requirements in Kentucky
- Training hours
- 75 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $135
- Exam
- State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (Written + Skills)
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry — Kentucky Board of Nursing, in cooperation with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Department for Medicaid Services)
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Pass a criminal background check. 907 KAR 1:450 does not specify a minimum age for nurse aide trainees, and no separate official source stating one was found — left null rather than guessed. Nursing homes/facilities must obtain a criminal background check on each applicant per KRS 216.785-216.793 (216.789, 216.793), and may not employ anyone listed on the Kentucky Nurse Aide and Home Health Abuse Registry (906 KAR 1:100) or the Vulnerable Adult Maltreatment Registry (922 KAR 5:120); facilities may use the Kentucky National Background Check Program (KARES, 906 KAR 1:190) to satisfy this. [4]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 75 hours of training (including 16 clinical hours) at a state-approved program. 907 KAR 1:450 requires a minimum of 75 clock hours of nurse aide instructional training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical (clinical) training in a lab or other setting under the direct supervision of an RN or LPN. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) administers the Nurse Aide Training Program; Kentucky Medicaid provides oversight, technical assistance, and training reimbursement. [1]
- 3
State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (Written + Skills)
Pass the State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (Written + Skills) (fee: $135). Two parts: a written portion and a hands-on skills portion, scheduled through a local KCTCS testing center or training facility. Candidates get up to 3 attempts within 1 year of completing the training/class. An individual not employed as a nurse aide has 1 year from completing the training or a fundamentals-of-nursing course to pass the exam. KCTCS reports scores to the Kentucky Board of Nursing, which maintains the registry; results typically arrive within 30 days. [2]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry — Kentucky Board of Nursing, in cooperation with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Department for Medicaid Services). [2]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry — Kentucky Board of Nursing, in cooperation with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Department for Medicaid Services) issues your State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) for Kentucky.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | None specified |
| License fee [2] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [2] | None specified |
| State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (Written + Skills) [2] | $135 |
| State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (Written + Skills) [2] | $135 |
No separate state application, license, or renewal fee was found on official CHFS or KCTCS pages beyond the $135 KCTCS competency exam fee. Kentucky's registry renewal is based on qualifying work hours rather than a paid renewal transaction (see renewal).
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 12 continuing education hours required per cycle.
The Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry renews registration at least once every 24 months. Registration is denied if the nurse aide has not worked at least 8 hours for compensation in a 24-consecutive-month period. Separately, employing nursing facilities must provide and document at least 12 hours of ongoing staff development (in-service) training annually for each employed, certified nurse aide.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
No interstate compact covers CNAs/nurse aides. A nurse aide listed on another state's nurse aide registry may be granted reciprocity in Kentucky and deemed competent for employment, based on written verification from the other state's registry agency (name, SSN/ID, date placed on registry, and any documented findings). An employment record verifying that 24 months have not lapsed since the registrant last worked for pay as an aide must also be provided. Reciprocity is not granted to anyone with a validated complaint on a registry.
3 state-approved training providers in Kentucky — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $135
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of CNA training does Kentucky require?
75 total clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical (clinical) training, per 907 KAR 1:450. Kentucky calls the credential a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA).
Who administers the Kentucky nurse aide exam?
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the sole provider of nurse aide testing in Kentucky. The exam has a written portion and a skills portion; the fee is $135.
How often do I need to renew my Kentucky SRNA registration?
At least once every 24 months, contingent on documenting at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work in that period. Employing facilities must also provide 12 hours of annual in-service training.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky grants reciprocity to nurse aides in good standing on another state's registry, based on written verification from that state's registry agency, as long as there's no validated complaint on record.
Sources
- [1] apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/907/001/450/ — accessed 2026-07-10
- [2] nurseaide.kctcs.edu — accessed 2026-07-10
- [3] chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/natrain.aspx — accessed 2026-07-10
- [4] apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/906/001/190/ — accessed 2026-07-10