StateLicensed

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License Requirements in Rhode Island

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
120 hrs
Upfront cost
$35
Exam
NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam (Written/Oral + Skills)
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) — Nursing Assistant Licensing

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Pass a criminal background check. A full Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office is required for licensure. No state-published minimum age was found in the regulation or on RIDOH's Nursing Assistant page. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 120 hours of training (including 40 clinical hours) at a state-approved program. Effective January 1, 2019, Rhode Island-approved nursing assistant training programs must consist of no less than 120 clock hours: 80 classroom hours plus 40 hours of practical/clinical training integrated with classroom topics and completed under supervision (216-RICR-40-05-22). Online programs may deliver the 80 didactic hours online, with the 40 practical hours provided by the employing facility. A separate out-of-state equivalency exists for a 100-hour program that includes at least 20 hours of clinical training. [1]

  3. 3

    NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam (Written/Oral + Skills)

    Pass the NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam (Written/Oral + Skills). Written or oral knowledge test (available online or in person) plus a hands-on Skills Evaluation at a Regional Testing location in Rhode Island. Credentia's own Rhode Island test-taker page does not publish a specific dollar fee; it directs candidates to the RI Candidate Handbook or Credentia Customer Service (800-274-2900) for current pricing. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) — Nursing Assistant Licensing with the $35 application fee. [3]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) — Nursing Assistant Licensing issues your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for Rhode Island.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $35
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $35
NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam (Written/Oral + Skills) [2] None specified

Application and Renewal fees ($35 each) are set in the Rhode Island fee-schedule regulation (216-RICR-10-05-2), citing R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-17.9-6 and 23-17.9-7. No separate license fee beyond the application fee was found; Credentia's exam fee is paid separately (not published on an official RIDOH page — see exams notes).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 12 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Licenses expire biennially on June 30; renewal applications (with the $35 fee) must be submitted by June 15 to allow processing time, and renewal notices are sent 60 days before expiration. Nursing Assistants must complete 12 hours of in-service training per year at their employing facility (24 hours per 2-year cycle).

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

No interstate compact covers CNAs/nursing assistants. Rhode Island offers a 'Nursing Assistant By Endorsement' application path (distinct from the standard 'By Examination' path) for out-of-state applicants who hold a current license as a nursing assistant in good standing in another state meeting Rhode Island's standards, plus documentation of at least three months of full-time work experience. Alternatively, completion of a 100-hour state-approved program (with at least 20 hours of clinical training) in another jurisdiction satisfies the training requirement.

Cost calculator

  • $35
Total$35

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of CNA training does Rhode Island require?

At least 120 clock hours: 80 classroom hours plus 40 hours of supervised practical/clinical training, at an approved program (effective January 1, 2019).

Who administers the Rhode Island CNA exam?

Credentia, under contract with the Rhode Island Department of Health. The NNAAP exam has a written or oral knowledge portion and a hands-on Skills Evaluation.

How much does it cost to apply for a Rhode Island CNA license?

The state application fee is $35, and the renewal fee is also $35, per Rhode Island's official fee schedule (216-RICR-10-05-2). The Credentia exam fee is separate and paid directly to the testing vendor.

How often do I need to renew my Rhode Island CNA license?

Every 2 years — licenses expire on June 30 of the renewal year, and applications (with the $35 fee) should be submitted by June 15. You must also complete 12 hours of in-service training per year.

Can an out-of-state CNA transfer their license to Rhode Island?

Yes, through the 'Nursing Assistant By Endorsement' application, which requires an active, good-standing out-of-state license plus at least three months of full-time nursing-assistant work experience.

Sources

  1. [1] rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-40-05-22 — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] credentia.com/test-takers/ri/ — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-10-05-2 — accessed 2026-07-10
  4. [4] health.ri.gov/nursing-assistant — accessed 2026-07-10