How to Transfer CNA License

Once the candidates complete the CNA training and certification process, they are eligible to start their practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant. However, because of recession, the CNAs may not find a suitable job in the state from which they have completed the CNA training. Every state has different requirements as regards the certification and license procedures. You need a local license of the state to practice there as a CNA in the hospitals and clinics. This makes it necessary for you to transfer the CNA license from your state to the state in which you will be working in. The process of transfer of the CNA license may take quite some time, but it is absolutely essential to do so if you want to start working as a CNA in that state.

The reciprocity process or the process of certification transfer is extremely important for CNAs. In simple terms, the process of transfer of the CNA license and/or certification from one state to another is known as reciprocity. For example, you have completed your CNA training and certification from Texas but are going to relocate to California. Then, in this case you would need to transfer your CNA license from Texas to California.

You need to apply for reciprocity anytime when you change the state you are presently in, for the purpose of working in another state. You then need to transfer your CNA license and certification to the new state.

During the reciprocity process, the new state verifies all the credentials of the Certified Nursing Assistant (including the training and exam details). It then registers the name of the CNA on the nurse aide registry. Once your name gets registered, you can start your practice as a CNA in the new state. As per the federal as well as the state laws, only CNAs who hold the certification of that state can continue working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

Steps to request reciprocity 

• You can put in a request to the State Nurse Aide Registry and apply for reciprocity. You can get the form for "Application for Enrollment by Reciprocity". You then need to fill up the form and submit it either to your state or the state that you are going to relocate to. You may need to provide your mailing address as well as email address to the registry so that they can mail you the application.
• You can then call the registry of the other state and ask them if you need to mail them the "Application for Enrollment by Reciprocity" form. Certain states wish to obtain this form from the Nurse Aide Registry of the state while others can accept if you directly mail it to them. Make sure you confirm the details and do not make any assumptions in this regard. Also, remember to note the names and contact details of whoever you communicate with in case you require them at a later stage.
• The Nurse Aide Registry may at times allow you to mail or fax them the application for reciprocity. If it is so, then mail or fax the application and other relevant details immediately without wasting any time. Confirm that the fax numbers and the mailing address are right before sending the application. You also need to mail them the new CNA card. Also remember to thank the person with whom you have been communicating and who has helped with the details of the reciprocity procedure. 

Documents required to apply for reciprocity 

• The social security number details 
• Your drivers license 
• Current CNA state approval 
• Salary details for your proof of work as a CNA 

There are certain states that have the necessary reciprocity arrangements with each other. In such cases, you are not required to give the exam again in the new state. When you apply for reciprocity, your CNA license will undergo the same procedure as that for renewal. You will need to submit the educational proofs as well as medical and background check proofs along with your social security and employment details. The FBI background check takes quite some time to be completed. It may take anywhere between 4 to 8 weeks for this check to be completed.

These reciprocity arrangements are not present in all states. So, if the states do not have any such reciprocity arrangements, you will have to appear for the CNA exam again to obtain the license for working in the new state. This may become a tedious process for you; but it is mandatory to obtain the license.

Some states also allow you to continue working while your license is being checked for. There is also a facility to work in both the states in shifts of one hour but you cannot extend it beyond three hours. You need to check the state requirements and comply with the same.