Certified Nursing Assistant License Reciprocity by State (2026)
No state reciprocity notes for CNA are published in our dataset yet. For every state below, the honest answer is "check both state boards" — reciprocity rules are set state-by-state and change often.
Provides hands-on patient care under RN supervision. Two-part exam: written + clinical skills. A reciprocity note means a license from a listed state is accepted, usually still with an application, fee and background check. When no note exists, verify directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer my CNA license to another state?
Reciprocity for CNA licenses is decided state-by-state and no state notes are published in our dataset yet. Contact both state boards — your current one and your destination — to confirm whether your license transfers, requires an exam, or needs extra education.
What does reciprocity mean for a license?
Reciprocity lets an already-licensed professional from one state qualify for a license in another state without repeating the full education and exam process. Some states have formal agreements; others require a state-specific exam or extra coursework even when they accept your license.
Why do some states say "check both state boards"?
State reciprocity tables are not consistently published in machine-readable form. When a state has not published an official note in our verified sources, we point you to both boards rather than guess. That is the safest answer for a decision that can affect your eligibility to work.
Does holding a license in one state guarantee a license in another?
No. Every state sets its own licensing law. Even in states with reciprocity, you typically still file an application, pay a fee, pass a background check and sometimes pass a state-specific exam. Always confirm directly with the destination state board.
Plan your move with CNA data
Reciprocity rules change frequently and are set by each state legislature and board. “Check both state boards” means the note is not published in our dataset — it is not a negative answer. Always verify with both boards before relocating (data retrieved 2026-08-20).