CNA License Renewal: Everything You Need to Know

Now that you have obtained your CNA license, you might be wondering if it will expire. The answer is yes. Your CNA license will default, and it is your responsibility to follow the proper renewal steps to ensure that your license is active. You might also be wondering why you must renew your license, which makes sense. This renewal process happens to be a federal requirement. There is no national standard. But, each state is allowed to set its own mandates. The renewal process is set to adhere to science and public safety.

The medical field evolves by developing more advanced procedures and methodology, nurses must keep up. To ensure that nurses stay educated on modern advances in medicine, license renewals are a strict requirement. Are you unsure how, when, or where to renew your Certified Nursing Assistance license? You’re in luck! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how to renew a CNA license. 

Know Your CNA Expiration Date

It is essential to know when your CNA license will expire. Generally, a nursing license will expire two years from the date you received the license. The state of Pennsylvania will send you renewal reminders. But you must monitor your expiration date closely. If you do not watch the expiration date, you might risk defaulting your license by not completing the renewal requirements promptly. You will need to fulfill your renewal requirements well before the expiration date to ensure they are turned in before your license expires.

CNA Renewal Prerequisites

Each state will have nursing license renewal prerequisites that CNAs need to complete before the expiration date on their license.  If you do not satisfy these requirements, you can jeopardize your employment. Here are common prerequisites for a CNA license renewal:

• Maintain continuous employment as a CNA.
  • If you stop working as a CNA for a period of time, you might have to complete the licensure process again.
• Maintain a clean criminal record.
• Maintain a clean record at work without patient complaints or disciplinary actions from your employer. You might be able to complete the renewal process with a different set of requirements.
• Complete continuing education units (CEUs). Visit your state board of nursing’s homepage to determine what CEUs must be fulfilled before your license is eligible for renewal. You might be able to complete the CEUs with on-the-job training or by work experience alone.
• Pay the appropriate renewal fees. Typically these fees are quite a bit less than the original application fees.

Submit a CNA License Renewal Application

In PA, the CNA license renewal application is a seamless online process that you can complete in no time. Generally, you will be approved within three business days. Again, it’s imperative to complete the prerequisites before submitting your renewal application. You will not get approved if you have not turned in your conditions.

Reinstating Your CNA License

If for whatever reason, you have allowed your CNA license to lapse and are ready to renew, you must reinstate your license. This is typically a little different than your average renewal. When you reinstate your license, you will be subjected to a late fee. 

Say that you moved out of a state and worked as a CNA. Then you will simply need to submit proof of continued employment. If you have taken time away from nursing, but your expiration date is still within a five-year range, you might be able to take and pass the CNA exam to reinstate your license. Unfortunately, if you have allowed your CNA license to expire and it has been longer than five years, you will need to complete CNA training again. That means that you will have to complete an accredited CNA program and pass the CNA examination.

Final Words

CynaMed is happy to assist you on your nursing journey. We have compiled CNA nursing resources to help you give the most high-quality care while maintaining a fulfilling career. Take control of your future today!