How do I renew my certification?

I haven't worked since November 2007 and my CNA certification expires the 31st of this month. How do I recertify? I did receive a letter in the mail saying that I have to contact my last employer and have them fill out some paper work and send it in. I really don't want to call them....LOL! I left on great terms with them but I don't want to tell them that I haven't been able to find work for over a year (It's kind of embarassing). Is there another way of recertifying?