How long after you apply....

It all depends on your state. In MD we are issued a temporary 90 day license while they conduct background checks (state & FBI) and fingerprints. After that is complete, then we receive our permanent CNA number( we do not receive paper certificates in this state). All in all, that took close to 2 months for me to get it, but I've met some who have gotten it faster, and some who have gotten it slower. I would contact your board of nursing, or even post this question on your state nursing forum, b/c someone there might be able to give you a more accurate answer. Good luck!

It all depends on your state. In MD we are issued a temporary 90 day license while they conduct background checks (state & FBI) and fingerprints. After that is complete, then we receive our permanent CNA number( we do not receive paper certificates in this state). All in all, that took close to 2 months for me to get it, but I've met some who have gotten it faster, and some who have gotten it slower. I would contact your board of nursing, or even post this question on your state nursing forum, b/c someone there might be able to give you a more accurate answer. Good luck!

Thank you for your reply. I am too in MD. How long did it take you to get your temporary license?

In Indiana, we are told if we pass or not immediately after taking the test. We're given a certificate that says we passed the test, but it takes a couple of months to get our actual certification in the mail.

Thank you for your reply. I am too in MD. How long did it take you to get your temporary license?

I finished my program on a Friday..and that following Monday I went to Baltimore & got my fingerprints done..then went to the Board of Nursing(they have a seperate office for CNA's). I handed them my fingerprint card, my app, and the fee & I receieved my 90-Day-Certification on the spot. So my suggestion to you is DEFINITELY go to Baltimore & submit everything yourself!!!! Some of my co-workers let their program submit their paperwork & everything got screwed up..one girl is still waiting on her CNA # and she finished the program a year ago!

I finished my program on a Friday..and that following Monday I went to Baltimore & got my fingerprints done..then went to the Board of Nursing(they have a seperate office for CNA's). I handed them my fingerprint card, my app, and the fee & I receieved my 90-Day-Certification on the spot. So my suggestion to you is DEFINITELY go to Baltimore & submit everything yourself!!!! Some of my co-workers let their program submit their paperwork & everything got screwed up..one girl is still waiting on her CNA # and she finished the program a year ago!

Yea i think that i should have done that. I let my program submit it and everyone has their but 3 people. Hopefully i can call on Monday and see whats going on.

Yea i think that i should have done that. I let my program submit it and everyone has their but 3 people. Hopefully i can call on Monday and see whats going on.

The board of nursing is extremely slow when it comes to phone calls & emails...like I said, it would be best to go there in person.

In Indiana, we are told if we pass or not immediately after taking the test. We're given a certificate that says we passed the test, but it takes a couple of months to get our actual certification in the mail.

here in Florida is somewhat similar, u learn whether you passed right away, but it took maybe 4 or5 weeks to get my license.

Here in maryland you do not have to take a test for a CNA, all you have to do is pass a CNA class and summit your information. And wait for you license....