Question about CNA's state to state

[cradlecrewer]

Does anyone know if a CNA can move from state to state on the same certification? I don't know what to tell a friend that is moving. She is a CNA. Does she have to be certified in that particular state?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

If she is certified, she probably needs to transfer to lisence to the state she's moving too. However, not all NA's are certified.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Your friend needs to check with that states requirements to see if it is required, to see how to go about certification, etc.

There is a huge variance in policies and requirements across the states~

[lauriebiswell]

In Missouri, where I am a CNA, if the person is certified in another state they can challenge our state test without having to take the course over. However, if they fail the challenge they will have to re-take the course. All states have different policies so she would need to check with the state she is moving to.:typing

[rockytopRN2b]

Yes, CNA certification is state specific. The level of reciprocity available depends on where she is certified and what state she is moving to. I am certified in Tennessee, but lived and worked briefly in California. California granted me total reciprocity-- all I had to do was file some paperwork and give them some money. Tennessee on the other hand, is not as willing to accept certifications from other states without requiring you to re-challenge the exam. She needs to check with the Board of Health or certifying agency in the state she is headed to.