Health and Human Services Agency
California Department of Public Health

AFL 26-21

July 2, 2026

TO:

All Facilities

SUBJECT:

Digital Submission for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide (HHA), and Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Applications

AUTHORITY: Health and Safety Code sections 1337.2 and 1736.1

All Facilities Letter (AFL) Summary

This AFL notifies all facilities that on June 29, 2026, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Center for Health Care Quality (CHCQ) began accepting digital submission for renewal, and reactivation applications for CNAs, HHAs, and CHTs. Applicants may use the same portal that is currently available for digital submission of initial applications.
Applicants who require assistance completing or submitting a digital application, or who need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act (e.g., submitting a paper application instead of digitally uploading) may submit a request to the Certification Unit at onlinecna@cdph.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 327-2445.

Effective June 29, 2026 applicants may digitally upload and submit the following application types to the CDPH Healthcare Professional Upload Portal:

Initial, Renewal, and Reactivation applications for CNAs
Initial and Renewal applications for HHAs
Initial and Renewal applications for CHTs

Accepting submission of digital applications is part of CDPH's ongoing efforts to streamline processes, reduce processing timeframes, and improve efficiency for applicants. Digital submission will allow for faster processing times and enhanced tracking capabilities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the online portal to submit initial, renewal, and reactivation applications. Submission via the online portal eliminates the need to submit paper applications and mail processing associated delays.

As a reminder, CNAs are required to complete and submit documentation verifying 48 hours of In-Service Training/Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during each two‑year certification period:

At least 12 of the 48 hours must be completed each year.
Up to 24 of the total 48 hours may be earned through a CDPH‑approved online training program listed on our website.
CEUs must be completed through a CDPH‑approved provider.
All CDPH‑approved In-Service Training classes are accepted.

For a list of CDPH‑approved CEU providers, please visit our webpages:

Application Accommodation Requests

CDPH is committed to ensuring equal access to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance completing or submitting a digital application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation under the ADA Act, please contact the Certification Unit at:

Email: onlinecna@cdph.ca.gov

Subject line: “Application Accommodation Request"

Phone: (916) 327-2445

Examples of reasonable accommodations may include assistance with accessing the online portal or alternative formats (e.g., submitting a paper application instead of digitally uploading). CDPH will review and respond to all accommodation requests in a timely manner in accordance with ADA requirements.