How to Transfer Your CNA Certificate to California
Follow these steps to transfer your out-of-state Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate to California:
1. Complete the Application:
2. Complete the Live Scan Process (Fingerprints):
3. Submit a Copy of Your Current CNA Certificate:
- Provide a copy of your out-of-state CNA certificate or include a screenshot from their online registry showing your certificate is active
- If State does not have an online Registry, please submit Verification of Certification Form (CDPH 931) (PDF): Complete Part I of the form yourself. Ask the endorsing state (where your certificate is from) to complete Part II.
4. Provide Proof of Work (if required):
- Show proof (such as a paystub or W2) that confirms you provided nursing or nursing-related services in the past two years under the supervision of a licensed health professional.
- If you worked in a facility but were paid through a staffing agency, provide a letter from the facility confirming your supervised work. Note that staffing agencies do not qualify.
- If your out-of-state certificate was issued within the last two years, skip the proof-of-work requirement.
5. Mail the Application Package:
Send your completed application package via U.S. postal mail to:
Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section (HPCTS)
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301 Sacramento, CA 95899-7416
6. Monitor Email/Mail:
We encourage you to provide an email address when you submit your application. If an email address is provided all deficiencies will be communicated via email. If no email is provided a letter will be issued via U.S. Postal mail to communicate the items, the department needs to process your application.
After satisfying all the certification requirements and maintaining a clear criminal record, CDPH will issue your CNA certificate.
State and Federal Requirements
Certified Nurse Assistant Forms