Requirements for Certification
In order to be certified on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, an individual must have completed an approved nurse aide training program and successfully completed the state competency examination within 24 months from completion of the class.
A student enrolled in a LPN or RN program may request to challenge the competency examination by providing original transcripts of their education verifying they have completed the basic nursing fundamentals and skills that are covered in a nurse aide training program.
An individual who is military trained as a medic, may apply to challenge the test by providing a copy of their DD-214. Documentation of classroom and clinical experience will be required.
An individual who is currently listed as active with no derogatory or abuse information on another State’s list of certified individuals can apply for reciprocity. Tennessee accepts reciprocity from all States except Florida. An individual living in Florida must retrain and retest in Tennessee in order to become certified as a CNA in this State.
The certification period is for 24 months, and the individual must renew every 2 years by providing verification that they have worked a minimum of eight hours during the 24-month time frame.
If the certification expires, the individual must then reinstate their certification which requires more documentation than a renewal. Proof of eight hours worked each year is required for each year beginning the year prior to the expiration year and continuing through the current year. If continuous employment providing CNA duties in a certified facility cannot be provided, the individual must retrain and retest in order to be reactivated.
