Ohio CNA Certification Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Ohio
Official source: licensing in Ohio is administered by the Ohio Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in Ohio.
Apply on Official SiteHow do you renew a CNA certification in Ohio?
Ohio nurse aide registration has no fixed renewal cycle, and there is no renewal fee. Your registration stays active for 24 months from your registry placement or your most recent verified work date, and each verification restarts the window. The work must be at least 7.5 consecutive hours, or 8 hours within a 48-hour period. Employers report verified work to the registry; aides do not file a renewal.
Source: Ohio Admin. Code 3701-17-07.3, checked 2026-11-05.
1 Training Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
Additional Requirements
- Must complete a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP)
- Minimum 75 hours of training including classroom and clinical instruction
- At least 16 hours must be supervised clinical training
- Program must be approved by the Ohio Department of Health
2 Competency Examination
Exam Name
State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Exam
Test Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies
Exam Components
Written/Oral Test
Multiple choice questions on nursing assistant knowledge and skills
Skills Demonstration
Perform 3-5 randomly selected nursing skills in front of an evaluator
Exam Fee
$95
Tip: You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the exam to be certified. Most states allow multiple retake attempts if needed.
3 Background Check
CNAs work with vulnerable populations, so background checks are required in all states. Cost is typically $57.
4 Fees
Initial Certification
| Training Program | $500-$2,000* |
| Competency Exam | $95 |
| Background Check | $57 |
| Application/Registry Fee | $0 |
*Many employers offer free CNA training programs with work commitment
Renewal
| Renewal Fee | $0 |
Certification Renewal
Your registration stays active for 24 months from your registry placement or your most recent verified work date, and each verification restarts the window. The work must be at least 7.5 consecutive hours, or 8 hours within a 48-hour period. Employers report verified work to the registry; aides do not file a renewal.
Career Advancement
STNAs can advance to LPN or RN with additional education. Ohio has many community colleges and nursing schools offering bridge programs.
Ohio CNA Certification FAQs
How much does CNA certification cost in Ohio?
Expect about $152 in total initial CNA certification costs in Ohio, including a $95 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Ohio Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Ohio?
Ohio nurse aide registration has no fixed renewal cycle, and there is no renewal fee. Your registration stays active for 24 months from your registry placement or your most recent verified work date, and each verification restarts the window. The work must be at least 7.5 consecutive hours, or 8 hours within a 48-hour period. Employers report verified work to the registry; aides do not file a renewal.
How long does it take to get CNA certification in Ohio?
Most complete applications are processed in about 4 to 10 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.
Who issues CNA certifications in Ohio?
The Ohio Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (614) 752-9500.
Nurse Aide Registry
Free Tools
Other License Types in Ohio
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 2 official sources • Last verified: June 2026