KentuckyCNA Certification Requirements

Regulated by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) and Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) – jointly responsible; KCTCS administers the training/exam program

Training Hours Breakdown

Topics Covered

Restricted Duties

• ✗Cannot administer medications
• ✗Cannot perform sterile procedures
• ✗Cannot insert or remove catheters
• ✗Cannot interpret patient data or make clinical judgments
• ✗Cannot develop or modify care plans

Approved Work Settings

Regulatory Board

CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.

Additional Requirements for Transfer

• •Must hold current, active nurse aide certification in another U.S. state
• •Submit reciprocity application with out-of-state certificate
• •Provide photo ID and Social Security card documentation
• •No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state registry
• •Background may be investigated

Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.