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How to become a CNA in Kentucky. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). Total initial fees: $135–$150. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) and Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
57% of data points are verified against official sources. 12 fields based on preliminary research. 5 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
75 hrs
Training Hours
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
Exam Provider
$135–$150
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related duties in the past 24 months; documentation includes pay stubs, W-2 forms, or signed employer letters
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) and Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)
(502) 429-3300
Program Approval Body
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) – Department of Medicaid Services
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) and Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) – Department of Medicaid Services
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Up to 3 attempts allowed; must complete within 2 years of training
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; some employers cover training costs | $500–$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Written knowledge: $40; oral/audio knowledge: $55; skills: $95; fees are non-refundable | $135 (written + skills) or $150 (oral + skills) |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee; placement on KNAR is automatic after passing exam | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Exam fees only; excludes training program tuition | $135–$150 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related duties in the past 24 months; documentation includes pay stubs, W-2 forms, or signed employer letters
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No renewal fee
Inactive Reinstatement
If certification has lapsed due to not meeting work requirements, must retake and pass the competency evaluation to be reinstated on the registry
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Out-of-state CNAs with current active certification may apply for reciprocity; submit reciprocity application with out-of-state certificate, photo ID, and Social Security card documentation
Additional Requirements for Transfer
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.
Kentucky uniquely calls its CNAs 'State Registered Nurse Aides' (SRNAs). The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the exclusive testing vendor. The KNAR is jointly maintained by the Board of Nursing and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The written exam has 70 questions, slightly above the standard 60 used in many states.
In Kentucky, CNAs are called State Registered Nurse Aides (SRNAs)
Kentucky follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours (59 classroom + 16 clinical)
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the only approved testing vendor
The Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry (KNAR) is maintained by the Board of Nursing in cooperation with CHFS
No renewal fee and no separate state registration fee
Written exam has 70 questions (not the standard 60 found in many states)
Contact KBN at (502) 429-3300 or toll-free (888) 530-1919
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#36 of 51
Cost
#20 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$34,380
25th percentile
Median
$37,330
-6% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$42,760
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
22,910 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+205% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$37,330
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$37,330
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$58,450
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$79,910
MSN or DNP + national certification
$113,870
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Kentucky requires 75 hours of training and passage of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) and Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.