PennsylvaniaCNA Certification Requirements

Regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health

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

• •Submit reciprocity application through Credentia
• •Provide verification of CNA certification from previous state
• •Complete PA State Police Criminal Record Check
• •Complete PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• •Complete FBI fingerprint check if PA resident for less than 2 years
• •Must be in good standing with no findings on any abuse registry

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.