CNA License in Kansas

Following successful training, students can apply to the Health Occupations Credentialing department to take the state’s CNA competency evaluation. The test is administered at 32 regional testing sites scattered throughout the state. The fee for testing is $20.

The test is administered in two parts. The first part tests CNA theory knowledge and is performed using a computer. Those who do not speak English as a first language will be allowed to use a bilingual dictionary during the test. The second part tests CNA skills and is performed in front of a nurse aide evaluator.

Students must arrive on time on test day. Those who arrive late will have to reschedule their test and will be charged an additional fee of $20. When students arrive, they should have a photo ID and another method of identification with them. They will also need their social security numbers and their transcripts stating that they successfully passed CNA training.

Both parts must be passed with as score of at least 75 percent before students can be included in the Kansas State Nurse Aide Registry. Those who fail a section will be allowed to take each section a total of three times before they will be required to retrain. Several days after passing, students will be able to check the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Website to determine if they have been added to the state’s Nurse Aide Registry.

Kansas does practice CNA reciprocity with other states provided that the previous state had an equivalent training program. However, Kansas does not waive the certification examination for any reciprocity applicants no matter how long they have worked as CNAs. All reciprocity candidates must apply to take the entire test and will need to send in a fee of $20. CNAs applying for reciprocity will only have one chance to pass both sections of the examination with a score of at least 75 percent or better. Those who fail on the first opportunity will need to attend a Kansas CNA training program. Those who do pass can expect to receive a paper certificate in the mail within three to four weeks.

Kansas CNAs must renew their certifications every two years. To renew, they will need to have worked for pay performing nursing-related tasks at least eight hours in the past 24 months. The Department for Aging and Disability Services will send out renewal notices a few weeks before the expiration date. The date listed on the forms will be one month prior to the actual expiration date to give the Department time to process the paperwork. Those who do not renew in time or who do not work the required hours will have their status become inactive. To reactivate a license, CNAs will need to attend a refresher course or go through a checklist of tasks with a registered nurse.

Links
Kansas Department of Health & Environment
Kansas State Board of Nursing
Kansas Nurse Aide Registry
Verify your CNA certification here

Contacts
Health Occupations Credentialing
612 S Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603-3404
Phone:785-296-1240