Nurse Aide in Kentucky

All Kentucky CNA students will need to take their competency evaluations through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System whether or not this is where they received their educations. The test is offered at a variety of regional testing centers, and students can choose their preferred locations. The test is taken in two parts, both of which must be completed on the same day initially. The knowledge section tests CNA theory and has 75 multiple-choice questions. This test can be taken with pencil and paper or orally for those who have trouble reading English. This section must be passed by at least 70 percent.

The second section tests clinical skills in front of an evaluator. The skills are demonstrated on a volunteer actor, and students are encouraged to act as if the actor is an actual patient. Students will be randomly assigned five skills on test day and must perform at least 70 percent of each skill correctly to pass. In addition, critical steps must be completed with 100 percent accuracy.

Students will receive their test results in the mail within 30 days of taking the test. Both sections must be passed successfully before students will become SRNAs or State Registered Nurse Aides as they are called in Kentucky. Students must take and pass the test within one year from the end of training to avoid having to retake the examination. The fee to take both sections is $75. However, high school students taking the examination only have to pay $50 for a first-time discount.

CNAs moving to Kentucky from another state may be able to transfer their certifications to Kentucky via reciprocity. The certification must be active and in good standing, and the CNA must not have any accusations of patient abuse or neglect on his or her record. Applicants will be required to submit their personally identifying information and certification numbers as well as copies of their prior CNA certifications, social security cards, and driver’s licenses. Reciprocity is free in Kentucky. Those who are approved for reciprocity will be notified by the Board within 30 days and will receive their new certifications in the mail.

Kentucky CNAs are required to renew their certifications every two years. The state sends out renewal notifications two months prior to the expiration date. To renew, they must be in good standing with the state with no accusations of patient abuse, neglect or mistreatment. They also must have worked at least eight hours in the past 24 months and must have completed at least 12 hours of in-services or continuing education each year. CNAs must include proof of employment, such as a pay stub or W-2, along with their renewal paperwork. Those who cannot provide proof of employment or who have not worked the required hours will have to retake training classes and retake the competency examination. Renewal is free.

Testing Procedures
Reciprocity Procedures

Links
Kentucky Department for Public Health
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry
License Lookup Tool

Contacts
KNAR
312 Whittington Pky
Suite 300-A
Louisville, KY 40222-5172

KNAR Program Coordinator
Julie Lobo
Phone: 502-429-3349
Email: [email protected]