Licensing and Certification Program

Certified Nurse Assistant Frequently Asked Questions

Reciprocity (Transferring CNA certification to California)

How do I seek reciprocity into California?

In order to transfer your out-of-state certificate to California, you must complete and submit the following to CDPH:

A Certified Nurse Assistant Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (CDPH 283E).
Obtain your fingerprints either one of the two methods below:

Electronic Fingerprints

Obtain your fingerprints in California utilizing a Live Scan Agency and submit a copy of the completed Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) (PDF). Please also download the Request for Live Scan Service Sample (BCIA 8016 Sample) (PDF), which will show you how to correctly complete the BCIA 8016 form.

Fingerprint Cards

Applicants residing out of state may complete the fingerprint card (FD-258) and submit two completed cards to the department. Fingerprint cards (FD-258) must be accompanied by a $32.00 check or money order made payable to "The Department of Justice". Please refer to the DOJ's website (PDF) for instructions on how to correctly complete the fingerprint card (FD-258).

A copy of your out-of-state CNA certificate.
Proof of work showing that you provided nursing or nursing-related services in a facility to residents for compensation under the supervision of a licensed health professional within the last two (2) years. Acceptable forms of proof of work are a copy of a paystub or W2. If you have received your initial out-of-state CNA certificate within the last two (2) years, you do not need to submit proof of work. Staffing agencies are not an acceptable work setting in order to qualify for equivalency in California. You must submit proof of work from a skilled nursing facility in which you worked. If you work in a facility but are paid through a staffing agency you may submit a letter from the facility stating that you have worked there under the supervision of a licensed health professional.
The Verification of Current Nurse Assistant Certification (CDPH 931). Part I of the CDPH 931 is to be completed by the applicant and Part II is to be completed by the endorsing state agency (the state you are coming from).

When will my application package be processed?

Please refer to our Processing Times page for current timeframes. Contacting the Department of Public Health before the indicated timeframe can cause additional delays.

How do I submit my application package?

You may submit mail in your application package to:

Att: Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section (HPCTS)
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7416

Can I drop off my application at your office?

Unfortunately, the California Department of Public Health does not have a public counter.

If I overnight/certify mail you my reciprocity application, how long will it take to process?

Sending the reciprocity application by overnight/certified mail will expedite the mailing time, but not the processing time. initials are processed in date order received. Please refer to the Processing Times for the current time frame. It is recommended to send application packet via regular UPS.

Can I complete my live scan in the State I am transferring from?

The live scan must be completed in the State of California.

Do I have to submit the CDPH 931 if my certificate is verifiable online?

No, if your certificate is verifiable online the CDPH 931 is not required, unless requested by the Department.

Do I have to submit the CDPH 931 if my certificate is not verifiable online?

Yes, the California Department of Public Health will require this form send directly from the endorsing (State you are transferring from) agency.

Do I have to provide proof of work?

You must provide proof of work if the initial CNA certification was obtained over two (2) years ago. You must provide a paystub or W2 indicating you have provided nursing or nursing-related services in a facility to residents for compensation under the supervision of a licensed health professional within the last two (2) years.

Staffing agencies or in home care are not an acceptable work setting in order to qualify for reciprocity to California. The proof of work you submitted indicates you worked for a staffing agency.

You must submit proof of work from a skilled nursing facility in which you worked. If you work in a facility but are paid through a staffing agency you may submit a letter from the facility stating that you have worked there under the supervision of a licensed health professional, the title of the position and dates.

Page Last Updated : May 3, 2019