How to Complete Your Equivalency Application Packageā
If you are presently enrolled in (or completed) a Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, or Licensed Psychiatric Technician program, have received medical training in military services, or have received the above license(s) from a foreign country or U.S. state, you may not have to take further training and may qualify to take the Competency Evaluation. You must complete and submit the following to CDPH:
- Certified Nurse Assistant Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (CDPH 283E (PDF))
- 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.
- An official, sealed transcript of training (students may substitute the official transcript with a sealed official school letter, listing equivalent training and the completion of at least the āFundamentals of Nursing" course). The letter must include the completion date(s) of the training/courses and hours/units completed. If discharged from the military, a copy of the DD-214 can substitute for an official transcript.
- Proof of work (paystub or W2) showing the applicant has 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. Proof of work is not required for current nursing students or if the college degree was obtained within the last two (2) years. Staffing agencies are not an acceptable work setting 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.
Upon completion of the above requirements, the applicant will be sent information regarding the Competency Evaluation examination. You must allow a minimum of thirty (30) days for CDPH to receive your examination results from the testing vendor. Once you have successfully passed the examination, maintained criminal record clearance, and the results from the testing vendor have been received, CDPH will issue a current CNA certificate.
State and Federal Requirements
Certified Nurse Assistant Forms