How to Complete Your Initial Application​​

An applicant for certification as a CNA shall comply with each of the following:

• Be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
• Have successfully completed a training program approved by the department in California, which includes an examination to test the applicant's knowledge and skills related to basic patient care services. 
  
• Obtain a criminal record clearance.
  

You must complete and submit the following to CDPH: 

• An Initial Application (CDPH 283B) (PDF), upon enrollment in the training program.
•  A copy of the Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) (PDF) form. 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. 

Once you have completed the CDPH-approved training program, you will need to successfully pass the Competency Evaluation Examination.  If you successfully pass the Competency Examination, you must allow at least thirty (30) days for CDPH to receive your examination results from the testing vendor.

State and Federal Requirements

• Certified Nurse Assistant Regulations California Health and Safety Code Section 1337-1338.5
• California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Division 5
• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section (d) 5

Certified Nurse Assistant Forms

• BCIA 8016 (PDF)  Request for Live Scan Service
• BCIA 8016 Sample (PDF) Sample Request for Live Scan Service form for Certified Nurse Assistants
• CDPH 283B (PDF) Certified Nurse Assistant Initial Application
• CDPH 929 (PDF) Request for Name/Address Change and/or Duplicate for CNA Certificate
• CDPH 318 (PDF) Report of Misconduct