If you are a Certified Nursing Assistant moving to another state, you may be able to transfer your CNA certification through reciprocity instead of completing CNA training and testing again. Some states do not charge a CNA reciprocity application fee, but “free” does not always mean there are no costs at all. You may still need to pay for fingerprinting, background checks, notarization, mailing, or testing if your certification is inactive.
This guide explains which states offer free CNA reciprocity, how the transfer process works, what documents are usually required, and what to check before applying.
What Does Reciprocity Mean for CNAs?
CNA reciprocity is the process of transferring your CNA certification from one state’s nurse aide registry to another state’s registry. It allows eligible CNAs to work in a new state without repeating a full CNA training program.
However, CNA reciprocity is not automatic. Each state has its own nurse aide registry, application process, and eligibility rules. In most cases, you must have:
- An active CNA certification in another state
- Good standing on your current state’s nurse aide registry
- No findings of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation of resident property
- Proof of recent paid work as a CNA or nursing assistant
- Government-issued identification
- Social Security number or other required identity documents
Some states call this process “reciprocity,” while others call it “endorsement,” “interstate endorsement,” or “transfer.”
How CNA Reciprocity Usually Works
Although every state has different rules, the CNA reciprocity process usually follows the same basic steps:
- Check the destination state’s nurse aide registry requirements.
- Confirm that your current CNA certification is active and in good standing.
- Gather your identification, CNA certificate number, Social Security number, employment proof, and training documents.
- Submit the reciprocity or interstate endorsement application.
- Wait for the new state to verify your current registry status.
- Confirm that your name appears on the new state’s nurse aide registry before you begin working, unless the state allows temporary work while your application is pending.
States that Offer Free Reciprocity for CNA Licenses
Some states in the U.S. accept reciprocity for CNA licenses from other states. There are also a few states that offer free reciprocity for CNA licenses. In these states, you don’t have to pay any fee for reciprocity of your CNA license. However, you will be required to meet the eligibility criteria set by the state to be able to apply to transfer your CNA license.
Here’s a list of some states that offer free reciprocity for CNA licenses. Let’s discuss each state in detail.
| State | CNA reciprocity fee | Application method | Key requirement | Processing time |
| Idaho | Verify with registry | Reciprocity form | Active/good-standing out-of-state CNA status | Varies |
| Iowa | Free / verify before applying | Online DCW Registry | Current listing on another state registry | At least 2 weeks |
| Massachusetts | Free / verify before applying | MA Nurse Aide Registry process | Current/good-standing certification | Varies |
| Minnesota | Free / verify before applying | Online Nurse Aide Registry portal | Interstate endorsement application | Varies |
| South Dakota | Free / verify before applying | Online interstate endorsement | Active CNA registration in another state | Varies |
IDAHO
In Idaho, CNAs who are certified in another state may apply for placement on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry through reciprocity. Applicants generally need to complete the reciprocity form and provide verification of their current out-of-state CNA status.
Idaho may require proof that your current certification is active and in good standing. If your certification is inactive and cannot be renewed in your current state, you may be asked to take the written and skills competency exams before being placed on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.
Before applying, check the current Idaho Nurse Aide Registry instructions to confirm the latest fee, form, and document requirements.
SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota allows eligible out-of-state CNAs to apply for registration by endorsement. This process is for individuals who have never been registered as a CNA in South Dakota but are currently registered as a CNA in another state.
To qualify, applicants generally must:
- Have completed a nurse aide training program of at least 75 hours
- Be actively registered as a CNA in another state
- Have no findings or convictions related to abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property
- Submit the online interstate endorsement application
South Dakota’s current official process is called CNA Registry by Interstate Endorsement Application. Applicants should verify the latest requirements and processing time before applying.
MINNESOTA
Minnesota now uses an online Nurse Aide Registry system for interstate endorsement applications. As of January 8, 2024, the Minnesota Department of Health no longer accepts nurse aide applications by mail or email.
To transfer your CNA certification to Minnesota, you should create an account in the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry portal and submit the Interstate Endorsement Application online.
Minnesota also notes that nurse aides must be on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry before working as a nursing assistant in the state. Before applying, confirm that your out-of-state certification is active and that you meet Minnesota’s recent work or testing requirements.
To learn more details regarding Minnesota’s reciprocity for CNA license, visit their official website.
IOWA
Iowa allows CNAs who are listed on another state’s direct care worker or CNA registry to apply for transfer to the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. Applicants may apply online through the Iowa DCW Registry.
Before applying, make sure your current out-of-state CNA certification is active and that your registry information is accurate. Iowa states that processing time varies and applicants should allow at least two weeks.
If you are transferring from Iowa to another state, you should contact the destination state’s registry first because each state has its own transfer process.
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts CNA reciprocity is handled through the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program under the Department of Public Health. Out-of-state CNAs generally need to submit a reciprocity application and verify their current CNA registration from another state.
Applicants should confirm that their current CNA certification is active and in good standing before applying. Some states may send verification directly, while others may require the applicant or the Massachusetts registry to complete the verification process.
For the most current reciprocity instructions, applicants should use the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program resources or contact the registry directly.
Wrapping Up
CNA reciprocity can make it easier to continue working as a nursing assistant after moving to another state. However, each state has different rules, application methods, and document requirements. Some states may not charge a reciprocity application fee, but applicants may still need to pay for background checks, fingerprints, testing, or document processing.
Before applying, always check the destination state’s official nurse aide registry website and confirm your current CNA certification is active and in good standing.
If your new state requires testing, you can prepare with our free CNA practice test before scheduling your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the best place to work as a CNA?
After your CNA reciprocity is approved, you may be able to work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, hospice agencies, and staffing agencies. The best workplace depends on your preferred schedule, patient population, pay, benefits, and state-specific employment rules.
Is it better to work in a hospital or a nursing home?
Hospitals and nursing homes both hire CNAs, but the work environment can differ. Hospital CNAs may work with patients who have short-term or acute medical needs, while nursing home CNAs often provide ongoing daily care for long-term residents. The better option depends on your career goals, schedule preferences, pace of work, and the type of patient care you prefer.
Which states offer free CNA reciprocity?
Some states do not charge a CNA reciprocity application fee, but the list can change. Commonly mentioned free CNA reciprocity states include Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and South Dakota. However, applicants should always verify the current fee with the destination state’s official nurse aide registry before applying.
Is CNA reciprocity always free?
No. Even if a state does not charge a reciprocity application fee, you may still need to pay for fingerprinting, background checks, notarization, mailing, or testing if your CNA certification is inactive.
Can I transfer my CNA license to another state online?
In many states, yes. Some states now use online nurse aide registry portals for CNA reciprocity or interstate endorsement. For example, Iowa allows out-of-state CNAs to apply online through the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry, and Minnesota now uses an online Nurse Aide Registry portal.
