Do I need employer sponsorship to reinstate in California?

Not necessarily, but the 48 in-service hours must come from a CDPH-approved facility or employer. Some CNAs arrange the training through a nursing home willing to hire them conditional on reinstatement.

What if my California CNA listing has already been removed?

If your listing was removed (more than 24 months since last employment), you must complete a full state-approved CNA training program — typically 150 hours — before you can sit for the exam. Contact CDPH for your exact status.

Can I take the California NNAAP exam without a job lined up?

You can take the exam, but you need the 48 in-service hours first, which typically require an employer. Some areas have programs that provide the training for fee-paying candidates — check CDPH's approved program list.

How long does it take to get reinstated in California?

The timeline depends on training availability, vendor scheduling, and results processing. Confirm the current schedule and your status directly with CDPH and Headmaster.

California CNA Reinstatement

How to Reinstate Your Lapsed CNA License in California

California gives lapsed CNAs a 24-month window from their last active employment date to reinstate without repeating a full training program — but you must complete 48 in-service hours and pass the competency evaluation.

Reinstatement window

24 months

CE hours required

48 hrs

Exam fee

$40 knowledge · $45 audio knowledge · $100 skills

Typical timeline

6–10 wks

Start California Reinstatement Prep California Nurse Aide Registry (NAR)

Registry & Authority

California Nurse Aide Registry (NAR)

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

Official registry website

Exam Provider & Fees

Headmaster (CDPH-approved testing vendor)

Headmaster fees effective March 1, 2026: $40 knowledge, $45 audio knowledge, and $100 skills. Confirm current fees and registration instructions in the official candidate handbook.

48 CE hours required before exam

Step-by-step reinstatement process in California

Follow these steps in order to reinstate your California CNA certification.

Confirm your registry status with CDPH

Call CDPH at (916) 327-2445 or search the online NAR to verify your current listing status and confirm you are within the 24-month reinstatement window from your last day of paid nursing-assistant employment.

Complete 48 hours of in-service training

California uniquely requires 48 hours of continuing in-service education before you can sit for the reinstatement competency exam. These hours must be provided by a state-approved employer or program. Topics typically include safety, infection control, resident rights, and clinical skills.

Register for the NNAAP competency evaluation

After completing your in-service hours, review the official Headmaster candidate handbook and schedule the knowledge (or audio knowledge) and skills evaluations as directed. Effective March 1, 2026, listed fees are $40 knowledge, $45 audio knowledge, and $100 skills; confirm current fees before registering.

Pass the written and skills portions

The knowledge and skills evaluations follow the current vendor and state handbook. Question counts, timing, and skills selection can vary; use CNA-Ready simulations for practice and confirm the official format with Headmaster.

Registry updates automatically

Once you pass both portions, the testing facility reports your results to CDPH and your NAR listing is reinstated — usually within 7–14 business days. You can verify your active status on the CDPH website.

Always verify with the official registry

State requirements change. Confirm current reinstatement rules with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) before scheduling your exam. The information above reflects publicly available guidance as of 2025–2026.

Prepare for the California competency evaluation with a state-specific plan

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Cost comparison: California

Full retraining program

Varies by state

Provider-specific · Confirm with the registry

CNA-Ready reinstatement prep

Best value

From $24.99/mo

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California CNA reinstatement: frequently asked questions

Reinstatement guides for other states

Washington Alaska Hawaii Oregon Texas All states

Your California reinstatement window is open.

Start prep today — timing and eligibility depend on your state and testing vendor. Confirm current requirements with the official registry.

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