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Alaska Certified Nursing Assistant — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Certified Nurse Aide

Regular nurse aide certification under AS 08.68.331; initial examination, endorsement, renewal and reinstatement pathways.

Licensing authority: Alaska Board of Nursing / Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development · Application information

Conversion of 150 day temporary authorization after child support release
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing Authorization
Holder already met underlying certification/renewal prerequisites and holds the AS 25.27.244 temporary authorization.
Release
Child support services agency issues a release on or before temporary expiration; division issues the initial or renewed full license under 12 AAC 02.935(b).
Timing
The temporary authorization is nonextendable; this conversion adds no examination to the completed underlying eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification by examination — Approved nurse aide training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete Board-approved CNA training, or training equivalent to 12 AAC 44.835(c), within two years before application. Ordinarily at least 140 hours: 60 didactic and 80 supervised skills/clinical hours; during a declared public health emergency or Board-identified urgent situation, 12 AAC 44.835(k) allows the specified 75-hour training including 59 clinical hours.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Certification by examination — Foreign nursing training outside Canada

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete a nursing training program in a foreign country other than Canada; supply certified English translations of required documents not in English.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Certification by examination — Military corpsman or medic training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
12 AAC 44.800(a)(2) lists (A), (B), (C) and (E), but not military-training option (D). The application instructions state: If you graduated from a foreign prelicensure education program NOT taught in English, you must submit ONE (1) of the following: (A) verification you have passed an English proficiency examination that includes components on reading, speaking, writing, and listening; (B) an evaluation of your nursing education by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Credentials Evaluation Service (CGFNS), including a full education, course-by-course report that indicates your nursing education was taught in English; or (C) an official International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) certificate that verifies you have successfully completed the VisaScreen: Visa Credential Assessment Service. Note: We are unable to accept the Online IELTS Indicator Test or the TOEFL at Home Test.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete US military corpsman or medic training equivalent in content to 12 AAC 44.835(c) within five years before the completed application and serve as a corpsman or medic within that five-year period.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Certification by examination — Equivalent nursing education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete at least one year of approved nursing education with classroom and clinical nursing fundamentals, equivalent in content to 12 AAC 44.835(c), within two years immediately preceding the completed application.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Certification by examination — Current or lapsed nursing license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Hold an unencumbered current or lapsed nursing license issued by a US state or territory or a Canadian province or territory.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Reinstatement of revoked or suspended certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board determines ability to resume CNA duties competently and safely considering the reasons for revocation/suspension; it may require Board-approved supervised probation and a written supervisor performance evaluation. Under 12 AAC 44.880 the qualification is this individualized competence decision, without a named profession examination.
Waiting Period
At least one year after revocation or suspension; apply to the Board in writing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after at least two but less than five years

All of the following:

Application
Submit completed reinstatement application, renewal/reinstatement and fingerprint processing fees, fingerprints under 12 AAC 44.812(a), and required verifications.
Board Instructions
The Board's form 08-4365 page 1 describes CE plus employment OR a recent competency evaluation across its one-to-five-year application population: A. Verification of successful completion of all continuing education requirements in 12 AAC 44.825 that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed. Continuing education contact hours used for reinstatement under this subsection may not be used to satisfy the continuing education for the next biennial certification period; – AND – Verification the applicant was employed in another state or territory of the United States, or in a province of Canada, as a certified nurse aide for monetary compensation as required under 12 AAC 44.815(c) for the total number of hours that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed, with at least 160 hours having been completed within the two years immediately preceding the date of application. B. Successful completion of a competency evaluation under 12 AAC 44.850 within the 24 months immediately preceding application for reinstatement. Note: If the applicant cannot meet the reinstatement requirements set forth in 4. A or B above, the applicant must retake the nurse aide evaluation through Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services - https://credentia.com/test-takers. The examination can be administered in a written or oral format. The skills examination must be done in-person. You must complete both examinations in order to be eligible for reinstatement.
Continuing Education
All CE that would have been required for the entire lapse, with at least 24 hours in the preceding two years; reinstatement hours cannot count for the next period.
Employment
Verify compensated CNA employment outside Alaska for all hours required over the lapse, including at least 160 hours in the preceding two years. These and the recent evaluation are cumulative under 12 AAC 44.820(c); the lower-ranked Board form states the alternatives quoted in boardInstructions.
Exam Timing
Pass competency evaluation under 12 AAC 44.850 within 24 months immediately preceding reinstatement application.
Lapse
The Board's January 2025 application states reinstatement applies after one year and before five years; 12 AAC 44.820(a) expressly allows one day to less than two years. The regulation controls; renewal also remains available through 12 months under 12 AAC 44.815(f).
Lapse Period
At least two but less than five years.
Reinstatement after one day to less than two years — CE and employment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed reinstatement application, renewal/reinstatement and fingerprint processing fees, fingerprints under 12 AAC 44.812(a), and required verifications.
Board Instructions
The Board's form 08-4365 page 1 describes CE plus employment OR a recent competency evaluation across its one-to-five-year application population: A. Verification of successful completion of all continuing education requirements in 12 AAC 44.825 that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed. Continuing education contact hours used for reinstatement under this subsection may not be used to satisfy the continuing education for the next biennial certification period; – AND – Verification the applicant was employed in another state or territory of the United States, or in a province of Canada, as a certified nurse aide for monetary compensation as required under 12 AAC 44.815(c) for the total number of hours that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed, with at least 160 hours having been completed within the two years immediately preceding the date of application. B. Successful completion of a competency evaluation under 12 AAC 44.850 within the 24 months immediately preceding application for reinstatement. Note: If the applicant cannot meet the reinstatement requirements set forth in 4. A or B above, the applicant must retake the nurse aide evaluation through Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services - https://credentia.com/test-takers. The examination can be administered in a written or oral format. The skills examination must be done in-person. You must complete both examinations in order to be eligible for reinstatement.
Continuing Education
Verify all CE that would have been required throughout lapse; hours used for reinstatement may not count for the next period.
Employment
Verify compensated CNA employment outside Alaska in a US state/territory or Canadian province/territory for all hours that would have been required to maintain certification during lapse.
Lapse
The Board's January 2025 application states reinstatement applies after one year and before five years; 12 AAC 44.820(a) expressly allows one day to less than two years. The regulation controls; renewal also remains available through 12 months under 12 AAC 44.815(f).
Lapse Period
One day to less than two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after one day to less than two years — recent competency evaluation

All of the following:

Application
Submit completed reinstatement application, renewal/reinstatement and fingerprint processing fees, fingerprints under 12 AAC 44.812(a), and required verifications.
Board Instructions
The Board's form 08-4365 page 1 describes CE plus employment OR a recent competency evaluation across its one-to-five-year application population: A. Verification of successful completion of all continuing education requirements in 12 AAC 44.825 that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed. Continuing education contact hours used for reinstatement under this subsection may not be used to satisfy the continuing education for the next biennial certification period; – AND – Verification the applicant was employed in another state or territory of the United States, or in a province of Canada, as a certified nurse aide for monetary compensation as required under 12 AAC 44.815(c) for the total number of hours that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed, with at least 160 hours having been completed within the two years immediately preceding the date of application. B. Successful completion of a competency evaluation under 12 AAC 44.850 within the 24 months immediately preceding application for reinstatement. Note: If the applicant cannot meet the reinstatement requirements set forth in 4. A or B above, the applicant must retake the nurse aide evaluation through Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services - https://credentia.com/test-takers. The examination can be administered in a written or oral format. The skills examination must be done in-person. You must complete both examinations in order to be eligible for reinstatement.
Exam Timing
Competency evaluation passed within 24 months immediately preceding application. Under 12 AAC 44.820(b), this excuses only (a)(3) continuing education and (a)(4) employment; all other reinstatement conditions remain.
Lapse
The Board's January 2025 application states reinstatement applies after one year and before five years; 12 AAC 44.820(a) expressly allows one day to less than two years. The regulation controls; renewal also remains available through 12 months under 12 AAC 44.815(f).
Lapse Period
One day to less than two years.
Renewal or delayed renewal — at least 160 compensated CNA hours
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application, renewal fee and attestations under 12 AAC 44.815(b); provide CE/employment records if selected for audit.
Continuing Education
Complete 24 contact hours in the concluding period; for first renewal after at least one year, 12 hours; if certified for less than one year, no CE is required. Do not reuse the same course for the same certification period.
Employment
At least 160 compensated CNA hours in a US state/territory or Canadian province/territory in the concluding period.
Lapse
12 AAC 44.815(f) permits renewal of certification lapsed for 12 months or less.
Retraining
Under 12 AAC 44.815(g), if there was no compensated CNA employment in the concluding period and CNA training was completed more than two years ago, complete another approved or equivalent CNA training program.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

First renewal — initial certification less than 12 months before renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application, renewal fee and attestations under 12 AAC 44.815(b); provide CE/employment records if selected for audit.
Continuing Education
No CE under 12 AAC 44.825(b)(2).
Initial Certification
Initial certification issued less than 12 months before the next renewal period; 12 AAC 44.815(e) excuses both employment and competency-evaluation requirements in (c) and (d).
Lapse
12 AAC 44.815(f) permits renewal of certification lapsed for 12 months or less.
Retraining
Under 12 AAC 44.815(g), if there was no compensated CNA employment in the concluding period and CNA training was completed more than two years ago, complete another approved or equivalent CNA training program.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal or delayed renewal — fewer than 160 compensated CNA hours

All of the following:

Application
Submit renewal application, renewal fee and attestations under 12 AAC 44.815(b); provide CE/employment records if selected for audit.
Continuing Education
Complete 24 contact hours in the concluding period; for first renewal after at least one year, 12 hours; if certified for less than one year, no CE is required. Do not reuse the same course for the same certification period.
Employment
Fewer than 160 compensated CNA hours in the concluding period; experience may not be obtained after lapse to remedy the deficit. Successfully complete the competency evaluation before renewal. The first-renewal exemption in 12 AAC 44.815(e) is a separate pathway.
Lapse
12 AAC 44.815(f) permits renewal of certification lapsed for 12 months or less.
Retraining
Under 12 AAC 44.815(g), if there was no compensated CNA employment in the concluding period and CNA training was completed more than two years ago, complete another approved or equivalent CNA training program.
Maintenance of certification during protected active duty deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deployment
AS 08.01.100(g): active duty in a combat zone, danger pay post or qualified hazardous duty area, and license in good standing at the active-duty order; exemption from maintenance fees and other requirements while deployed and for 180 days after return, provided no private-sector licensed practice for profit. Meet all requirements for the period after the exemption ends.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150-Day Temporary Occupational License — Certified Nurse Aide

Temporary nurse aide authorization when an otherwise eligible applicant appears on the delinquent-support list; no extension.

Licensing authority: Alaska Board of Nursing / Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development · Application information

150 day temporary certification by examination — Approved nurse aide training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
Child Support
Otherwise eligible for certification but on the delinquent-support list; AS 25.27.244(d) permits only one nonextendable 150-day temporary license during the regular term. A release is required for full-term certification.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete Board-approved CNA training, or training equivalent to 12 AAC 44.835(c), within two years before application. Ordinarily at least 140 hours: 60 didactic and 80 supervised skills/clinical hours; during a declared public health emergency or Board-identified urgent situation, 12 AAC 44.835(k) allows the specified 75-hour training including 59 clinical hours.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
150 day temporary certification by examination — Foreign nursing training outside Canada

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
Child Support
Otherwise eligible for certification but on the delinquent-support list; AS 25.27.244(d) permits only one nonextendable 150-day temporary license during the regular term. A release is required for full-term certification.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete a nursing training program in a foreign country other than Canada; supply certified English translations of required documents not in English.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
150 day temporary certification by examination — Military corpsman or medic training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
Child Support
Otherwise eligible for certification but on the delinquent-support list; AS 25.27.244(d) permits only one nonextendable 150-day temporary license during the regular term. A release is required for full-term certification.
English Proficiency
12 AAC 44.800(a)(2) lists (A), (B), (C) and (E), but not military-training option (D). The application instructions state: If you graduated from a foreign prelicensure education program NOT taught in English, you must submit ONE (1) of the following: (A) verification you have passed an English proficiency examination that includes components on reading, speaking, writing, and listening; (B) an evaluation of your nursing education by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Credentials Evaluation Service (CGFNS), including a full education, course-by-course report that indicates your nursing education was taught in English; or (C) an official International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) certificate that verifies you have successfully completed the VisaScreen: Visa Credential Assessment Service. Note: We are unable to accept the Online IELTS Indicator Test or the TOEFL at Home Test.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete US military corpsman or medic training equivalent in content to 12 AAC 44.835(c) within five years before the completed application and serve as a corpsman or medic within that five-year period.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
150 day temporary certification by examination — Equivalent nursing education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
Child Support
Otherwise eligible for certification but on the delinquent-support list; AS 25.27.244(d) permits only one nonextendable 150-day temporary license during the regular term. A release is required for full-term certification.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete at least one year of approved nursing education with classroom and clinical nursing fundamentals, equivalent in content to 12 AAC 44.835(c), within two years immediately preceding the completed application.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
150 day temporary certification by examination — Current or lapsed nursing license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
Child Support
Otherwise eligible for certification but on the delinquent-support list; AS 25.27.244(d) permits only one nonextendable 150-day temporary license during the regular term. A release is required for full-term certification.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Hold an unencumbered current or lapsed nursing license issued by a US state or territory or a Canadian province or territory.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
150 day temporary authorization — Reinstatement after at least two but less than five years

All of the following:

Application
Submit completed reinstatement application, renewal/reinstatement and fingerprint processing fees, fingerprints under 12 AAC 44.812(a), and required verifications.
Board Instructions
The Board's form 08-4365 page 1 describes CE plus employment OR a recent competency evaluation across its one-to-five-year application population: A. Verification of successful completion of all continuing education requirements in 12 AAC 44.825 that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed. Continuing education contact hours used for reinstatement under this subsection may not be used to satisfy the continuing education for the next biennial certification period; – AND – Verification the applicant was employed in another state or territory of the United States, or in a province of Canada, as a certified nurse aide for monetary compensation as required under 12 AAC 44.815(c) for the total number of hours that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed, with at least 160 hours having been completed within the two years immediately preceding the date of application. B. Successful completion of a competency evaluation under 12 AAC 44.850 within the 24 months immediately preceding application for reinstatement. Note: If the applicant cannot meet the reinstatement requirements set forth in 4. A or B above, the applicant must retake the nurse aide evaluation through Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services - https://credentia.com/test-takers. The examination can be administered in a written or oral format. The skills examination must be done in-person. You must complete both examinations in order to be eligible for reinstatement.
Child Support
Otherwise eligible for issuance of reinstated certification, but on the delinquent-support list; only a 150-day nonextendable temporary authorization until release.
Continuing Education
All CE that would have been required for the entire lapse, with at least 24 hours in the preceding two years; reinstatement hours cannot count for the next period.
Employment
Verify compensated CNA employment outside Alaska for all hours required over the lapse, including at least 160 hours in the preceding two years. These and the recent evaluation are cumulative under 12 AAC 44.820(c); the lower-ranked Board form states the alternatives quoted in boardInstructions.
Exam Timing
Pass competency evaluation under 12 AAC 44.850 within 24 months immediately preceding reinstatement application.
Lapse
The Board's January 2025 application states reinstatement applies after one year and before five years; 12 AAC 44.820(a) expressly allows one day to less than two years. The regulation controls; renewal also remains available through 12 months under 12 AAC 44.815(f).
Lapse Period
At least two but less than five years.
150 day temporary authorization — Reinstatement after one day to less than two years — CE and employment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed reinstatement application, renewal/reinstatement and fingerprint processing fees, fingerprints under 12 AAC 44.812(a), and required verifications.
Board Instructions
The Board's form 08-4365 page 1 describes CE plus employment OR a recent competency evaluation across its one-to-five-year application population: A. Verification of successful completion of all continuing education requirements in 12 AAC 44.825 that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed. Continuing education contact hours used for reinstatement under this subsection may not be used to satisfy the continuing education for the next biennial certification period; – AND – Verification the applicant was employed in another state or territory of the United States, or in a province of Canada, as a certified nurse aide for monetary compensation as required under 12 AAC 44.815(c) for the total number of hours that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed, with at least 160 hours having been completed within the two years immediately preceding the date of application. B. Successful completion of a competency evaluation under 12 AAC 44.850 within the 24 months immediately preceding application for reinstatement. Note: If the applicant cannot meet the reinstatement requirements set forth in 4. A or B above, the applicant must retake the nurse aide evaluation through Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services - https://credentia.com/test-takers. The examination can be administered in a written or oral format. The skills examination must be done in-person. You must complete both examinations in order to be eligible for reinstatement.
Child Support
Otherwise eligible for issuance of reinstated certification, but on the delinquent-support list; only a 150-day nonextendable temporary authorization until release.
Continuing Education
Verify all CE that would have been required throughout lapse; hours used for reinstatement may not count for the next period.
Employment
Verify compensated CNA employment outside Alaska in a US state/territory or Canadian province/territory for all hours that would have been required to maintain certification during lapse.
Lapse
The Board's January 2025 application states reinstatement applies after one year and before five years; 12 AAC 44.820(a) expressly allows one day to less than two years. The regulation controls; renewal also remains available through 12 months under 12 AAC 44.815(f).
Lapse Period
One day to less than two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day temporary authorization — Reinstatement after one day to less than two years — recent competency evaluation

All of the following:

Application
Submit completed reinstatement application, renewal/reinstatement and fingerprint processing fees, fingerprints under 12 AAC 44.812(a), and required verifications.
Board Instructions
The Board's form 08-4365 page 1 describes CE plus employment OR a recent competency evaluation across its one-to-five-year application population: A. Verification of successful completion of all continuing education requirements in 12 AAC 44.825 that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed. Continuing education contact hours used for reinstatement under this subsection may not be used to satisfy the continuing education for the next biennial certification period; – AND – Verification the applicant was employed in another state or territory of the United States, or in a province of Canada, as a certified nurse aide for monetary compensation as required under 12 AAC 44.815(c) for the total number of hours that would have been required to maintain a current certification for the entire period the certification was lapsed, with at least 160 hours having been completed within the two years immediately preceding the date of application. B. Successful completion of a competency evaluation under 12 AAC 44.850 within the 24 months immediately preceding application for reinstatement. Note: If the applicant cannot meet the reinstatement requirements set forth in 4. A or B above, the applicant must retake the nurse aide evaluation through Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services - https://credentia.com/test-takers. The examination can be administered in a written or oral format. The skills examination must be done in-person. You must complete both examinations in order to be eligible for reinstatement.
Child Support
Otherwise eligible for issuance of reinstated certification, but on the delinquent-support list; only a 150-day nonextendable temporary authorization until release.
Exam Timing
Competency evaluation passed within 24 months immediately preceding application. Under 12 AAC 44.820(b), this excuses only (a)(3) continuing education and (a)(4) employment; all other reinstatement conditions remain.
Lapse
The Board's January 2025 application states reinstatement applies after one year and before five years; 12 AAC 44.820(a) expressly allows one day to less than two years. The regulation controls; renewal also remains available through 12 months under 12 AAC 44.815(f).
Lapse Period
One day to less than two years.
150 day temporary authorization — Renewal or delayed renewal — at least 160 compensated CNA hours
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application, renewal fee and attestations under 12 AAC 44.815(b); provide CE/employment records if selected for audit.
Child Support
On the delinquent-support list while otherwise eligible to renew; nonextendable 150-day temporary authorization under AS 25.27.244(d), pending release.
Continuing Education
Complete 24 contact hours in the concluding period; for first renewal after at least one year, 12 hours; if certified for less than one year, no CE is required. Do not reuse the same course for the same certification period.
Employment
At least 160 compensated CNA hours in a US state/territory or Canadian province/territory in the concluding period.
Lapse
12 AAC 44.815(f) permits renewal of certification lapsed for 12 months or less.
Retraining
Under 12 AAC 44.815(g), if there was no compensated CNA employment in the concluding period and CNA training was completed more than two years ago, complete another approved or equivalent CNA training program.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day temporary authorization — First renewal — initial certification less than 12 months before renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application, renewal fee and attestations under 12 AAC 44.815(b); provide CE/employment records if selected for audit.
Child Support
On the delinquent-support list while otherwise eligible to renew; nonextendable 150-day temporary authorization under AS 25.27.244(d), pending release.
Continuing Education
No CE under 12 AAC 44.825(b)(2).
Initial Certification
Initial certification issued less than 12 months before the next renewal period; 12 AAC 44.815(e) excuses both employment and competency-evaluation requirements in (c) and (d).
Lapse
12 AAC 44.815(f) permits renewal of certification lapsed for 12 months or less.
Retraining
Under 12 AAC 44.815(g), if there was no compensated CNA employment in the concluding period and CNA training was completed more than two years ago, complete another approved or equivalent CNA training program.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day temporary authorization — Renewal or delayed renewal — fewer than 160 compensated CNA hours

All of the following:

Application
Submit renewal application, renewal fee and attestations under 12 AAC 44.815(b); provide CE/employment records if selected for audit.
Child Support
On the delinquent-support list while otherwise eligible to renew; nonextendable 150-day temporary authorization under AS 25.27.244(d), pending release.
Continuing Education
Complete 24 contact hours in the concluding period; for first renewal after at least one year, 12 hours; if certified for less than one year, no CE is required. Do not reuse the same course for the same certification period.
Employment
Fewer than 160 compensated CNA hours in the concluding period; experience may not be obtained after lapse to remedy the deficit. Successfully complete the competency evaluation before renewal. The first-renewal exemption in 12 AAC 44.815(e) is a separate pathway.
Lapse
12 AAC 44.815(f) permits renewal of certification lapsed for 12 months or less.
Retraining
Under 12 AAC 44.815(g), if there was no compensated CNA employment in the concluding period and CNA training was completed more than two years ago, complete another approved or equivalent CNA training program.

Temporary Nurse Aide Certification

Six-month temporary certification while criminal justice reports are pending; all requirements of the underlying examination or endorsement pathway still apply.

Licensing authority: Alaska Board of Nursing / Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development · Application information

Temporary certification by examination — Approved nurse aide training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete Board-approved CNA training, or training equivalent to 12 AAC 44.835(c), within two years before application. Ordinarily at least 140 hours: 60 didactic and 80 supervised skills/clinical hours; during a declared public health emergency or Board-identified urgent situation, 12 AAC 44.835(k) allows the specified 75-hour training including 59 clinical hours.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Temporary Eligibility
Meet all 12 AAC 44.800 and 44.810(a) requirements, including both examinations; await state/national criminal justice reports. Board issuance is discretionary; term ends after six months or permanent issuance/denial, whichever occurs first.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Temporary certification by examination — Foreign nursing training outside Canada

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete a nursing training program in a foreign country other than Canada; supply certified English translations of required documents not in English.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Temporary Eligibility
Meet all 12 AAC 44.800 and 44.810(a) requirements, including both examinations; await state/national criminal justice reports. Board issuance is discretionary; term ends after six months or permanent issuance/denial, whichever occurs first.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Temporary certification by examination — Military corpsman or medic training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
12 AAC 44.800(a)(2) lists (A), (B), (C) and (E), but not military-training option (D). The application instructions state: If you graduated from a foreign prelicensure education program NOT taught in English, you must submit ONE (1) of the following: (A) verification you have passed an English proficiency examination that includes components on reading, speaking, writing, and listening; (B) an evaluation of your nursing education by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Credentials Evaluation Service (CGFNS), including a full education, course-by-course report that indicates your nursing education was taught in English; or (C) an official International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) certificate that verifies you have successfully completed the VisaScreen: Visa Credential Assessment Service. Note: We are unable to accept the Online IELTS Indicator Test or the TOEFL at Home Test.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete US military corpsman or medic training equivalent in content to 12 AAC 44.835(c) within five years before the completed application and serve as a corpsman or medic within that five-year period.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Temporary Eligibility
Meet all 12 AAC 44.800 and 44.810(a) requirements, including both examinations; await state/national criminal justice reports. Board issuance is discretionary; term ends after six months or permanent issuance/denial, whichever occurs first.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Temporary certification by examination — Equivalent nursing education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Complete at least one year of approved nursing education with classroom and clinical nursing fundamentals, equivalent in content to 12 AAC 44.835(c), within two years immediately preceding the completed application.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Temporary Eligibility
Meet all 12 AAC 44.800 and 44.810(a) requirements, including both examinations; await state/national criminal justice reports. Board issuance is discretionary; term ends after six months or permanent issuance/denial, whichever occurs first.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.
Temporary certification by examination — Current or lapsed nursing license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, personal information, training verification and applicable fees under 12 AAC 44.810; the application is also the application to take the competency evaluation.
English Proficiency
For 12 AAC 44.800(a)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (E), a foreign prelicensure program not taught in English or a native language other than English triggers 12 AAC 44.800(a)(2): provide qualifying English examination verification, the specified CGFNS education evaluation, or the ICHP VisaScreen certificate. These are applicant conditions, not profession examination leaves. The Board form rejects IELTS Indicator and TOEFL at Home.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and fees for state and national criminal justice checks under 12 AAC 44.812; permanent certification awaits the reports and Board review.
Fitness
Board permission to test and certification may be denied for grounds in AS 08.68.334 and 12 AAC 44.818.
Law Attestation
The application requires an attestation of review, understanding and compliance with AS 08.68 and 12 AAC 44; an attestation is an applicant condition.
Qualification
Hold an unencumbered current or lapsed nursing license issued by a US state or territory or a Canadian province or territory.
Reapplication
A former certificate holder lapsed for five years or more must apply for new initial certification under 12 AAC 44.820(d). The Board's January 2025 reinstatement instructions additionally state that this applicant must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
Temporary Eligibility
Meet all 12 AAC 44.800 and 44.810(a) requirements, including both examinations; await state/national criminal justice reports. Board issuance is discretionary; term ends after six months or permanent issuance/denial, whichever occurs first.
Testing
Pass both NNAAP written (or oral) and skills examinations. Only the failed portion need be retaken; after three unsuccessful attempts complete Board-required remedial training before further testing.

National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Skills Evaluation

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Credentia Nurse Aide LLC (develops and manages the NNAAP exam); administered by Credentia at test centers
Format
Performance evaluation at a test center, scored and retaken separately from the Written (or Oral) Examination: the candidate performs five skills on a candidate volunteer acting as the client and is rated by a Nurse Aide Evaluator; each skill is scored Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory and all five must be Satisfactory to pass
Time limit
30 minutes
Examination sources

NNAAP Written (or Oral) Examination

Provider
Credentia Nurse Aide LLC (develops and manages the NNAAP exam); administered by Credentia online or at test centers
Format
Multiple-choice examination taken online or at a test center, in English or Spanish, scored and retaken separately from the Skills Evaluation; candidates may choose the Oral Examination form, in which the multiple-choice questions are read aloud by recorded voice (MP3 player at test centers) and ten reading comprehension (word recognition) questions are added, and both Oral sections must be passed
Exam questions
70 multiple-choice items: 60 scored and 10 pretest (non-scored); the Oral form has 60 multiple-choice items and 10 reading comprehension (word recognition) items
Time limit
2 hours
Examination outline
  • I. Physical Care Skills — A. Activities of Daily Living (22% of the exam; 13 questions) (22%)
    • Activities of Daily Living — 1. Hygiene
    • Activities of Daily Living — 2. Dressing and Grooming
    • Activities of Daily Living — 3. Nutrition and Hydration
    • Activities of Daily Living — 4. Elimination
    • Activities of Daily Living — 5. Rest/Sleep/Comfort
  • I. Physical Care Skills — B. Basic Nursing Skills (35% of the exam; 21 questions) (35%)
    • Basic Nursing Skills — 1. Infection Control
    • Basic Nursing Skills — 2. Safety/Emergency
    • Basic Nursing Skills — 3. Therapeutic/Technical Procedures
    • Basic Nursing Skills — 4. Data Collection and Reporting
  • I. Physical Care Skills — C. Self-Care and Independence (7% of the exam; 4 questions) (7%)
    • Self-Care and Independence
  • II. Psychosocial Care Skills — A. Emotional and Mental Health Needs (8% of the exam; 5 questions) (8%)
    • Emotional and Mental Health Needs
  • II. Psychosocial Care Skills — B. Spiritual and Cultural Needs (2% of the exam; 1 question) (2%)
    • Spiritual and Cultural Needs
  • III. Role of the Nurse Aide — A. Communication (7% of the exam; 4 questions) (7%)
    • Communication
  • III. Role of the Nurse Aide — B. Client Rights (8% of the exam; 5 questions) (8%)
    • Client Rights
  • III. Role of the Nurse Aide — C. Legal and Ethical Behavior (5% of the exam; 3 questions) (5%)
    • Legal and Ethical Behavior
  • III. Role of the Nurse Aide — D. Member of the Health Care Team (6% of the exam; 4 questions) (6%)
    • Member of the Health Care Team
Examination sources