Arizona Nurse Aide Registry

Arizona Nurse Aide Registry
Arizona Board of Nursing
1740 W. Adams St., Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone:602-771-7800


The Arizona CNA registry operates under the Arizona State Board of Nursing. They have implemented a licensing database and self-service portal called The Optimal Regulatory Board System (ORBS). The ORBS has been designed to facilitate discipline enforcement and license management. The portal allows Arizona certificate/license holders and potential applicants to manage their original and renewal applications online. In addition, the portal is used to submit verification requests, make payments, and view certificate/license status.

How to Become a CNA in Arizona

The Arizona State Board of Nursing, and the CNA registry in Arizona established that the following requirements are met by individuals that wish to become Certified Nursing Assistants:

  • The completion of a state-approved CNA training program in Arizona.
  • Qualifying the written and skill CNA State Exam.

For individuals to be able to work in Arizona as CNA, they must also submit fingerprint cards for results of a state and federal background check.

Application for Certification by Examination

Online Verification of Arizona Nurse Aide License/Certification

The Arizona State Board of Nursing’s Online Verification system can be used for online verification for endorsement to practice in another state. Also, it allows for employers and the public to obtain nurse aide license lookup reports.

Arizona CNA license lookup and verification instructions

License/Certificate Verification Portal

Certification Renewal for Arizona Nurse Aides

Certifications for Nurse Aides are renewed every two years. The Arizona Board of Nursing does not require nursing assistants to complete continuing education courses for recertification. However, for nurse aides to obtain a certificate renewal they must provide proof of employment. Certification renewal applications are processed exclusively through the online portal. However, individuals who have a true emergency can complete an application into the office and be issued a 48-hour emergency temporary license.

Online Application for Nurse Aide Certification Renewal in Arizona

Reinstatement of a Lapsed Nurse Aide Certificate

You may need to reactivate your nurse aide certificate if your certificate is expired, voluntarily withdrawn or revoked. You can do so via the online portal of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The board can reinstate your certification upon receiving your application. However, you may need to complete the training program again, retake the competency exam, or pay a fee to reactivate your license.

The CNA schools displayed in this section offer tuition-based programs.


Application to reactivate license

Out-of-state CNA Certification Transfer

To transfer an active certificate from another state to Arizona, a CNA must apply for CNA certification in Arizona by completing the CNA endorsement application. The application process is explained in detail via the FAQ section.

Application for Arizona CNA License by Endorsement