How to Transfer Your CNA License to Pennsylvania

Moving to a new state is stressful enough without worrying about your certification. Here’s the exact process for Pennsylvania CNA reciprocity.

Pennsylvania CNA reciprocity lets you transfer your active certification from another state without retaking the competency exam. The application goes through CNA365, operated by Credentia on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and it costs nothing to file.

What	Details
Application fee	$0 (free)
Application platform	CNA365 at credentia.com/test-takers/pa
States accepted	All 50 states
Background check	PA-CHRI only (2+ yr PA resident) or PA-CHRI + FBI
Processing time	Typically 4-6 weeks after complete application, per the Credentia Knowledge Base
Renewal cycle	24 months from PA registry date

What Is CNA Reciprocity in Pennsylvania?

CNA reciprocity lets you transfer your active CNA certification from another state to Pennsylvania without retaking the competency exam. Pennsylvania accepts transfers from all 50 U.S. states, including bordering states like New Jersey and New York.

Each state maintains its own nurse aide registry under the federal OBRA 1987 mandate, which is why being certified in another state doesn’t automatically authorize you to work in Pennsylvania. The reciprocity process formally moves your credentials onto the PA registry.

All reciprocity applications go through CNA365, a platform operated by Credentia on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. There is no paper form. If you found instructions elsewhere that reference mailing a form, that process has been fully replaced by the online system.

Reciprocity is for CNAs who already hold an active certification in another state. If you aren’t certified yet, see our guide to becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania from scratch. This article covers the transfer process only.

Eligibility Requirements for PA CNA Reciprocity

Certification Requirements

Your CNA certification must be active and in good standing in another state at the time Pennsylvania approves your application. Expired, suspended, or revoked certifications don’t qualify. Your home-state status must remain active throughout the entire process, not just on the day you submit.

Your record on every state’s nurse aide registry must be clear of substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property, according to the PA Department of Health. If you have findings on any state’s registry, Pennsylvania will deny the transfer. Check your current state’s registry before you begin to confirm your standing.

You will not need to retake any competency exam. Pennsylvania accepts your existing certification as proof of qualification.

Background Check Requirements

Every applicant must complete a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Information check, known as a PA-CHRI. This is a state-level background check obtained through ePATCH, the Pennsylvania State Police’s online records portal. Whether you also need an FBI fingerprint check depends on how long you’ve lived in Pennsylvania, per the Credentia Knowledge Base.

Your Situation	Background Check(s) Required	Estimated Cost
PA resident for 2 or more consecutive years	PA-CHRI only (state check via ePATCH)	~$22
PA resident under 2 years, or not yet moved to PA	PA-CHRI + FBI fingerprint check	~$60

FBI fingerprint fees are set by IdentoGO and may change. Verify the current fee at IdentoGO.com using your CNA365 service code before scheduling. The PA-CHRI fee is shown on ePATCH at the time of purchase.

If you haven’t relocated to Pennsylvania yet, assume you’ll need both checks.

Before you start your application, have these ready:
– Active CNA certification from another state (certification number + expiration date)
– Government-issued photo ID
– Social Security number
– Completed PA-CHRI results (and FBI fingerprint results if applicable)

How to Apply for CNA Reciprocity in Pennsylvania

You apply online through CNA365. There is no paper application. Credentia manages CNA testing and reciprocity in Pennsylvania (see CNA exam vendors by state to see how testing administration varies nationally).

The old paper reciprocity form no longer exists. Multiple competing sites still reference it. That information is outdated.

Before You Begin: Verify Your Records Match

Before starting your application, look yourself up on your current state’s nurse aide registry. Confirm that your legal name and date of birth match exactly across your government-issued ID, your out-of-state registry listing, and your Social Security records. If there is a discrepancy, such as a maiden name, missing middle initial, or old address, update your home-state record first. Pennsylvania’s verification process requires an exact match, and mismatches are a common cause of processing delays. If your name has legally changed, have your name-change documentation ready to upload.

Step 1: Create a CNA365 Account

Go to credentia.com/test-takers/pa and create an account with a valid email address. If you already have a CNA365 account from a previous Pennsylvania interaction (exam registration, for example), use the same login.

Step 2: Start a Reciprocity Application

After logging in, select the reciprocity application type from your account dashboard. This is separate from a new certification application or a renewal. Look specifically for “reciprocity” or “endorsement” as the application type.

Step 3: Enter Your Current Certification Details

Enter your current state of certification, your certificate or registration number, and your certification’s expiration date. Double-check your certification number carefully. An error there can delay your application processing.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload a copy of your current out-of-state CNA certification, certificate, or a registry printout confirming active status. Accepted formats include PDF and standard image files. Make sure the document shows your name, certification number, and active status clearly before uploading.

Step 5: Complete Your Background Check

Complete the background check that applies to your residency situation (see the eligibility requirements above for which one you need). Submit your PA-CHRI through ePATCH.

The FBI fingerprint check requires in-person fingerprinting through IdentoGO. During your CNA365 application, you will receive a service code specific to the Pennsylvania Department of Health nurse aide check. Use that code to schedule an appointment at IdentoGO.com and search for locations near your Pennsylvania address. Bring a government-issued photo ID to your appointment and keep your UEID receipt. Results transmit electronically to Credentia and take 2 to 4 weeks to process after your appointment. Start this step early if you are planning a move date.

Step 6: Submit and Wait for Processing

After submitting, Credentia reviews your application. You don’t need to take further action unless Credentia contacts you with questions. Log into your CNA365 account to check for updates, or call Credentia directly at (888) 204-6249. Registry inquiries are handled Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM EST.

Cost and Processing Timeline

Pennsylvania does not charge a fee for CNA reciprocity. The application itself is $0.

Item	Cost
CNA365 reciprocity application	$0
PA-CHRI background check	~$22
FBI fingerprint check (if required)	~$38
Total: PA resident 2+ consecutive years	~$22
Total: under 2 years or not yet a PA resident	~$60

Most states charge $25 to $100 for reciprocity transfers, according to Nursa’s review of free reciprocity states. Pennsylvania charges $0, confirmed by the PA Department of Health. You still pay for background checks, but the transfer itself costs nothing.

Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks after Credentia receives your complete application and background check results, according to the Credentia Knowledge Base. Timelines vary based on background check processing and home-state verification response times. Incomplete applications or delayed background checks extend this timeline. For current estimated wait times, call Credentia at (888) 204-6249 before you finalize your move date. You cannot work as a CNA in Pennsylvania until your application is approved and your name appears on the PA registry.

Your first renewal date is set from the day you’re added to the PA registry. The “After Approval” section below covers what that renewal requires.

After Your Reciprocity Is Approved

Once Credentia approves your application, your name is added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Verify your active status at credentia.com/web/pa/registry. Use our PA CNA registry lookup guide to confirm your listing appears correctly.

Your 24-month renewal cycle starts from the date you’re added to the PA registry, not from your original certification date in another state. See the full requirements in our guide to CNA renewal in Pennsylvania.

To keep your PA certification active, you must work at least one paid shift of 8 consecutive hours as a nurse aide during each 24-month renewal period, according to the PA Department of Health. Pennsylvania nursing homes are also required to provide a minimum of 12 hours of in-service education annually. That obligation begins once you’re on the PA registry.

From this point, your PA certification works the same as if you had been trained and tested in Pennsylvania. Find Pennsylvania CNA classes and job opportunities in your area, and explore CNA career paths to see what advancement options are available to you now.