Tennessee CNA License Lookup
Look up and verify any Tennessee certified nursing assistant's status in seconds using the official Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry — free, no account required.
Look Up a Tennessee CNA LicenseOpens the official TN registry search · Questions? (615) 532-5090
24 months
Renewal Period
8 hours of nursing-related services for compensation
Work Requirement
Free
Online Lookup
How to Look Up Your Tennessee CNA License
Visit the TN Health License Lookup
Go to apps.health.tn.gov/Licensure to access Tennessee's health professional license verification system.
Select "Nurse Aide" from Profession
Choose "Nurse Aide" from the profession dropdown menu to search the nurse aide registry specifically.
Enter Search Criteria
Search by first name, last name, license number, or city to find the CNA's certification record.
View Certification Details
Review the certification status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions or findings on record.
Understanding Your Tennessee Registry Result
When you search the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, the result tells you whether a nurse aide is cleared to work in Tennessee. Here's how to read what you see:
Active / In Good Standing
The certification is current and the aide is eligible to work in Tennessee. Confirm the expiration date — Tennessee certifications run 24 months and must be renewed.
Expired / Lapsed
The aide cannot legally work until renewed or reinstated. Renewal requires 8 hours of nursing-related services for compensation during the certification period. If the lapse is long, a competency retest may be required.
Not Found / Findings
A "not found" result usually means a name/ID mismatch — try variations or call (615) 532-5090. A listed finding (abuse, neglect, theft) bars employment in certified facilities.
About the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
The Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry is the state-maintained database of all certified nursing assistants authorized to work in Tennessee. The registry is required by federal law under OBRA '87.
Employers are required by federal and state law to verify that nurse aides are listed on the registry and have no disqualifying findings before hiring them to work in nursing facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
The registry also maintains records of any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property, which are available to employers.
Contact Information
Official Website
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/na-board.htmlPhone Number
(615) 532-5090Mailing Address
Tennessee Department of Health Office of Health Care Facilities 665 Mainstream Drive Nashville, TN 37243
Tennessee CNA Testing Information
Testing Vendor
Tennessee uses Headmaster LLP to administer the nurse aide competency evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration.
Visit Headmaster LLPTennessee CNA Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Tennessee CNA certification is valid for 24 months from the date of initial certification or last renewal.
Work Requirement
You must perform at least 8 hours of nursing-related services for compensation during your certification period to be eligible for renewal.
Employer Verification
Your employer verifies your work hours directly through the registry system. Keep your contact information current with your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Tennessee CNA certification valid?
Tennessee CNA certifications are valid for 24 months. Your certification will automatically renew if your employer verifies your employment through the registry system.
How do I transfer my CNA license to Tennessee?
Tennessee accepts reciprocity from other states. Submit a Tennessee Reciprocity Application along with verification from your current state's registry. You must have an active certification with no findings against you. A background check is required.
What is the work requirement for Tennessee CNAs?
You must work at least 8 hours of nursing-related services for compensation during each 24-month certification period. Your employer is responsible for reporting this to the registry.
What is Tennessee's temporary work permit for CNAs?
Tennessee allows a 120-day temporary work permit for candidates who have completed an approved training program but have not yet passed the competency exam. This permit lets you work as a nurse aide under supervision while preparing for and taking your exam. The permit is requested through your employer and the Tennessee Department of Health. Most candidates use this window to schedule the Headmaster competency evaluation, and the permit expires automatically if you do not pass both portions of the exam within 120 days.
Can I work as a CNA while waiting for my certification?
Tennessee allows a 120-day temporary work permit for candidates who have completed an approved training program but have not yet passed the competency exam. This permit allows you to work under supervision while preparing for your exam.
How do I get a copy of my certification?
You can request a certificate verification letter from the Tennessee Department of Health. Use the online license lookup to print your current certification status, or contact the registry directly for official verification letters.
Tennessee CNA Refresher Topics
Whether you are preparing to renew your Tennessee certification, brushing up before returning to work, or studying for the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry reinstatement exam, these free guides cover the topics most commonly tested:
Patient Rights & HIPAA
OBRA '87 resident rights, mandatory reporting, advance directives — essential for any Tennessee CNA returning to active status.
Infection Control
Standard precautions, PPE protocols, and transmission-based precautions for Tennessee nurse aides working with vulnerable residents.
Safety & Emergencies
Fall prevention, RACE/PASS fire response, choking, and CPR — heavily tested on Tennessee CNA reinstatement exams.
Personal Care & Elimination
Bathing, peri-care, toileting, and incontinence management procedures used daily by Tennessee CNAs in long-term care.
Dementia & Cognitive Care
Validation therapy, sundowning, and de-escalation techniques for working with cognitively impaired residents in Tennessee.
Body Systems & Conditions
Recognizing strokes (FAST), hypoglycemia, pressure injuries, and CHF — essential clinical knowledge for active Tennessee CNAs.
Legal & Ethical Issues
Scope of practice, negligence, mandatory reporting, and professional boundaries — review essentials for any Tennessee CNA renewing certification.
Communication & SBAR
SBAR handoff, therapeutic responses, and adaptations for hearing- or vision-impaired residents — practical refreshers for Tennessee CNAs.
Data Collection & Reporting
Objective vs subjective documentation, pain scales, and what to report immediately — refresh the rules used daily by Tennessee CNAs.
End-of-Life Care
Hospice vs palliative care, recognizing signs of approaching death, and postmortem care — for Tennessee CNAs in long-term care settings.
Becoming a CNA in Tennessee?
See the step-by-step requirements to become a CNA in Tennessee, find approved training programs, or access free study materials.