NYSDOH Registry, Training & Renewal Rules

Quick Answer: Complete a NYSDOH-approved program (≥100 hours), pass both Prometric parts within 24 months, clear fingerprints, and renew by working ≥7 paid hours in a NYS nursing home every 24 months (employer pays $40 renewal fee).

NYSDOH Role vs. Prometric Role

NYSDOH approves training programs, maintains the Nurse Aide Registry, sets eligibility and renewal rules, and receives exam results from Prometric.

Prometric schedules and delivers exams, scores tests, and collects exam fees ($115 written+skills first time).

You apply for testing after training completion through pathways in the NY CNA Application (PDF) on Prometric site. Your training program director verifies hours and eligibility.

Training Requirements

New York exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours:

Training must be completed within 24 months before your exam date.

What the 100 Hours Must Cover

NYSDOH-approved curricula align with the Prometric blueprint. Expect structured instruction in:

Clinical hours occur in a licensed nursing home under supervision—this is where skills-test muscle memory develops.

Eligibility Checklist

Testing Window and Retakes

From training completion, you have 24 months to pass both portions:

• Pass one portion → retain that pass while retaking the other
• Miss the window → new approved training required

Contact Prometric at 800-805-9128 for scheduling.

Registry Placement After Passing

When you pass both portions, Prometric notifies NYSDOH and your name is placed on the Nurse Aide Registry. Keep your legal name consistent across training, fingerprints, Prometric registration, and photo ID.

Registry Verification for Employers

Nursing homes must verify active certification before allowing paid aide work. The registry lists your name, certification date, and status. Discrepancies between your ID name and registry name delay hiring—update documents before applying.

Renewal and Lapse Prevention

Lapsed Certification Scenario

You certified in 2024 but worked in retail for two years with zero nursing home hours. Registry status may become inactive. Returning to CNA work in a nursing home requires reinstatement—often retesting or repeating training.

Background and Fingerprints

NYS nursing home nurse aides undergo fingerprint-based criminal history review. Submit fingerprints early in training, not the week before your first job offer. Delays in clearance can postpone registry listing even after passing exams.

Practical Timeline

Exam Trap

If you never passed within 24 months of training, you must complete a new NYSDOH-approved training program—not simply pay another fee.

Training Content Alignment

Your 100-hour program mirrors the Prometric blueprint: infection control, rights, communication, basic nursing skills, restorative care, mental health, and dementia. Clinical hours in a licensed nursing home build the muscle memory tested on the five-skill evaluation.

Worked Scenario

Stem: "Maria finished her 100-hour program in March 2024. She passed skills in June 2024 but keeps postponing the written test. It is now February 2026. What happens?"

March 2024 + 24 months = March 2026. She is near the deadline. If she does not pass written before the window closes, she must repeat approved training—the skills pass does not extend the window indefinitely without completing both parts in time.

Out-of-State and Reciprocity Awareness

CNAs certified elsewhere do not automatically transfer to New York. Candidates without current NYS certification typically complete NYSDOH-approved training and both Prometric portions unless they qualify for a specific NYSDOH reciprocity pathway—verify current rules on the NYSDOH website before assuming transfer.

Prometric Registration Details for New York

After training completion, your program director provides documentation for the Prometric CNA application. Common delays: name mismatch, incomplete fingerprint results, missing training hour verification.

Name Consistency Checklist

Scheduling Both Exam Portions

You may schedule written and skills on same day or different days. Skills sites and written test centers may differ in New York metro areas—confirm location on Prometric confirmation email.

Failed Background Clearance

If fingerprint review finds disqualifying offenses, you may be denied registry placement even after passing exams. Understand that certification and employment both require clearance.

Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) Oversight

NYSDOH approves programs meeting curriculum, instructor, and clinical site standards. Training from unapproved programs does not qualify for exam eligibility—verify program approval before enrolling.

Military and Nursing Student Pathways

Some candidates qualify for abbreviated pathways (nursing students, military medics). Verify current NYSDOH eligibility categories on official resources—these change and have specific documentation requirements.

Employer-Sponsored Renewal Tracking

Nursing home employers track 7-hour work requirement for renewal. Keep pay stubs or HR confirmation if you change jobs—gap in nursing home employment can lapse certification silently until a new employer checks registry.