Requirements for CNA and HHA Certification
Kentucky has the distinction of having merged HHAs and CNAs into an aide referred to as the State Registered Nurse Aide. A SRNA is not a licensed health care professional (that would be an LPN or an RN). Instead, the aide has completed an approved training and competency examination program and is listed on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry.
After completing a state approved training program, applicants sit for a competency evaluation test, both written and practical that, if successful, gets them a listing on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry (KNAR). No certificates are issued, just a listing that employers can access for verification purposes.
Renewal of the registration is required every 24 months, after demonstrating that applicants have worked for at least 8 hours in an RN-supervised long term care setting during each 24-month period.
Note: Fed regulations require certified aides who work in Medicare or Medicaid-reimbursed facilities to accumulate 12 hours of continuing education per 12 month period.
We list the higher between Federal (Fed) and State requirements
| Requirements | CNA | HHA |
|---|---|---|
| Work Eligibility | Fed regulation: must be a citizen or someone eligible to work in the U.S.; must produce social security number. | HHAs and CNAs are all SRNAs in KY (see above note). |
| Type of Certification | The school issues a program completion certificate, after which you sit for the state exam and become state-certified; this certification needs to be renewed every 24 months (see above note). | same |
| Application Form | A filled application form is required together with all supplemental information, such as training diplomas, proof of eligibility to work as described above, TB test results, and background check. | same |
| Age | No age limitations. | same |
| Driver’s License | No license required, just a photo ID. | same |
| Education Level | No limitations on education. | same |
| Training hours & where | Any training program that is approved by the state will have a minimum number of 75 hours of combined training, per Fed regulations; there are naturally some programs that are longer in duration, particularly suited for SRNAs who aspire to carry on with their studies. | same |
| Competence Training | The practical part of the training is included in the above program; in addition, SRNAs are required to get 12 hours a year of in-service training, given by a supervising RN. | same |
| Experience | No prior professional experience required | same |
| Health Immunizations | The school will require a negative TB test taken within 6 months and proof of immunization. | same |
| Fingerprints | You will need to give fingerprint cards that are used to get background checks. | same |
| Background checks | Employer requirements apply | same |
| Other Requirements | For the state exam, your Social security number must be produced; you will also need to produce a photo ID, two photos, TB test results, background check, and a copy of your diploma from the training academy. | same |
| Licensed in another state? | If you are currently listed as active and in good standing on another state’s registry, you may apply for reciprocity to the KNAR. | same |
| Exam | It is referred to as the State Registered Nurse Aide Exam and given by the State Board of Nursing in two parts, written, and practical. | same |