How to become a SRNA in Kentucky.
Kentucky requires 75 hours of nurse aide training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Kentucky Community and Technical College System and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 75
- Training hours
- 16
- Clinical hours
- $135
- Exam fee
- 83
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Kentucky certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Not a stated certification requirement; KRS 216.789 prohibits long term care facilities and certain providers from employing persons with certain felony convictions Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Kentucky requires 75 training hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 83 approved programs in Kentucky - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The exam fee is $135. Within one year of training completion for those not employed in long term care; employed aides have three opportunities within the initial four month employment period. Training expires one year from completion. Three attempts (initial plus two additional); failing part only is retaken; after three failures or one year, must retake the course
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry (State Registered Nurse Aide, SRNA), maintained by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the KY registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every two years; proof of at least 8 hours of paid employment as an SRNA performing nursing or nursing related functions in each 24 month period; renew through KBN Nurse Portal
Online classes
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Ask each program how its classroom hours are delivered. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
Moving from another state
Apply via KBN Nurse Portal (SRNA Reciprocity Application) with state of certification, certification number, Social Security card, driver's license, and state certification; may be asked for a paystub. 907 KAR 1:450 requires that 24 months have not elapsed since the person last worked for pay as a nurse aide.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Kentucky.
CNA funding in Kentucky →Kentucky CNA requirements
- Credential
- State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA)
- Training hours
- 75 hours
- Clinical hours
- 16 hours
- Exam provider
- Kentucky Community and Technical College System
- Exam fee
- $135 ($45 knowledge, $90 skills)
- Fee details
- Bluegrass CTC (KCTCS) testing page: knowledge only $45, skills only $90, both $135; nonrefundable. Reschedule requests at least 3 business days before test or repay. Oral version available by audio for documented literacy limitations.
- Deadline to test
- Within one year of training completion for those not employed in long term care; employed aides have three opportunities within the initial four month employment period. Training expires one year from completion.
- Retakes
- Three attempts (initial plus two additional); failing part only is retaken; after three failures or one year, must retake the course
- Background check
- Not a stated certification requirement; KRS 216.789 prohibits long term care facilities and certain providers from employing persons with certain felony convictions
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: apps.legislature.ky.gov, nurseaide.kctcs.edu, chfs.ky.gov, flipsnack.com. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Kentucky, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires 75 hours of nurse aide training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Kentucky Community and Technical College System and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Kentucky?
Kentucky Community and Technical College System runs the Kentucky nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $135.
Can you take CNA classes online in Kentucky?
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in Kentucky?
Apply via KBN Nurse Portal (SRNA Reciprocity Application) with state of certification, certification number, Social Security card, driver's license, and state certification; may be asked for a paystub. 907 KAR 1:450 requires that 24 months have not elapsed since the person last worked for pay as a nurse aide.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Kentucky?
Every two years; proof of at least 8 hours of paid employment as an SRNA performing nursing or nursing related functions in each 24 month period; renew through KBN Nurse Portal
How do I pay for CNA training in Kentucky?
Workforce vouchers, employer sponsorship, state grants, and scholarships all pay for nurse aide training. A nursing home that hires you within a year of certification must reimburse your training costs under federal rules.
Start your training in Kentucky.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.