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A California CNA certificate must be renewed every 2 years through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Here is what CDPH asks for, with a link to the source for each rule.
Training hours you need
- 48 hours of in-service training or continuing education units (CEUs) during your 2-year certification period.
- At least 12 of those hours in each year.
- Up to 24 hours may come from a CDPH-approved online program.
CEUs must come from CDPH-approved providers that have a NAC number. Sources: CDPH renewal page and CDPH CEU FAQ.
How to renew
- Fill out the Renewal Application (CDPH 283C).
- Add proof of your training hours on the In-Service Training/Continuing Education form (CDPH 283A).
- Submit online through CDPH’s OASYS system, or by mail to the address on the CDPH renewal page.
- Give an email address so CDPH can tell you quickly if anything is missing.
OASYS also lets you upload CEUs, employment verification and changes to your contact details. Source: CDPH renewal page.
If your certificate has expired
If you did not meet the renewal requirements and your certificate expired less than 2 years ago, CDPH lets you reactivate it by passing the competency exam again. Submit the renewal application, answer yes to the reactivation question, and pass the exam with a CDPH-approved testing vendor within 2 years of the expiration date. Source: CDPH renewal page.
Need to retake the knowledge test? Refresh with free CNA practice questions. For the hands-on part, see the California skills test task list.
Check your status
You can verify a California CNA certificate from the CDPH Certified Nurse Assistant page.
Sources
- CDPH: How to Renew Your CNA Certificate (checked October 23, 2026)
- CDPH: CNA In-Service Training and CEU FAQ (checked October 23, 2026)
Rules can change. Check CDPH before you submit. Healthcare Exam Prep is independent. We are not affiliated with the California Department of Public Health or any CNA testing provider.