Renew or Make Changes to a Nurse Aide Certificate in Texas

To renew nurse aide certificate there are five options. Options 1 and 2 apply to nurse aides with a current certificate AND nurse aides with an expired certificate who have documented work experience in each two-year period from the date of issuance or the date of last renewal (whichever is later). Note that nurse aide certificates can be renewed beginning three months prior to the expiration date on the certificate.

Options 3 and 4 apply only to nurse aides with an expired certificate who do not have documented work experience as described above. The nurse aide can choose either option, depending on their personal preferences and comfort level with testing.

Option 5 is for military service members, military veterans, or military spouse applicants who would like their renewal prioritized.

Option 1: The nurse aide requests their own renewal.

• Submit an Application through TULIP:Log into the TULIP account to create an applicant registration, login and reset password. Then complete a Certified Nurse Aide Renewal Application.
  • A nurse aide renewing a certification must complete at least 24 hours of in-service education every two years that includes training in geriatrics and the care of residents with a dementia disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease.
  • To verify employment, complete a 5506-NAR (PDF).
    • Nurse aide acknowledges that they do not have any Employee Misconduct Registry entries or criminal convictions that would restrict them from renewing.
    • Nurse Aide acknowledges completion of In-Service Education.
    • An updated certificate can be printed from TULIP.

    Option 2: The nurse aide’s employer can request the renewal.

    • Submit an Application through TULIP:Log into the TULIP account to create an applicant account, login and reset password. Then complete a Nurse Aide Facility Staff Renewal.
      • A nurse aide renewing a certification must complete at least 24 hours of in-service education every two years that includes training in geriatrics and the care of residents with a dementia disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease.
      • The employer acknowledges in the application that the nurse aides that they are submitting for renewal do not have any Employee Misconduct Registry entries or criminal convictions that would restrict the nurse aides from renewing.
      • The employer acknowledges the nurse aide’s completion of In-Service Education.
      • HHSC staff review the application and all documentation and if there are deficiencies, staff deny the employer’s attempt to renew for the nurse aide. Staff notify the employer of the denial and provide information to the nurse aide on how to submit correct employment documentation in order to renew (option 1).
      • An updated certificate can be printed from TULIP.

      Option 3: The nurse aide renews by retraining and retesting.

      • Complete Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) training: Applicant successfully completes a state-approved nurse aide training program (60 hours of classroom and 40 hours of clinical) or the HHSC Computer Based Training (CBT) 60-hour online classroom training and 40 hours of clinical training with a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program,
        • A searchable directory is available on the HHS Credentialing NATCEP Training Providers webpage.
        • Register for the NATCEP Computer-based Training Course.
        • Learn more: Online Training Guidelines for Nurse Aide Trainees – PL 2024-07 (PDF)
        • HHSC staff review the application. If there are deficiencies, staff place the application in Response Required so the student can correct it.
        • NATCEP approval is based on:
          • Successfully completing the training.
          • Successful background check based on requirements in Texas Health and Safety Code 250.006.
          • Student not listed on the Employee Misconduct Registry.
          • The updated certificate can be printed from TULIP.

          Option 4: The nurse aide renews by retesting without retraining.

          • DPS criminal history check: Complete a criminal history check through the Texas Department of Public Safety crime records division for all last names the applicant has had. There is a fee for each check.
          • Submit an application through TULIP:Log in to TULIP to create an applicant registration and reset password. Then complete a Request to Retest for Nurse Aides in Expired Status.
            • TULIP requires the applicant to upload criminal history results and a valid government issued photo ID.
            • HHSC staff review the application and all documentation and if there are deficiencies, staff place the application in Response Required so the nurse aide can correct it.
              • Staff check the Employee Misconduct Registry.
              • Prometric handles scheduling and testing. Call 800-488-5787 or email TXCNA.
              • The updated certificate can be printed from TULIP.

              Option 5: Military Renewal Waiver Application

              • Requirements: This application applies to military service member, military veteran, or military spouse applicants who are certified and hold an Active or Expired CNA certificate in Texas. They must complete 24 hours of continuing education. These applications are prioritized.
              • Submit an Application through TULIP: Log into the TULIP account to create an applicant registration, login and reset password. Complete a Military Renewal Waiver application.
                • A nurse aide renewing a certification must complete at least 24 hours of in-service education every two years that includes training in geriatrics and the care of residents with a dementia disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease. In-Service Education.
                • To verify employment, complete a 5506-NAR (PDF).
                  • Nurse aide acknowledges that they do not have any Employee Misconduct Registry entries or criminal convictions that would restrict them from renewing.
                  • Nurse Aide acknowledges completion of In-Service Education.
                  • An updated certificate can be printed from TULIP.

                  Name Change Application

                  • Requirements: An active NA that needs to change their name.
                  • Submit an Application through TULIP: Log into the TULIP account to create an applicant registration, login and reset password. Select NA as license type, Complete a Name Change application.
                    • Documents tab: Upload a valid government issued ID and supporting documentation for name change such as a marriage license or divorce decree.
                    • HHSC staff will review the application, and, if there are deficiencies, staff will place the application in response required status so the applicant can correct.
                    • The licensed NA will print their new license from TULIP.

                    Updating Home Address

                    • NAs must inform HHSC of a change of home address and phone number.
                      • Login to TULIP.
                      • Select Personal Information Tab.
                      • Update to current address and save.