CNA License Renewal in Massachusetts (2026)

CNA license renewal in Massachusetts is handled by the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program (Dept of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure), which requires Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Massachusetts CNA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	CNA certification renews every two years. To renew, the aide must have worked for pay performing nursing-related duties for at least 8 hours within the prior two years; renewal is submitted before expiration through the Health Profession Licensing System.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	see board (fee not fixed/published)
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program (Dept of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure)

Go to the official Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program (Dept of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program (Dept of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure). manual review of mass.gov CNA renewal-information page.

Continuing-education requirements for CNAs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not publish a CE or in-service hour requirement to renew CNA certification — the published condition is documented paid work as a nurse aide (at least 8 hours of nursing-related duties in the prior two years). A break in employment may require retaking the competency test, administered for Massachusetts via the American Red Cross / D&S Diversified Technologies. (The federal 12-hour annual in-service is a facility requirement, not a registry condition.)

Need approved hours? Compare Massachusetts CNA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CNA license in Massachusetts

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program (Dept of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure) portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Testing is administered through the American Red Cross / D&S Diversified Technologies, but certification and the Registry are governed by the MA Department of Public Health. Renewal moved to the Health Profession Licensing System in December 2023. No renewal fee or in-service hour figure is published on the official page, so both are nulled.

CNA license renewal in Massachusetts: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CNA license in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts CNA licenses renew every 24 months. CNA certification renews every two years. To renew, the aide must have worked for pay performing nursing-related duties for at least 8 hours within the prior two years; renewal is submitted before expiration through the Health Profession Licensing System.

Can I renew my Massachusetts CNA license online?

Yes — Massachusetts offers online renewal through the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program (Dept of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Massachusetts CNA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program (Dept of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) renewal