CNA License Renewal in Texas (2026)

CNA license renewal in Texas is handled by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Nurse Aide Registry, 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.

Texas CNA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle24 months
Deadline ruleTwo-year cycle; you may renew starting three months before the expiration date on your certificate. Aides who can document qualifying paid nurse-aide work in each two-year period can renew by application; those who cannot must retrain and/or retest.
CE hours required24 hours
Renewal feesee board (fee not fixed/published)
Online renewalYes
Governing bodyTexas Health and Human Services Commission — Nurse Aide Registry

Go to the official Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Nurse Aide Registry renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Nurse Aide Registry. manual review of Texas HHSC Nurse Aide Registry renewal pages.

Continuing-education requirements for CNAs in Texas

Renewal requires at least 24 hours of in-service education every two years, which must include geriatrics and the care of residents with dementia/Alzheimer's. To recertify by application you verify qualifying paid nurse-aide work via form 5506-NAR; the official pages describe documented work experience but do not publish a specific minimum hour count. Aides who cannot verify work must retrain (60 classroom + 40 clinical hours) and/or retest.

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

How to renew your CNA license in Texas

  1. Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Nurse Aide Registry portal.
  2. Complete the required 24 CE hours.
  3. Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
  4. Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.
Good to know: All certification and renewal functions run through the online TULIP portal (live since July 2023). No renewal fee is published on the official HHSC renewal pages; the retest-without-retraining route requires separate DPS background-check and Prometric exam fees. No late fee is published.

CNA license renewal in Texas: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CNA license in Texas?

Texas CNA licenses renew every 24 months. Two-year cycle; you may renew starting three months before the expiration date on your certificate. Aides who can document qualifying paid nurse-aide work in each two-year period can renew by application; those who cannot must retrain and/or retest.

How many CE hours are required to renew an CNA license in Texas?

Approximately 24 continuing-education hours per cycle. Renewal requires at least 24 hours of in-service education every two years, which must include geriatrics and the care of residents with dementia/Alzheimer's. To recertify by application you verify qualifying paid nurse-aide work via form 5506-NAR; the official pages describe documented work experience but do not publish a specific minimum hour count. Aides who cannot verify work must retrain (60 classroom + 40 clinical hours) and/or retest. Confirm the current requirement with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Nurse Aide Registry.

Can I renew my Texas CNA license online?

Yes — Texas offers online renewal through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Nurse Aide Registry. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Texas CNA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Nurse Aide Registry promptly if your license has lapsed.

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