— State Requirements / Texas

Texas CNA continuing education requirements

Texas nurse aides must complete 24 hours of in-service education every two years — including geriatrics and dementia care — plus an annual infection control course. Here is how the HHSC rules work and which CE Vault courses count.
In-service hours

24 hours

Every 2-year renewal cycle (26 TAC §556.9)
Required topics

Geriatrics + dementia

Must include Alzheimer's and dementia care training
Annual course

Infection control

Infection control and proper PPE use — every year
Renewal fee

$0

HHSC charges no fee to renew your NAR listing
— Renewal process

How to renew your Texas CNA certification

Four clear steps, from finishing your in-service hours to filing your renewal with Texas Health and Human Services.

01

Complete 24 in-service hours

Texas requires at least 24 hours of in-service education every two years, and the training must cover geriatrics plus the care of residents with a dementia disorder, including Alzheimer's disease.

02

Finish infection control yearly

Separate from the 24 hours, every Texas nurse aide must complete a course in infection control and the proper use of PPE each year to keep active status on the registry.

03

Verify paid employment

Your nursing facility submits HHSC Form 5506-NAR (Employment Verification) through the online portal to document paid nursing or nursing-related work. You may submit it yourself if the facility does not.

04

Renew in the TULIP portal

Certification expires 24 months after it was issued or after your last verified date of employment — whichever comes first. File the renewal in TULIP before that date and keep every certificate on file.
  • Important: in Texas your certification expires 24 months after it was issued or 24 months after your last verified date of employment — whichever comes first. Confirm your expiration date in the TULIP portal before you plan your hours.
— Texas FAQ

Texas renewal questions, answered

The questions Texas nurse aides ask our support team most often about hours, certificates, and registry status.

How many CE hours do Texas CNAs need?

At least 24 hours of in-service education every two years, effective for renewals since September 1, 2013. The training must include geriatrics and care of residents with a dementia disorder, including Alzheimer's disease.

Does Texas charge a renewal fee?

No. HHSC does not charge a fee to issue your certificate of registration, list you on the Nurse Aide Registry, or renew your active status.

Can I complete all 24 hours online?

Texas allows in-service education delivered through approved computer-based training, and HHSC publishes its own online modules. Online self-paced CEs from the CE Vault give you documented certificates for each course you finish.

What is the employment requirement in Texas?

You must have performed paid nursing or nursing-related services during the preceding year, documented on HHSC Form 5506-NAR. Unpaid or volunteer work does not count toward the requirement.

What happens if my Texas certification expires?

Your listing expires 24 months after issuance or your last verified employment date, whichever is earlier. Expired aides apply through the TULIP portal under the renewal application for expired licenses, and aides expired beyond the allowed window must re-test through a NATCEP program.

How long should I keep my certificates?

Keep a printed or digital copy of every in-service certificate in case HHSC or your employer audits your file. Your CE Vault account stores a permanent copy you can re-download at any time.
— Official contacts

Texas board contact information

Always confirm current requirements directly with the state before you submit your renewal.

HHSC Long-Term Care Regulation — Credentialing

  • Mail Code E-414, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, TX 78714-9030
  • Credentialing line: (512) 438-5800
  • hhs.texas.gov — Nurse Aide programs

Accepted accreditation

  • Renewals and applications are filed online through the TULIP portal
  • Prometric (competency exam): 1-800-488-5787
  • hhs.texas.gov
— Ready when you are

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