Why CNAs are not in the compact
The compact is a nurse licensure agreement, and CNAs hold a certification, not a nursing license. Each state maintains its own nurse aide registry under federal and state rules, and there is no national agreement that lets a certification in one state carry into another automatically the way a multistate nursing license does.
Moving to another state as a CNA
Instead of the compact, CNAs use reciprocity (sometimes called “endorsement” or “transfer”) between state nurse aide registries. You apply to the new state’s registry, which reviews your current certification, training, and competency status. Requirements vary by state, so contact the nurse aide registry or health department in the state you are moving to. Our reciprocity guide explains the general idea, though it focuses on nurse licensure.
If you are becoming an LPN/LVN or RN
Many CNAs bridge into practical or registered nursing. Once you hold an LPN/LVN or RN license, the compact does apply, and you may qualify for a multistate license if your primary state of residence is a compact state. See how to get a compact license and the LPN/LVN compact guide.