Healthcare licensing in California
Official boards and license lookups for California, by profession. Links checked Oct 1, 2026.
In-depth state guide
California licenses healthcare workers through Department of Consumer Affairs boards and the California Department of Public Health. Below are the official boards, lookups and key state requirements for each role.
- California is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so every nurse working in California needs a California license. Source
- Most California health licenses (RN, LVN, respiratory care, dental, PT, OT, SLP) can be checked on the DCA License Search. CNA, home health aide and phlebotomy certificates are issued by CDPH and checked on CDPH's own lookups. Source
Certified Nursing Assistant
California Department of Public Health, Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section
- Training: at least 60 classroom hours plus at least 100 supervised clinical hours (160 hours total) in a CDPH-approved program. Health & Safety Code §1337.1
- Pass the Competency Evaluation Examination after training. Applicants must be at least 16 and clear a criminal record check (Live Scan). CDPH: How to complete your initial application
- Renew every 2 years with 48 hours of in-service training or CEUs, at least 12 hours each year. CDPH: How to complete your renewal application
- Certificates are issued by CDPH's Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section and can be verified on CDPH's certification lookup. CDPH: Certified Nurse Assistant
Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse
Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
Also: Nursys QuickConfirm (free, participating boards). Compact status: NLC map.
- California uses the title Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). The exam is the NCLEX-PN. Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
- There are five routes ("methods") to qualify, including graduating from a California-approved program, an out-of-state program, equivalent education or experience, and military experience. BVNPT: Licensure by examination
- LVNs renew every 2 years and complete 30 hours of continuing education for an active license. BVNPT: Renewal
- Since July 2, 2025, out-of-state license verification requests for California LVNs are completed through Nursys. Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
Registered Nurse
Board of Registered Nursing (Dept. of Consumer Affairs)
Also: Nursys QuickConfirm (free, participating boards). Compact status: NLC map.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure by examination with the Board of Registered Nursing. BRN: Licensure by examination
- Every applicant submits fingerprints for state and federal background checks; a Live Scan must be completed in California. BRN: Fingerprint instructions
- Renew every 2 years with 30 contact hours of continuing education. The first renewal after passing the NCLEX is exempt. BRN: Continuing education
Home Health Aide
California Department of Public Health, Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section
Nurse aide registries often cover home health aides too. Aides in Medicare-certified home health agencies need at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 484.80).
- A current CNA can become a certified home health aide with a 40-hour CDPH-approved program: 20 hours classroom and 20 hours clinical. CDPH: 40-hour home health aide training program
- CDPH also lists a 120-hour training route that doesn't require a CNA certificate (with its own Live Scan). CDPH: Home Health Aide
- Renew every 2 years with 24 hours of in-service training or CEUs, at least 12 hours each year. CDPH: Home Health Aide
Medical Assistant
Most states don't require medical assistants to be certified, but some set education, licensing or certification rules (BLS). Check with your state's medical board.
- Medical assistants are not licensed in California, and the Medical Board of California doesn't require them to be certified to work in a medical office or clinic. Medical Board of California: Medical assistants
- The Medical Board lists the certifying organizations it has approved for medical assistants. Medical Board of California: Medical assistants
Dental Assistant
Dental Board of California
- The Dental Board of California licenses Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) and RDAs in Extended Functions (RDAEF). Dental Board of California: Become a Registered Dental Assistant
- There are six routes to RDA eligibility, including a Board-approved program, at least 15 months and 1,280 hours of work experience, and (since July 1, 2025) DANB certification, an alternative program or a preceptorship. Dental Board of California: Become a Registered Dental Assistant
- Every route requires courses in radiation safety, coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants, infection control, the Dental Practice Act and Basic Life Support, plus the combined RDA written and law and ethics exam. Dental Board of California: Become a Registered Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygiene Board of California
- Dental hygienists are licensed by the Dental Hygiene Board of California, separate from the Dental Board. Licenses can be verified on the DCA License Search. Dental Hygiene Board of California
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Care Board of California
- Respiratory care practitioners are licensed by the Respiratory Care Board of California. Licenses can be verified on the DCA License Search. Respiratory Care Board of California
Phlebotomist
California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services
- California requires a state phlebotomy certificate to draw blood. There are three levels: Limited Phlebotomy Technician, CPT I and CPT II. CDPH LFS: Phlebotomy certificate FAQ
- With no experience, CPT I requires 40 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of clinical practice, including at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures, plus a CDPH-approved national certification exam. CDPH Laboratory Field Services: Phlebotomist
- Since January 1, 2026, certificates renew every year, with 3 continuing education units completed in the past 12 months. CDPH LFS: Personnel renewal
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapy Board of California
Compact status: Physical Therapy Compact Commission map.
- Physical therapists are licensed by the Physical Therapy Board of California. Licenses can be verified on the DCA License Search. Physical Therapy Board of California
Occupational Therapist
California Board of Occupational Therapy
Compact status: Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Commission map.
- Occupational therapists are licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy. Licenses can be verified on the DCA License Search. California Board of Occupational Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
- Speech-language pathologists are licensed by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
Where these links come from
Boards change their websites and rules. Always confirm requirements on the board's own site. Found a broken link? Tell us through the Contact page.