Are you considering a career in nursing but need help knowing where to start? A certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification is a basic nursing credential that kickstarts the career of many healthcare workers.
CNAs are nursing aides who care for patients under a registered nurse's (RN) supervision. To practice as a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program.
This guide takes a state-by-state approach to CNA certification requirements. We'll discuss the importance of certification, what to expect from your program and CNA certification requirements by state. Read on to learn more about becoming a CNA in your state.
Why is CNA Certification Important?
Depending on where you live, you may not need to complete a CNA training program to earn a certification. But even in those states, program completion has its benefits. Your participation in a CNA program proves your qualifications to provide the highest level of care.
As a CNA, you'll work in healthcare environments like hospitals and long-term care centers. Your day-to-day tasks will involve close patient care activities like:
- Helping patients bathe, dress, and eat
- Checking and recording vital signs
- Mobility assistance and repositioning
- Specimen collection for labs
Your CNA certification is essential because it ensures you can complete these duties safely and effectively.
CNA certification will also improve your chances of finding employment. You may get more job opportunities because certified CNAs are in high demand. Moreover, certification may help you earn more money or qualify for incentives like tuition repayment.
Above all else, as a certified CNA, you will enter the workforce with greater confidence. That confidence can lead to higher job satisfaction and faster career advancement.
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General CNA Certification Requirements
CNA schools differ by state. Still, you should expect to complete the program in four distinct parts: classroom instruction, clinical training, a written exam, and a skills evaluation.
CNA Certification Programs
You can find CNA programs through vocational schools, community colleges, and at some hospitals. There are also online CNA certification programs if you need more flexibility.
Try researching local programs to find one that suits your needs. Whether you select in-person or online school, you must meet some general requirements before starting. Though CNA program requirements vary, you'll typically need to meet the following standards to get in:
- Be a minimum of 16 to 18 years old
- Earn a high-school diploma or GED equivalent
- Be in good physical health
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be able to lift patients (~35-50 lbs)
- Complete a written competency test
- Have up-to-date immunizations
- Pass a drug screening
Once accepted, you'll complete an approved training program per your state's standards.
Should You Enroll in an Online CNA Certification Program?
While online CNA certification programs seems incredible, we want to clarify their limitations so you can make an informed decision. Some online students report not receiving the same core knowledge as those attending in-person programs. Also, you will still need to complete in-person clinical hours in most online programs.
Classroom Instruction
Most CNA programs take between 4 to 16 weeks to complete. The first part of your CNA training program is classroom instruction. You'll learn about various healthcare topics like:
- Basic nursing care
- Anatomy
- Mental health
- Infection control
- Proper body mechanics
- Personal care and hygiene
- Workplace safety
- Patient rights
- Communication techniques
- Patient assistance
- Charting patient vital signs
After completing your classroom instruction, you'll get to flex what you've learned in a clinical setting.
Clinical Training
You will complete the clinical skills portion of your CNA school inside a healthcare setting. You might work at a nursing home, outpatient facility, retirement home, or hospital. Throughout the clinical training portion, you'll complete everyday CNA duties supervised by your instructors.
Conversely, you may stay in your CNA school for your hands-on hours. Some schools have on-site simulation labs dedicated to clinical training. How you complete this portion of your training depends entirely on your chosen program.
CNA Exams
Each state has different standards for CNA exams. However, most have a written exam and a skills evaluation. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions from your classroom materials.
The skills evaluation encompasses everything you learned during clinical rotations or simulation labs. It tests your ability to perform CNA duties safely and effectively.
You will complete your CNA exams at proctored testing sites in most states. Expect written exams to take about 90 minutes and skills evaluations to take about 30-40 minutes.
License & Certification Process
After completing your state-approved CNA training program and passing your exams, you will earn a CNA certification. Remember that this licensure only allows you to practice in your state.
In most cases, you must renew your CNA certification every two years. If you remain employed during that period, recertification might only consist of a form and a fee.
But, if you didn't practice during some or all of those two years, you should expect a more complex recertification process. For example, some states may ask that you pass a competency exam before renewing your license.
Remember that all 50 states in the US have unique requirements. Ensure you understand your state's requirements to maintain your CNA license.
CNA Certification Requirements by State
We researched and organized CNA certification requirements by state to make becoming a CNA easier. Check out these links to learn about your state's CNA requirements.
Alabama CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass a competency evaluation program
- Minimum 75 hours of training with at least:
- 16 hours of clinical work
- 16 hours of laboratory experience
- Pass the nurse aide competency exam
- Work at least 18 hours every 24 months to maintain certification
Learn more: Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry
Alaska CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA program
- Apply for Alaska’s CNA certification examination
- Pass the Nurse Aide Examination
Learn more: Alaska Nurse Aide Registry
Arizona CNA Requirements
- Complete a board-approved CNA program
- Finish at least 120 CNA training hours
- Take the nursing assistant state exam
- Obtain an original CNA certificate
- Submit proof of US legal residency
Learn more: Arizona State Board of Nursing
Arkansas CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA program
- Pass the CNA certification exam
Learn more: Arkansas Department of Human Services
California CNA Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Take the CNA competency evaluation examination
- Submit the Initial CNA certification application
Learn more: California Department of Public Health
Colorado CNA Requirements
- Finish a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass the CNA certification by examination
Learn more: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
Connecticut CNA Requirements
- Attend a state-approved CNA program
- Complete at least 100 hours of clinical and classroom training
- Pass the Connecticut nurse aide examination
Learn more: Connecticut State Department of Public Health
Delaware CNA Requirements
- Completion of a state-approved CNA training program
- Take the state’s CNA competency exam
Learn more: Delaware State CNA Registry & Training
Florida CNA Requirements
- Complete a CNA training course and competency exam OR
- Pass CNA competency exam without program completion
Learn more: Florida Board of Nursing
Georgia CNA Requirements
- Attend a board-approved CNA training program
- Take the nurse aide certification exam
Learn more: Georgia Nurse Aide System
Hawaii CNA Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Exam
Learn more: Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry
Idaho CNA Requirements
- Finish an Idaho approved CNA program
- Sit for the Idaho nurse aide exam
Learn more: Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
Illinois CNA Requirements
- Complete an Illinois-approved CNA training program
- Pass a written competency test and a manual skills exam
Learn more: Illinois CNA Facts
Indiana CNA Requirements
- Attend a state-approved CNA program (105 hours)
- Achieve at least 80% on a 100-question written test
- Complete and pass a skills evaluation exam
Learn more: Indiana Department of Health
Iowa CNA Requirements
- Complete a 75-hour CNA training course
- Take and pass a written test and skills exam
Learn more: Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry
Kansas CNA Requirements
- Complete a Kansas CNA training program
- Achieve at least 90% on the state CNA exam
Learn more: Kansas Health Occupations Credentialing
Kentucky CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA course
- Take a final written/oral and skills test
- Complete a CNA competency evaluation
Learn more: Kentucky Nurse Aide Training
Louisiana CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass a CNA certification exam
Learn more: Louisiana Department of Health
Maine CNA Requirements
- Complete 180 of state-approved CNA training to include:
- 90 hours of classroom theory
- 20 clinical training hours
- 70 hours of clinical practice
- Pass the Maine CNA written/oral and skills competency test
Learn more: Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Maryland CNA Requirements
- Complete a board-approved 100+ hour CNA program
- Pass a written/oral and clinical skills competency exam
Learn more: Maryland Board of Nursing
Massachusetts CNA Requirements
- Attend a state-approved nurse aide training program
- Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Test
Learn more: Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program
Michigan CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
- Take the Michigan written/oral and skills CNA exams
Learn more: Michigan Nurse Aide Registry
Minnesota CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved nursing assistant program
- Pass a CNA written/oral and skill competency evaluation
Learn more: Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry
Mississippi CNA Requirements
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Pass the NNAAP examination
Learn more: Mississippi State Department of Health
Missouri CNA Requirements
- Completion of a state-approved CNA training course
- Pass a written/oral and skills final examination
Learn more: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
Montana CNA Requirements
- Attend a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass the written and skills CNA examination
Learn more: Montana Nurse Aide Registry
Nebraska CNA Requirements
- Complete a 75-hour state-approved training OR
- A 21-hour course for developmentally disabled care at intermediate care facilities
- Pass the state-approved written/oral exam and skills competency exam
Learn more: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Nevada CNA Requirements
- Complete a Nevada-approved CNA training program
- Take the state CNA certification exam
Learn more: Nevada State Board of Nursing
New Hampshire CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass a CNA competency evaluation examination
Learn more: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
New Jersey CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved nurse assistant training program
- Pass the state’s CNA certification examination
- Apply for certification
Learn more: New Jersey Department of Health
New Mexico CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Successfully pass the New Mexico nurse aide exam
Learn more: New Mexico Certified Nurse Aide Registry
New York CNA Requirements
- Attend a New York state-approved CNA program
- Pass a New York-approved nurse aide exam
Learn more: New York State Nurse Aide Registry
North Carolina CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
- Pass a state-approved nurse aide competency evaluation
Learn more: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
North Dakota CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Take and pass a CNA competency evaluation
Learn more: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Ohio CNA Requirements
- Attend a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass the Ohio nurse aide examination
Learn more: Ohio Department of Health
Oklahoma CNA Requirements
- Complete an approved nurse aide training program
- Take the state’s competency examination
Learn more: Oklahoma Career Tech
Oregon CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program
- Pass the written and skills CNA exam
Learn more: Oregon State Board of Nursing
Pennsylvania CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
- Pass the CNA exam within 24 months of program completion
Learn more: Pennsylvania Department of Health
Rhode Island CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Apply for a nursing assistant license
- Take and pass the CNA competency examination
Learn more: Rhode Island Department of Health
South Carolina CNA Requirements
- Finish of a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass the South Carolina nurse aide examination
Learn more: South Carolina Nurse’s Aid FAQ
South Dakota CNA Requirements
- Attend a state-approved CNA training program
- Take the competency evaluation exam
Learn more: South Dakota Department of Health
Tennessee CNA Certification Requirements
- Attend and pass a state-approved nurse aide training program
- Pass a state CNA exam within 24 months of program completion
Learn more: Tennessee Department of Health
Texas CNA Requirements
- Finish a state-approved nurse aide training program
- Take and pass the nurse aide evaluation
Learn more: Texas Nurse Aide Registry
Utah CNA Requirements
- Completion of a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass the state CNA competency examination
Learn more: Utah Nursing Assistant Registry
Vermont CNA Certification Requirements
- Attend a state-approved nursing assistant program
- Submit a certification and verification application
- Pass the NNAAP examination
Learn more: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Virginia CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
- Pass the Virginia nurse aide written/oral skills evaluations
Learn more: Virginia Department of Health Professions
Washington CNA Requirements
- Attend a state-approved CNA training course
- Take the nursing assistant competency exam
Learn more: Washington State Department of Health
Washington DC CNA Requirements
- Pass an approved CNA training program
- Complete the Pearson VUE nurse aide exam
Learn more: DC Health
West Virginia CNA Certification Requirements
- Attend a state-approved training program
- Pass the nurse aide competency examination
Learn more: West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification
Wisconsin CNA Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Pass the state nurse aide examination
Learn more: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Wyoming CNA Certification Requirements
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Take the Wyoming CNA skills exam
Learn more: Wyoming Department of Health
FAQs
CAN YOU GET A CNA LICENSE ONLINE?
- No, you cannot get a CNA license entirely online. Some online CNA courses are available for the classroom portion of your CNA training. But, you must have hands-on, in-person experience for your clinical training hours.
WHAT IS THE CNA CERTIFICATION EXAM LIKE?
- Your CNA certification exam will have two parts: a written test and a skills exam. Your written test should include multiple-choice questions from your class materials. The skills evaluation is a hands-on test that measures your ability to perform CNA skills and competencies.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A CNA?
- To become a CNA, you must pass a state-approved training program. CNA programs often include classroom instruction alongside clinical rotations.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE CNA TRAINING?
- Most CNA programs take four to 16 weeks to complete classroom and clinical training.
WHAT CNA JOB OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
- As a CNA, you'll provide basic care to patients. You can work in various healthcare facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies and assisted living facilities.
HOW CAN CNAS CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
- Joining professional organizations like the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) is a great way to continue your CNA professional development. You can further your credentials by becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN).