To work as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in California, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and appear on the California Nurse Aide Registry. If you are already certified in another state, you may qualify through reciprocity. To remain active, CNAs must meet renewal and work requirements every two years. This guide outlines how to earn your CNA license, renew or reinstate certification, verify status, and transfer an out-of-state credential—based on current standards from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
How to Get Your CNA License in California
The CNA certification process is overseen by CDPH. Follow these steps to become licensed in California:
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in training, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions
- Demonstrate functional English literacy in reading, writing, and speaking
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program
Enroll in a CDPH-approved Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) with at least 160 hours of instruction:
- 60 hours of classroom theory
- 100 hours of supervised clinical training
Your provider must verify program completion before exam registration. Fingerprint clearance may be required prior to clinical practice.
Step 3: Submit the Initial Certification Application
After enrollment, submit these forms to CDPH:
Submission options:
- Online: CDPH Online Submission Portal
- Mail:
California Department of Public Health
Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section (HPCTS)
MS 3301, P.O. Box 997416
Sacramento, CA 95899-7416
Live Scan Fingerprinting
Applicants must complete a background check using the BCIA 8016 form provided by training programs.
- California DOJ: $32
- FBI: $18
- Total: $50
Out-of-state residents must submit two FD-258 fingerprint cards and payment by mail.
Step 4: Pass the CNA Competency Examination
After CDPH processes your application and training is verified, pass the California Nurse Assistant Competency Exam, administered by Headmaster and Credentia.
Exam Overview
- Knowledge Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions (written or oral) — 75% passing score (52 correct) — 120 minutes
- Skills Evaluation: Perform five randomly selected tasks, including mandatory hand hygiene — 30 minutes
| Vendor | Written | Oral | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headmaster | $35 | $45 | $95 |
| Credentia | $40 | $55 | $80 |
Retesting Policy
Each component may be attempted up to three times. If unsuccessful after three attempts, you must retake an approved training program before reapplying.
Step 5: Get Listed on the California Nurse Aide Registry
Once both exams are passed, results are sent to CDPH by the vendor. After approval, your name will appear on the California Nurse Aide Registry.
Need help? For exam registration, call Headmaster at (800) 393-8664 or Credentia at (916) 327-2445. For application status, call CDPH at (916) 327-2445.
State-Approved CNA Programs in California
The programs listed below are approved by CDPH. Compare tuition, scheduling flexibility, clinical site access, location, and job placement support when selecting a program.
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American River College
4700 College Oak Dr, Sacramento, CA 95841(916) 484-8011 -
Annenberg School of Nursing
19300 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335(818) 757-4431 -
Bakersfield College
1801 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93305(661) 395-4011 -
Butte College
3536 Butte Campus Dr, Oroville, CA 95965(530) 895-2511 -
California Medical College
7851 Mission Center Ct #326, San Diego, CA 92108(858) 357-8800 -
California Nurses Educational Institute
5200 Ramon Rd #1, Palm Springs, CA 92264(760) 416-5955 -
Chaffey College
5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737(909) 652-6000 -
Citrus College
1000 W Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA 91741(626) 963-0323 -
City College of San Francisco
50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112(415) 239-3000 -
College of the Canyons
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355(661) 259-7800 -
College of the Desert
43500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260(760) 346-8041 -
College of the Sequoias
915 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277(559) 343-6315 -
College of the Siskiyous
800 College Ave, Weed, CA 96094(530) 938-5555 -
Contra Costa College
2600 Mission Bell Dr, San Pablo, CA 94806(510) 235-7800 -
Cuesta College
CA-1, San Luis Obispo, CA(805) 546-3100 -
El Camino College
16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506(310) 532-3670 -
Gavilan College
5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020(408) 848-4800 -
Imperial Valley College
380 E Aten Rd, Imperial, CA 92251(760) 352-8320 -
Los Angeles Harbor College
1111 Figueroa Pl, Wilmington, CA 90744(310) 233-4000 -
Los Angeles Southwest College
1600 W Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90047(323) 241-5321 -
Merced College
3600 M St, Merced, CA 95348(209) 384-6000 -
MiraCosta College
1 Barnard Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056(760) 757-2121 -
Mt. San Antonio College
1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA 91789(909) 274-7500 -
Pasadena City College
1570 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106(626) 585-7123 -
Reedley College
995 N Reed Ave, Reedley, CA 93654(559) 638-0300 -
Regan Career Institute
11350 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA 91731(626) 455-0312 -
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601(562) 692-0921 -
San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207(209) 954-5151 -
Santa Barbara City College
721 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109(805) 965-0581 -
Shasta College
11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, CA 96003(530) 242-7500 -
Sierra College
5100 Sierra College Blvd, Loomis, CA 95650(916) 624-3333 -
Solano Community College
3095 Yerba Buena Rd, San Jose, CA 95135(408) 274-7900 -
Southwestern College
900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910(619) 421-6700 -
Summit College
804 E Brier Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92408(855) 970-4151 -
Ventura College
4667 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003(805) 289-6000 -
West Los Angeles College
9000 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230(310) 287-4200
How to Verify Your CNA License in California
Verify CNA status using the official Licensing & Certification Verification System by CDPH. This tool provides real-time data.
Step 1: Visit the Verification Page
Go to the CDPH Licensing & Certification Verification page.
Step 2: Select Certificate Type
From the dropdown, choose Certified Nurse Assistant.
Step 3: Choose a Search Option
You may search by:
- Certificate number (recommended)
- First and last name
- Last name starting with
Step 4: Enter Details and Submit
Enter the required details and click Search. Your record will display below.
Step 5: Review Record
The results will show:
- Full name
- Certificate number
- Type: Certified Nurse Assistant
- Status: Must read ACTIVE for employment eligibility
Need help? Call CDPH at (916) 327-2445 or email cna@cdph.ca.gov.
How to Renew Your CNA License in California
California CNAs renew their license every two years through CDPH.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You may renew if you:
- Completed at least 8 hours of paid CNA work under supervision
- Completed 48 hours of in-service training or CEUs in the current two-year cycle
- Completed at least 12 hours each year
Up to 24 hours may be earned online with a CDPH-approved CEU provider.
Step 2: Complete Forms
Attach CEU documentation signed by instructors or employers and any online training certificates.
Step 3: Submit Application
Submission options:
- Online: CDPH Renewal Submission Portal
- Mail:
California Department of Public Health
Healthcare Workforce Branch (HWB)
MS 3301, P.O. Box 997416
Sacramento, CA 95899-7416 - Fax: (916) 552-8785
Step 4: Verify Status
Check renewal status at the CDPH Certification Verification page.
Tip: Submit renewal at least 30 days before expiration to avoid delays.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in California
If expired less than two years without meeting renewal requirements, you may reinstate by exam.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
You may qualify if:
- Your license expired within the past two years
- You did not complete CEUs or work requirements
Note: If expired over two years, retraining and initial certification are required.
Step 2: Submit Reactivation Application
Use CDPH 283C: Renewal Application. In Section VI, check “Yes” for reactivation by exam.
- Online: CDPH Reactivation Portal
- Mail:
CDPH – Healthcare Workforce Branch, ATCS
MS 3301, P.O. Box 997416
Sacramento, CA 95899-7416 - Fax: (916) 552-8785
Step 3: Receive Exam Approval
CDPH will issue a Competency Evaluation approval letter with exam registration details if eligible.
Step 4: Register and Pass Exam
Pass both exam portions within two years of certificate expiration:
- Knowledge Exam: Written or oral
- Skills Exam: Five hands-on tasks
Approved Vendors
Step 5: Wait for Certificate
After passing exams and background check, results are sent to CDPH. Certification will be reactivated.
Step 6: Confirm Status
Check the CDPH License Verification page to confirm Active status.
Need help? Call CDPH at (916) 327-2445 or email cna@cdph.ca.gov.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to California
If certified in another U.S. state, apply for California certification through reciprocity with CDPH.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Hold an active CNA certificate from another U.S. state
- Worked as a CNA for pay within the past two years
Step 2: Complete Required Forms
- CDPH 283E – Equivalency/Reciprocity Application
- CDPH 931 – Verification of Current Nurse Assistant Certification
Fill out Section I of CDPH 931 and send it to your state’s registry for Section II. If your state lacks this form, CDPH may verify certification through the online registry instead.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
- Copy of your active out-of-state CNA certificate or registry screenshot
- Proof of paid CNA employment in the past two years (pay stub, W-2, or employer letter)
- If employed via an agency, include a facility letter confirming CNA duties under supervision
Step 4: Complete the Background Check
Fingerprint requirements differ by residency:
- California residents: Use the BCIA 8016 Live Scan Form
- Out-of-state residents: Submit two FD-258 fingerprint cards and a $32 fee payable to the California DOJ
Step 5: Submit Application
Mail all forms, documents, and fingerprint materials to:
California Department of Public Health
ATCS – Reciprocity Program
MS 3301, P.O. Box 997416
Sacramento, CA 95899-7416
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing can take up to 90 business days. Do not resubmit or follow up unless this time has passed.
Step 7: Verify Certification
Once approved, certification will appear in the CDPH License Verification System.
Need help? Email cna@cdph.ca.gov or call (916) 327-2445.
California Nurse Aide Registry
The California Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by CDPH, is the official record of certified nurse assistants. Employers use it to verify eligibility, while CNAs manage certification status, renewals, reciprocity, and personal details. The registry displays only active, denied, suspended, or revoked statuses.
Contact Information
- Mailing Address: Healthcare Workforce Branch (HWB), MS 3301, P.O. Box 997416, Sacramento, CA 95899-7416
- Phone: (916) 327-2445
- Fax: (916) 552-8785
- Email: cna@cdph.ca.gov
- Registry Search: California Nurse Aide Registry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to become a CNA in California?
You must be at least 16 years old to apply.
How much does certification cost?
Total costs typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, including training, textbooks, fingerprinting, and exams.
Is training required?
Yes. Completion of a CDPH-approved NATP is required unless qualifying by equivalency or reciprocity.
What if I fail the exam?
You may retake the failed section. After three failures, you must retake training before retesting.
Will I receive a physical certificate?
No. California does not issue physical cards. Use the CDPH Verification System to confirm status.
When does certification expire?
A CNA license is valid for two years and expires on your birthday in the second year. If not renewed, it becomes delinquent, and work is prohibited until reactivated.
How do I update my name or address?
Submit the CDPH 929 form by mail or fax. Name changes require legal documents such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: CDPH-approved NATP with 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinicals.
- Submit certification forms: File CDPH 283B and complete Live Scan via BCIA 8016 for DOJ/FBI clearance.
- Pass both exams: Written and skills exams with Credentia or Headmaster within two years of training.
- Appear on the state registry: After certification, your name is added to the California Nurse Aide Registry.
- Renew every two years: Complete 48 CEUs and 8 hours of paid CNA work per cycle.
- Reinstate if expired: If lapsed under two years, submit a reactivation application and retake exams.
- Transfer by reciprocity: Submit CDPH 283E, verification, and fingerprint clearance.
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