CNA License in California

How to Get a 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:

• CDPH 283B – Initial CNA Certification Application
• BCIA 8016 – Request for Live Scan Service

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

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.

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.

1. American River College

   4700 College Oak Dr, Sacramento, CA 95841
   (916) 484-8011

2. Bakersfield College

   1801 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93305
   (661) 395-4011

3. Butte College

   3536 Butte Campus Dr, Oroville, CA 95965
   (530) 895-2511

4. City College of San Francisco

   50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112
   (415) 239-3000

5. College of the Sequoias

   915 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277
   (559) 343-6315

6. Cuesta College

   CA-1, San Luis Obispo, CA
   (805) 546-3100

7. Los Angeles Harbor College

   1111 Figueroa Pl, Wilmington, CA 90744
   (310) 233-4000

8. MiraCosta College

   1 Barnard Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056
   (760) 757-2121

9. Mt. San Antonio College

   1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA 91789
   (909) 274-7500

10. Pasadena City College

    1570 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
    (626) 585-7123

11. Southwestern College

    900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910
    (619) 421-6700

12. Ventura College

    4667 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003
    (805) 289-6000

How to Verify a 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

How to Renew a 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

• CDPH 283C – Renewal Application
• CDPH 283A – CEU and In-Service Training Record

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.

How to Reinstate a 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

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

• Headmaster
• Credentia

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.

How to Transfer a 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.

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.