Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license requirements vary by state. Each state regulates its own training hours, competency exams, and registry procedures. The guide below explains the standard certification process and highlights key state differences.
CNA License Requirements: A Quick Look
To qualify for CNA certification, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the CNA exam, and be listed on your state’s Nurse Aide Registry. The certification requirements generally include:
- Eligibility Check — Each state establishes its own minimum standards for CNA candidates. Common eligibility requirements include:
- Minimum Age: 16 or 18, depending on state regulations
- Education: High school diploma or GED, if required
- Work Authorization: Legal authorization to work in the United States
- Background Screening: Fingerprint-based criminal background check
- Medical Clearance: Physical exam, tuberculosis (TB) test, and required immunizations
- CNA Training — You must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program that meets all federal and state standards.
- Program Hours: Minimum of 75 total hours, as required by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA)
- Classroom Instruction: At least 16 hours before beginning clinical practice
- Clinical Practice: Minimum of 16 supervised hours in a licensed healthcare setting
- Core Topics: Infection control, patient care, communication, safety, residents’ rights, and abuse prevention
- Approved Providers: Community colleges, vocational schools, high schools, and long-term care facilities
- Reimbursement Policy: If hired by a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility within 12 months, your employer must reimburse your training and testing costs
- CNA Exam — To earn certification, you must pass both the written and skills components of the CNA exam.
- Written Exam: 60–70 multiple-choice questions completed in 90 minutes
- Skills Exam: Performance of five randomly selected nursing assistant skills within 31–40 minutes; hand hygiene is always included
- Approved Testing Vendors: Most states use Prometric, Credentia, or Headmaster
- Completion Timeline: Both sections must be passed within 24 months of completing training
- Retake Policy: Most states allow up to three attempts before retraining is required
- State Certification — After passing the exam, you must complete all state certification and registry requirements.
- Required Documentation: Proof of training completion, exam results, background check clearance, and applicable fees
- Processing Period: Certification and registry updates are typically completed within two to six weeks
- Registry Verification: Once approved, your name appears on your state’s Nurse Aide Registry as an active CNA
CNA License Requirements by State
Select your state below to view CNA certification requirements.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Alabama
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Exam administered by Prometric or Credentia
See the full Alabama CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Alaska
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing
- Finish 140 hours of training, including 60 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Alaska CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Arizona
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
- Finish 120 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Arizona Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Arizona CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Arkansas
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Finish 90 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Arkansas Nursing Assistant Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Arkansas CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
California
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Finish 160 hours of training, including 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training
- Pass a criminal background check via Live Scan, processed by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia or Headmaster
See the full California CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Colorado
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Colorado CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Connecticut
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH)
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 50 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric
See the full Connecticut CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Delaware
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
- Finish 150 hours of training, including 75 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Delaware Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Prometric
See the full Delaware CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Florida
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Florida Department of Health (DOH)
- Finish 120 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass a Level II background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the FBI
- Pass the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant Examination administered by Prometric
See the full Florida CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Georgia
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
- Finish 85 hours of training, including 24 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Georgia Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Georgia CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Hawaii
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 30 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Prometric
See the full Hawaii CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Idaho
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW)
- Finish 120 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Idaho Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Prometric
See the full Idaho CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Illinois
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- Finish 120 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass a fingerprint-based background check
- Pass the Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam (INACE) administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC)
See the full Illinois CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Indiana
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Ivy Tech Community College
See the full Indiana CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Iowa
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 30 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) written and skills assessments administered by Iowa community colleges
See the full Iowa CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Kansas
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
- Finish 90 hours of training, including 45 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by the state-authorized third-party proctor
See the full Kansas CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Kentucky
- Complete a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) training program approved by the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Kentucky Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Kentucky CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Louisiana
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Louisiana Department of Health
- Finish 80 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Prometric
See the full Louisiana CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Maine
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- Finish 180 hours of training, including 70 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of lab instruction, and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Maine Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by the state-authorized test provider
See the full Maine CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Maryland
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Maryland CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Massachusetts
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Headmaster
See the full Massachusetts CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Michigan
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Michigan Bureau of Community and Health Systems
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Michigan CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Minnesota
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Minnesota CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Mississippi
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Mississippi Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Mississippi CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Missouri
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)
- Finish 175 hours of training, including 100 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Missouri Certified Nurse Assistant Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Missouri CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Montana
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 25 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Montana Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Montana CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Nebraska
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Complete a 1-hour abuse, neglect, and misappropriation training
- Pass the Nebraska Nursing Assistant Competency Exam administered by the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC)
See the full Nebraska CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Nevada
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Nevada Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Nevada CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
New Hampshire
- Complete a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) training program approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 60 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass a fingerprint-based background check through the NH Criminal Records Portal
- Pass the New Hampshire Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Excel Testing
See the full New Hampshire CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
New Jersey
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the New Jersey Department of Health
- Finish 90 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the New Jersey Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full New Jersey CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
New Mexico
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including supervised clinical practice
- Pass the New Mexico Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full New Mexico CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
New York
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 30 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the New York Nurse Aide Exam administered by Prometric
See the full New York CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
North Carolina
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia
See the full North Carolina CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
North Dakota
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the North Dakota Department of Health
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the North Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full North Dakota CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Ohio
- Complete a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) program approved by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Ohio STNA Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Ohio CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Oklahoma
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH)
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Prometric
See the full Oklahoma CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Oregon
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)
- Finish 155 hours of training, including 75 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Headmaster
- Submit fingerprints through Fieldprint Oregon
See the full Oregon CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Pennsylvania
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
- Finish 80 hours of training, including 37.5 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Pennsylvania CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Rhode Island
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 20 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Rhode Island CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
South Carolina
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia
See the full South Carolina CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
South Dakota
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the South Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full South Dakota CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Tennessee
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Tennessee Department of Health
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 35 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Tennessee Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Tennessee CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Texas
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass a criminal history check through the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division
- Pass the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric
See the full Texas CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Utah
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR)
- Finish 100 hours of training, including 24 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Utah Nursing Assistant Certification Exam administered by UNAR
See the full Utah CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Vermont
- Complete a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) program approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing
- Finish 80 hours of training, including 30 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Vermont Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Excel Testing
See the full Vermont CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Virginia
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing
- Finish 120 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Virginia CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Washington
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON)
- Finish 85 hours of training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam administered by Credentia
See the full Washington CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
West Virginia
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
- Finish 120 hours of training, including 65 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the West Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Professional Healthcare Development (PHD)
See the full West Virginia CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Wisconsin
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
- Finish 120 hours of training, including 32 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Wisconsin CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Wyoming
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Wyoming Department of Health
- Finish 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Pass a criminal background check through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the FBI
- Pass the Wyoming Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by Headmaster
See the full Wyoming CNA License Guide for renewal, transfer, and verification details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high school diploma to start CNA training?
Requirements vary by state and training provider. For example, California does not require a high school diploma or GED, while Georgia allows students to enroll at age 16 with demonstrated reading proficiency. Always confirm eligibility with your training provider and state Nurse Aide Registry.
How many hours of CNA training are required?
Federal standards require at least 75 total training hours, including a minimum of 16 supervised clinical hours. Many states exceed this requirement—California requires 160 hours, and Maine requires 180 hours.
What happens if I fail the CNA exam?
Most states allow up to three attempts to pass each section of the exam within 24 months of completing training. If unsuccessful after three tries, you must complete another approved CNA program before retesting.
Can I work while waiting for my exam results?
Yes. Federal regulations allow CNA trainees to work in certified facilities for up to four months while completing training and testing. You must pass both exams within that timeframe to continue working as a CNA.
How do I transfer my CNA certification to another state?
Submit a reciprocity application to the Nurse Aide Registry in your new state. Your certification must be active and in good standing, and you may need to provide a background check and proof of recent paid CNA employment.
How do I renew my CNA certification?
Most states require renewal every two years. You must provide proof of at least eight hours of paid CNA work during the renewal period and submit a renewal application with any required fees.
Next Steps
After completing a state-approved training program and passing both exam components, you are officially certified to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Keep your certification active through timely renewal, and if you relocate, apply for reciprocity in your new state.
