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How to Become a CNA — All 50 States + DC

Q: How much does it cost to become a CNA?

The state certification exam typically costs $91–$131. Training program costs vary from free (nursing home-sponsored) to $1,500+ at community colleges and vocational schools. Financial aid is available for credit-bearing college programs.

Q: Do CNA certifications transfer between states?

Yes — CNA certification can be transferred between states through a process called reciprocity or endorsement. You apply directly to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry, pay a transfer fee, and submit proof of your current certification and work history. Requirements vary by state.

Q: What is the CNA exam like?

The CNA certification exam has two parts: a written knowledge test covering 6 topic areas (physical care, safety, infection control, resident rights, psychosocial care, and the nurse aide role) and a clinical skills test where you demonstrate 5 randomly selected hands-on skills in front of an evaluator. Both parts must be passed.

Select your state for a complete guide to CNA certification — training requirements, exam details, fees, and free practice tests.

75–160h

Training hours by state

$17.31/hr

National median pay

1,449,430

CNAs employed (BLS 2024)

4–12 wks

Typical program length

The CNA certification path

1Complete state-approved training (75–160 hours depending on state)
2Pass the written knowledge test and clinical skills evaluation
3Get listed on your state Nurse Aide Registry
4Apply to nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies

Training hour requirements vary because states set their own minimums above the 75-hour federal floor (OBRA 1987).

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Highest-paying states

California$21.49/hr Washington$21.36/hr Washington DC$21.14/hr Connecticut$20.96/hr Alaska$20.63/hr

States with 75-hour minimum

These states require the federal minimum training — fastest path to certification.

Alabama75h · $115 Colorado75h · $145 Iowa75h · $165 Kentucky75h · $115 Maryland75h · $130 See all 25 states with 75h minimum →

All states

Alabama

75h training · $115 exam fee · Prometric

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Alaska

140h training · $60 exam fee · Credentia

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Arizona

120h training · $130 exam fee · HDmaster

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Arkansas

90h training · $125 exam fee · HDmaster

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California

160h training · $120 exam fee · Credentia

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Colorado

75h training · $145 exam fee · Credentia

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Connecticut

100h training · $125 exam fee · Prometric

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Washington DC

120h training · $165 exam fee · Credentia

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Delaware

150h training · $115 exam fee · Prometric

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Florida

120h training · $155 exam fee · Prometric

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Georgia

85h training · $130 exam fee · Credentia

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Hawaii

100h training · $200 exam fee · Prometric

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Idaho

120h training · $68 exam fee · Prometric

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Illinois

120h training · $85 exam fee · SIUC

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Indiana

105h training · $100 exam fee · Ivy Tech Community College

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Iowa

75h training · $165 exam fee · HDmaster

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Kansas

90h training · $105 exam fee · KDADS

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Kentucky

75h training · $115 exam fee · HDmaster

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Louisiana

80h training · $125 exam fee · Prometric

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Maine

130h training · $115 exam fee · Prometric

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Maryland

75h training · $130 exam fee · Credentia

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Massachusetts

75h training · $100 exam fee · HDmaster

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Michigan

75h training · $175 exam fee · HDmaster

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Minnesota

75h training · $150 exam fee · HDmaster

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Mississippi

75h training · $135 exam fee · HDmaster

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Missouri

75h training · $135 exam fee · HDmaster

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Montana

75h training · $97 exam fee · HDmaster

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Nebraska

75h training · $100 exam fee · HDmaster

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Nevada

75h training · $165 exam fee · HDmaster

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New Hampshire

100h training · $200 exam fee · Excel Testing

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New Jersey

90h training · $53 exam fee · PSI

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New Mexico

75h training · $140 exam fee · HDmaster

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New York

100h training · $131 exam fee · Prometric

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North Carolina

75h training · $140 exam fee · Credentia

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North Dakota

75h training · $250 exam fee · HDmaster

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Ohio

75h training · $104 exam fee · HDmaster

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Oklahoma

75h training · $101 exam fee · HDmaster

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Oregon

155h training · $106 exam fee · HDmaster

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Pennsylvania

75h training · $135 exam fee · Credentia

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Rhode Island

75h training · $165 exam fee · Credentia

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South Carolina

100h training · $140 exam fee · Credentia

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South Dakota

75h training · $45 exam fee · HDmaster

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Tennessee

75h training · $90 exam fee · Credentia

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Texas

100h training · $120 exam fee · Prometric

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Utah

100h training · $110 exam fee · UNAR

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Vermont

80h training · $200 exam fee · Excel Testing

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Virginia

75h training · $140 exam fee · Credentia

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Washington

85h training · $155 exam fee · Credentia

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West Virginia

120h training · $140 exam fee · PHD

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Wisconsin

75h training · $145 exam fee · HDmaster

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Wyoming

75h training · $127 exam fee · HDmaster

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA?

CNA training programs range from 75 to 160 hours depending on your state. Most full-time programs complete in 4–12 weeks. After training you must pass a written test and clinical skills evaluation administered by your state's approved testing vendor.

How much does it cost to become a CNA?

The state certification exam costs $91–$131. Training varies from free (nursing home-sponsored programs) to $1,500+ at community colleges and vocational schools. Financial aid including Pell Grants and WIOA funding is available for credit-bearing programs.

Do CNA certifications transfer between states?

Yes — CNA certification transfers between states through reciprocity (also called endorsement). Apply to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry, pay the transfer fee, and submit proof of your current active certification and recent work history. Most states process transfers within 2–4 weeks.

What is the CNA exam like?

The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test covering 6 topic areas, and a clinical skills test where you perform 5 randomly selected hands-on skills in front of an evaluator. Both parts must be passed. You can typically retake each section independently if you fail only one.

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