How to Become a CNA in Kentucky (2026 Guide)

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

The state exam fee in Kentucky is $115. Training program costs vary — community college programs typically run $500–$1,500, while nursing home-sponsored programs may be free in exchange for a work commitment.

Becoming a CNA in Kentucky takes about 4–6 weeks. You'll complete 75 hours of approved training, pass a written and skills exam administered by HDmaster, and get listed on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry. Starting pay averages $14.98/hr.

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Kentucky CNA — At a Glance

75h

Training required

4–6 weeks

Program length

$115

State exam fee

$14.98/hr

Avg starting pay

Exam vendor: HDmasterKentucky Nurse Aide Registry →

How to Become a CNA in Kentucky: Step by Step

Follow these five steps to earn your CNA certification in Kentucky. Most candidates complete the process in 4–6 weeks.

1
Meet eligibility requirements
You must be at least 16 years old (18 for some employers), have a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and complete a health screening including TB test. Kentucky uses the OBRA federal minimum standards as a baseline. Certain convictions are disqualifying — see our background check guide for details.
2
Complete 75 hours of state-approved training
Enroll in a state-approved CNA program — offered through community colleges, vocational schools, Red Cross chapters, and some nursing homes. Programs run 4–6 weeks and cover both classroom content and hands-on clinical hours. Hybrid programs (online classroom, in-person clinical) are available. Some long-term care facilities offer free training in exchange for a work commitment after you pass.
3
Pass the HDmaster competency exam
After training, register with HDmaster and pay the $115 exam fee. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation where you perform 5 randomly selected skills in front of an evaluator. Both parts must be passed — if you fail only one, you can typically retake just that section. Employed candidates: 3 attempts within 4 months of hire; not-employed candidates: 3 attempts within 1 year of training completion.
4
Get listed on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry
Once you pass both portions, HDmaster reports your results to the state. Your name is added to the official Nurse Aide Registry, which employers verify before hiring. To keep your listing active, you must work at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related care during each 24-month renewal period. Your employer also provides 12 hours of annual in-service training.
5
Apply for your first CNA position
With your registry listing active, you can apply to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and adult day programs. Recent CNA grads are in high demand — most facilities post open positions year-round. Median pay for CNAs in Kentucky is $14.98/hr.

CNA Training Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky requires a minimum of 75 training hours, split between classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Programs typically run 4–6 weeks full-time. Most approved programs include:

✓Community college programs — Usually $500–$1,500. Financial aid available. Daytime and evening options.
✓Vocational / career school programs — Accelerated format. Similar cost range.
✓Hospital & health system programs — May include job placement after passing the exam.
✓Nursing home-sponsored programs — Often free in exchange for a post-certification employment commitment.
✓American Red Cross programs — Available in many counties. Accepted by all states.

Find state-approved programs on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry →

The Kentucky CNA Certification Exam

The competency evaluation is administered by HDmaster and has two parts. You must pass both.

Written (Knowledge) Test

75 multiple-choice questions, 120 minutes
Covers 12 content domains on HDmaster's own Kentucky test plan (not the standard NNAAP 6); skills pass at 70% per task, not the usual 80%
Minimum passing score required (varies by state)
Timed — check with HDmaster for specifics

Clinical Skills Test

5 randomly selected skills
Evaluated by a trained observer
All critical steps must be performed
Handwashing and safety steps observed on every skill

Exam fee: $115 (varies by KCTCS campus — $115 at Bluegrass, $135 flat at Hazard/Jefferson and others; confirm with your own training program)

Retake policy: Employed candidates: 3 attempts within 4 months of hire; not-employed candidates: 3 attempts within 1 year of training completion

Free written practice test →Clinical skills checklists →

CNA Salary in Kentucky

Full salary breakdown →

$14.98/hr

Median hourly

$31K

Median annual

-2.33/hr

vs national avg

22,210 CNAs employed in Kentucky (BLS OEWS, May 2024). National median: $18.17/hr.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in Kentucky?

Most CNA programs in Kentucky take 4–6 weeks to complete. The state requires a minimum of 75 hours of approved training before you can sit for the certification exam.

How much does it cost to become a CNA in Kentucky?

The state exam fee is $115. Training program costs vary widely — community college programs typically run $500–$1,500, while some nursing homes offer free training in exchange for a post-certification work commitment.

Who administers the CNA exam in Kentucky?

The Kentucky nurse aide competency exam is administered by HDmaster. You register and schedule directly with them after completing your approved training program.

What happens if I fail the CNA exam in Kentucky?

If you fail one portion, you typically only need to retake that section — not both. Employed candidates: 3 attempts within 4 months of hire; not-employed candidates: 3 attempts within 1 year of training completion. After exhausting your allowed attempts, most states require you to complete a new approved training program before testing again.