How to Become a CNA in Utah (2026 Guide)

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

The state exam fee in Utah is $110. 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 Utah takes about 5–7 weeks. You'll complete 100 hours of approved training, pass a written and skills exam administered by UNAR, and get listed on the Utah Nurse Aide Registry. Starting pay averages $17.25/hr.

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Utah CNA — At a Glance

100h

Training required

5–7 weeks

Program length

$110

State exam fee

$17.25/hr

Avg starting pay

Exam vendor: UNARUtah Nurse Aide Registry →

How to Become a CNA in Utah: Step by Step

Follow these five steps to earn your CNA certification in Utah. Most candidates complete the process in 5–7 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. Utah uses the OBRA federal minimum standards as a baseline. Certain convictions are disqualifying — see our background check guide for details.
2
Complete 100 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 5–7 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 UNAR competency exam
After training, register with UNAR and pay the $110 exam fee. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation where you perform 5 randomly selected skills from a list of 20 in front of an evaluator. Both parts must be passed — if you fail only one, you can typically retake just that section. Up to 3 attempts within 1 year of training completion.
4
Get listed on the Utah Nurse Aide Registry
Once you pass both portions, UNAR 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 Utah is $17.25/hr.

CNA Training Programs in Utah

Utah requires a minimum of 100 training hours, split between classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Programs typically run 5–7 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 Utah Nurse Aide Registry →

The Utah CNA Certification Exam

Both the written and skills exams are developed and administered directly by UNAR (Utah Nursing Assistant Registry) — there is no separate commercial testing vendor. The 5 skills tested are drawn one at random from each of 5 skill categories (Vital Signs, Oral Care/Feeding, Ambulate/Positioning/Transfer, Toileting, and Miscellaneous Skills), out of a pool of 20 skills total.

Written (Knowledge) Test

75 multiple-choice questions, 120 minutes
Covers 8 content domains on UNAR's own Utah test plan (not the standard NNAAP 6); no commercial testing vendor — UNAR develops and administers the exam directly using its own TMU testing software
Minimum passing score required (varies by state)
Timed — check with UNAR for specifics

Clinical Skills Test

5 randomly selected skills from a list of 20
Evaluated by a trained observer
All critical steps must be performed
Handwashing and safety steps observed on every skill

Exam fee: $110 (both portions)

Retake policy: Up to 3 attempts within 1 year of training completion

Free written practice test →Clinical skills checklists →

CNA Salary in Utah

Full salary breakdown →

$17.25/hr

Median hourly

$36K

Median annual

-0.06/hr

vs national avg

12,290 CNAs employed in Utah (BLS OEWS, May 2024). National median: $18.17/hr.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most CNA programs in Utah take 5–7 weeks to complete. The state requires a minimum of 100 hours of approved training before you can sit for the certification exam.

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

The state exam fee is $110. 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 Utah?

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

What happens if I fail the CNA exam in Utah?

If you fail one portion, you typically only need to retake that section — not both. Up to 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.