CNA Requirements by State — Training Hours, Costs, and Testing

CNA certification requirements vary significantly by state. While the federal minimum is 75 hours of training, many states require much more. Here’s what you need to know about the top states.

Federal Minimum

Under federal law (OBRA 1987), all states must require at least:

• 75 hours of training (16 hours clinical)
• A competency evaluation (written + skills test)
• Listing on the state nurse aide registry

Most states exceed these minimums.

California

• Training: 150 hours (100 theory + 50 clinical)
• Testing Provider: Pearson VUE (NNAAP)
• Exam Cost: ~$105 (written) + $26 (skills)
• Renewal: Every 2 years, 48 hours of continuing education
• Registry: CDPH Aide and Technician Certification Section

California has some of the highest training requirements in the nation. Programs are available at community colleges, Red Cross chapters, and private vocational schools.

Texas

• Training: 100 hours (60 classroom + 40 clinical)
• Testing Provider: Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE)
• Exam Cost: ~$110
• Renewal: Every 2 years, must show employment as CNA
• Registry: Texas DADS Nurse Aide Registry

Texas allows reciprocity from other states if your certification is active and you pass a background check.

Florida

• Training: 120 hours (80 classroom + 40 clinical)
• Testing Provider: Prometric
• Exam Cost: ~$155
• Renewal: Every 2 years, 24 hours of in-service training
• Registry: Florida Board of Nursing CNA Registry

Florida requires a Level 2 background screening for all CNAs, which includes fingerprinting.

New York

• Training: 100 hours (70 classroom + 30 clinical)
• Testing Provider: Prometric
• Exam Cost: ~$105
• Renewal: Every 2 years, must show paid employment
• Registry: NYS Nurse Aide Registry

New York has a strong demand for CNAs, especially in the New York City metro area and Long Island.

Illinois

• Training: 120 hours (80 classroom + 40 clinical)
• Testing Provider: Southern Illinois University
• Exam Cost: ~$90
• Renewal: Annual, 12 hours of continuing education
• Registry: Illinois IDPH Health Care Worker Registry

Illinois is unique in requiring annual (not biennial) renewal with continuing education.

How to Check Your State

Every state maintains a nurse aide registry. To find your state’s specific requirements:

1. Search for “[Your State] nurse aide registry”
2. Check the training hour requirements
3. Find approved training programs near you
4. Register for the certification exam through your state’s testing provider

Start Studying Now

No matter which state you’re in, the exam content is similar. Start preparing with CNA Exam Prep 2026 practice tests — our questions cover all five CNA domains tested nationwide.