How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the United States
If you’re considering a career in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), it’s essential to understand that each state in the U.S. has specific requirements for training, certification, and maintaining your CNA status. While the general process includes completing a state-approved nurse aide training program and passing a competency exam, the exact number of training hours and exam criteria can vary significantly from state to state.
In this guide, you’ll find a comprehensive, state-by-state breakdown of the specific CNA requirements, including links to each state’s nursing or health department for detailed information. Whether you’re looking to start your CNA career or moving to a new state and need to transfer your certification, this resource will help you navigate the necessary steps to begin or continue your career as a CNA.
Explore the requirements for your state below and take the first step toward a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare.
Alabama
To become a CNA in Alabama, you must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and pass the Alabama Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program must include at least 75 hours of instruction, including clinical and classroom training. After passing the exam, you will be placed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.
Learn more about Alabama’s CNA requirements.
Alaska
Alaska requires CNAs to complete at least 140 hours of state-approved training, divided into 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of clinical training. Once training is completed, you must pass the Alaska CNA competency examination to become certified and listed on the state registry.
Learn more about Alaska’s CNA requirements.
Arizona
In Arizona, you must complete 120 hours of state-approved training (80 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 40 hours of clinical training) to become a CNA. You must also pass the CNA competency exam to be placed on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry.
Learn more about Arizona’s CNA requirements.
Arkansas
Arkansas requires aspiring CNAs to complete at least 90 hours of state-approved training, including classroom and clinical instruction. After completing the training, you must pass the Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam to obtain certification.
Learn more about Arkansas’s CNA requirements.
California
To become a CNA in California, you must complete 160 hours of training, including 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. After completing the program, you must pass the California Nurse Aide Competency Exam to be certified and listed on the state’s nurse aide registry.
Learn more about California’s CNA requirements.
Colorado
In Colorado, you must complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training (including classroom and clinical instruction) to become a CNA. After completing the program, you must pass the Colorado Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (CEP).
Learn more about Colorado’s CNA requirements.
Connecticut
Connecticut requires CNAs to complete a minimum of 100 hours of training, which includes classroom and clinical instruction. After completing the training, you must pass the Connecticut CNA competency examination to be listed on the state registry.
Learn more about Connecticut’s CNA requirements.
Delaware
In Delaware, you must complete 150 hours of training from a state-approved program consisting of 75 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinical practice. You must also pass the state’s CNA competency exam to become certified.
Learn more about Delaware’s CNA requirements.
Florida
Florida requires you to complete at least 120 hours of state-approved CNA training. This includes classroom and clinical instruction. After completing the training, you must pass the Florida Nurse Aide Exam to become certified and listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry.
Learn more about Florida’s CNA requirements.
Georgia
Georgia mandates a minimum of 85 hours of training (including classroom and clinical practice) from a state-approved program. Afterward, you must pass the Georgia CNA competency exam to be included on the state nurse aide registry.
Learn more about Georgia’s CNA requirements.
Hawaii
To become a CNA in Hawaii, you must complete at least 100 hours of training, with 70 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of clinical practice. Afterward, you must pass the Hawaii Nurse Aide Exam to be certified.
Learn more about Hawaii’s CNA requirements.
Idaho
In Idaho, you must complete at least 120 hours of training from an approved program, including classroom and clinical hours. You must pass the Idaho CNA exam to be listed on the state’s nurse aide registry.
Learn more about Idaho’s CNA requirements.
Illinois
To become a CNA in Illinois, you must complete 120 hours of training (80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training). After completing the program, you must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
Learn more about Illinois’s CNA requirements.
Indiana
Indiana requires CNAs to complete a minimum of 105 hours of state-approved training. This includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinical training. You must then pass the state competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about Indiana’s CNA requirements.
Iowa
Iowa requires 75 hours of training, which includes classroom and clinical instruction. After completing the training, you must pass the CNA competency exam to be listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry.
Learn more about Iowa’s CNA requirements.
Kansas
Kansas requires you to complete a minimum of 90 hours of state-approved training. After completing the required training, you must pass the state competency exam to become a certified nurse aide.
Learn more about Kansas’s CNA requirements.
Kentucky
Kentucky mandates 75 hours of training for CNAs, with at least 16 hours of hands-on clinical practice. After completing the program, you must pass the Kentucky Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
Learn more about Kentucky’s CNA requirements.
Louisiana
Louisiana requires 80 hours of state-approved training for aspiring CNAs, consisting of 40 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical practice. Afterward, you must pass the competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about Louisiana’s CNA requirements.
Maine
Maine requires aspiring CNAs to complete 180 hours of state-approved training, including 90 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of laboratory training, and 70 hours of clinical practice. You must then pass the Maine CNA Competency Exam to be certified.
Learn more about Maine’s CNA requirements.
Maryland
To become a CNA in Maryland, you must complete a minimum of 100 hours of state-approved CNA training, which includes classroom and clinical instruction. You will also need to pass a competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about Maryland’s CNA requirements.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires CNAs to complete 75 hours of state-approved classroom and clinical instruction training. After completing the training, you must pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Exam to be certified and listed on the state’s nurse aide registry.
Learn more about Massachusetts’s CNA requirements.
Michigan
You must complete 75 hours of state-approved CNA training in Michigan, including classroom and clinical instruction. Afterward, you must pass the state’s CNA competency exam to become certified.
Learn more about Michigan’s CNA requirements.
Minnesota
Minnesota requires CNAs to complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training, which includes classroom instruction and clinical experience. Afterward, you must pass the CNA competency exam to become certified.
Learn more about Minnesota’s CNA requirements.
Mississippi
To become a CNA in Mississippi, you must complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training. This includes 16 hours of classroom instruction and clinical training. You will also need to pass the state CNA exam to be certified.
Learn more about Mississippi’s CNA requirements.
Missouri
Missouri requires CNAs to complete 175 hours of state-approved training, including 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of on-the-job clinical training. You must also pass the CNA exam to be certified.
Learn more about Missouri’s CNA requirements.
Montana
In Montana, aspiring CNAs must complete 75 hours of state-approved training, including classroom and clinical instruction. After completing the program, you must pass the state competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about Montana’s CNA requirements.
Nebraska
Nebraska requires CNAs to complete 75 hours of state-approved training, including classroom and clinical instruction. Afterward, you must pass the state’s CNA competency exam.
Learn more about Nebraska’s CNA requirements.
Nevada
To become a CNA in Nevada, you must complete 75 hours of state-approved training and pass the Nevada Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
Learn more about Nevada’s CNA requirements.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires CNAs to complete 100 hours of state-approved training, including classroom and clinical instruction. After completing the program, you must pass the state CNA competency exam.
Learn more about New Hampshire’s CNA requirements.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, you must complete 90 hours of CNA training, including 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. Afterward, you must pass the New Jersey CNA competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about New Jersey’s CNA requirements.
New Mexico
New Mexico requires aspiring CNAs to complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training. After completing the training, you must pass the state competency exam to become certified.
Learn more about New Mexico’s CNA requirements.
New York
New York requires at least 100 hours of state-approved CNA training, including classroom and clinical instruction. You must pass the state’s Nurse Aide Competency Exam to become certified.
Learn more about New York’s CNA requirements.
North Carolina
North Carolina mandates a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes classroom and clinical instruction. Afterward, you must pass the state CNA exam to be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.
Learn more about North Carolina’s CNA requirements.
North Dakota
You must complete at least 75 hours of state-approved CNA training in North Dakota. Afterward, you must pass the state competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about North Dakota’s CNA requirements.
Ohio
Ohio requires CNAs to complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training. You must also pass the state Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation to become certified.
Learn more about Ohio’s CNA requirements.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma requires aspiring CNAs to complete 75 hours of state-approved training and pass the state’s CNA competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about Oklahoma’s CNA requirements.
Oregon
In Oregon, you must complete 150 hours of training, which includes 75 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinical experience. Afterward, you must pass the state’s CNA exam.
Learn more about Oregon’s CNA requirements.
Pennsylvania
To become a CNA in Pennsylvania, you must complete at least 80 hours of training, including 37.5 hours of clinical instruction. You must then pass the state competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about Pennsylvania’s CNA requirements.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires at least 100 hours of state-approved CNA training, including classroom and clinical instruction. Afterward, you must pass the state’s CNA exam.
Learn more about Rhode Island’s CNA requirements.
South Carolina
South Carolina mandates that CNAs complete at least 100 hours of state-approved training. You must also pass the state’s competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about South Carolina’s CNA requirements.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, CNAs must complete 75 hours of training, including classroom and clinical instruction. Afterward, you must pass the state CNA exam to be certified.
Learn more about South Dakota’s CNA requirements.
Tennessee
Tennessee requires aspiring CNAs to complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training. You must also pass the state CNA exam to become certified.
Learn more about Tennessee’s CNA requirements.
Texas
Texas mandates 100 hours of CNA training, which includes 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical practice. You must pass the state competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about Texas’s CNA requirements.
Utah
To become a CNA in Utah, you must complete a state-approved program with at least 80 hours of training. Afterward, you must pass the Utah CNA competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about Utah’s CNA requirements.
Vermont
Vermont requires CNAs to complete 75 hours of state-approved training, including classroom and clinical instruction. You must pass the state’s CNA competency exam to become certified.
Learn more about Vermont’s CNA requirements.
Virginia
Virginia mandates at least 120 hours of state-approved training for CNAs. After completing the required training, you must pass the state’s Nurse Aide Competency Exam to be certified.
Learn more about Virginia’s CNA requirements.
Washington
In Washington, CNAs must complete 85 hours of state-approved training. This includes 35 hours of classroom instruction and 50 hours of clinical practice. Afterward, you must pass the state’s CNA competency exam.
Learn more about Washington’s CNA requirements.
West Virginia
West Virginia requires CNAs to complete at least 120 hours of training, including classroom and clinical instruction. You must then pass the state’s competency exam to be certified.
Learn more about West Virginia’s CNA requirements.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you must complete 120 hours of state-approved CNA training. After completing the training, you must pass the state’s competency exam to become certified.
Learn more about Wisconsin’s CNA requirements.
Wyoming
Wyoming requires aspiring CNAs to complete 75 hours of state-approved training. Afterward, you must pass the state’s CNA competency exam to be certified.