Entry into a certified nursing aide program in Alabama does not require a high school diploma or GED, unless specified by the facility. The Alabama Department of Health does not set this requirement. This allows high school students that are interested in entering the nursing field to complete the classes before graduation. Upon graduation, students may find employment as a CNA while working towards another nursing degree if they desire. Most employers require that their CNAs be at least 18 years of age; so recent high school graduates may need to wait before applying for employment. Applicants to the program must fill out an application and have a clean criminal background.
Who is the Regulatory Body for CNAs in Alabama?
The Alabama Department of Public Health is in charge of certification and maintaining the status of CNAs in the state.
Who Administers the CNA Exam in Alabama?
The NNAAP CNA exam in Alabama is administered by the NACES Plus Foundation in conjunction with Credentia. Our CNA practice tests are a free way to help you prepare for the CNA multiple choice exam. Credentia has a handbook for CNAs as they prepare to take the exam in Alabama.
Where Can I Take the CNA Exam in Alabama?
The following locations offer certified exams for aspiring CNAs in Alabama:
- Alexander City
- Eufaula
- Gadsden
- Huntsville
- Montgomery
- Selma
- Talladega
- Tuscaloosa
Alabama State Requirements for CNAs
To become eligible for employment as a CNA, a candidate must complete classes at a state-approved facility, such as one listed on this page. State approved CNA programs will have a program code.
Alabama CNA Exam Details
After completing state-approved classes, candidates have 24 months to pass the Alabama CNA exam, and must do so within three attempts. The exam has two parts, the clinical skills section and the written (or oral) section. If a candidate chooses to take the oral exam they will have the option to do so in English or Spanish, though Spanish speakers will be expected to know some basic spoken and written English.
Follow the links below for more testing information:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Once the candidate has passed the exam they are automatically added to the state registry. The state of Alabama does not offer physical certificates, but candidates can find their status in the online directory. To remain active on the registry, CNAs must accumulate a minimum number of qualifying work experience every two years. If a CNA loses their certification they will have to retake classes and testing before returning to the registry.
How Much Does the Alabama CNA Exam Cost?
The cost of the CNA exam in Alabama for the written and/or oral and skills evaluation is $135.
Alabama Nurse Aide Registry
Follow this link for contact information for the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. If you would like to check a CNA’s current standing on the Alabama registry, follow the link.
How Much Does a CNA Get Paid in Alabama?
The average annual salary for a CNA in Alabama is approximately $31,280 and the average hourly wage is currently $15.04 based on data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics of May 2024.
Additional CNA Program Locations In Alabama
If the locations listed above offering CNA classes in Alabama are not located near you, or will not work for you there are a number of locations offering reasonably priced classes and CNA certification in Alabama in our listings below, or check out our sister site for more CNA classes in Alabama.
| Location | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| NHC Place | Anniston, AL 36207 | (256) 835- 3959 |
| Lawson State Community College | Birmingham, AL 35221 | (905) 925-2515 |
| Bevill State Community College | Carrolton, AL 35447 | (800) 648-3271 |
| Reid State Technical College | Evergreen, AL 36401 | (251) 578-1313 |
| Gadsden State Community College | Gadsden, AL 35903 | (256) 549-8200 |
| Calhoun Community College | Huntsville, AL 35805 | (256) 890-4700 |
| Northwest – Shoals Community College | Muscle Shoals, AL 35585 | (256) 331-5200 |
| J.F. Drake State Technical College | North Huntsville, AL 35811 | (256) 539-8161 |
| Southern Union State Community College | Opelika, AL 36801 | (334) 745-6437 |
| Chattahoochee Valley Community College | Phoenix City, AL 36869 | (334) 291-4900 |
| Westminster Village | Spanish Fort, AL 36527 | (251) 626-2900 |
| Shelton State Community College | Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 | (205) 391-2211 |
Free CNA Classes Available in Alabama
If you live in Alabama and are seeking CNA classes in your area, the following accredited facilities offer CNA certification in the state of Alabama, including free classes available in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery. Some of these programs may be nursing homes or other care facilities that will provide “free” classes through a work agreement where you agree to work for the organization for a set period of time as part of your tuition payment. We advise that you contact the facilities directly to inquire about the specifics of their free CNA programs.
| CNA Free Class Locations | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Central Alabama Community College Alexander City Campus | Alexander City, AL 35011-0699 | 256-234-6346 |
| Brown Nursing Home | Alexander City, AL 35010 | 256-329-9061 |
| Limestone Health Facility | Athens, AL 35611 | 256-232-3461 |
| Birmingham Nursing And Rehabilitation | Birmingham, AL 35214 | 205-798-0621 |
| Bibb Med Center Hospital & NH | Centreville, AL 35042 | 205-926-4881 |
| Wallace Community College | Dothan, AL 36303 | 334-983-3521 |
| Glenwood Center | Florence, AL 35630 | 256-766-8963 |
| Gadsden State Community College | Gadsden, AL 35903 | 256-549-8200 |
| Gadsden State Community College | Gadsden, AL 35903 | 256-549-8200 |
| Haleyville Health Care Center | Haleyville, AL 35565 | 205-486-9478 |
| Hartford Health Care | Hartford, AL 36344 | 334-588-3842 |
| Big Springs Specialty Care Center | Huntsville, AL 35801 | 256-539-5111 |
| Lineville Health And Rehabilitation | Lineville, AL 36266 | 256-396-2104 |
| Luverne Health And Rehabilitation | Luverne, AL 36049 | 334-335-5331 |
| Valley View Health And Rehabilitation | Madison, AL 35757 | 256-830-2316 |
| Trenholm State Technical College | Montgomery, AL 36108 | 334-420-4200 |
| Bevill State Community College Fayette Campus | North Fayette, AL 35555 | 205-932-3221 |
| Drake State Technical College | North Huntsville, AL 35811 | 256-539-8161 |
| South Hampton Nursing And Rehab | Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 | 256-725-3400 |
| Greenbriar At The Altamont | South Birmingham, AL 35205 | 205-323-2724 |
| Southern Union Community College Wadley Campus | Wadley, AL 36276 | 256-395-2211 |