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Becoming a CNA in Alabama

Steps to Become a CNA in Alabama:

If you’re aiming to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alabama, this guide will walk you through the essential steps. Whether you’re just starting or already have some healthcare experience, this path is straightforward if you know what to expect. Read on to learn the key steps you’ll need to take.

Meet the State Requirements: Ensure you meet the qualifications to start your CNA training program, including age, education, and background checks.
Enroll in a State-Approved CNA Program: Choose an Alabama-approved CNA program to complete your training.
Pass the Alabama CNA Test: Complete both the written and skills-based sections of the
Register with the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry: Once certified, stay compliant with Alabama’s registry and maintain your certification through employment and continued education.

1. Meet Alabama CNA Requirements

To work as a CNA in Alabama, you must fulfill the following requirements. These ensure that all nursing assistants are prepared for the demands of the job and can provide the necessary care to patients:

Training Program

First, you’ll need to enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program. This program must include at least 75 total training hours. The hours must include a minimum of:

16 hours of hands-on clinical training under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

16 hours of lab training to practice essential skills in a controlled environment.

Skills You’ll Learn

During your CNA training, you’ll cover a range of important skills and procedures, such as:

How to communicate with patients and healthcare staff effectively.

Infection control procedures to ensure patient and staff safety.

Basic personal care tasks like bathing, grooming, and feeding patients.

Emergency procedures, including how to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

Eligibility Requirements

To enroll in a CNA program in Alabama, you’ll also need to meet the following criteria:

Be at least 18 years old.

Pass a criminal background check.

Have a high school diploma or GED (recommended, though not always mandatory).

Meeting these requirements is the first big step in becoming a CNA, and ensures you’re ready to move on to formal training.

2. Attend a CNA School in Alabama

After confirming that you meet the necessary requirements, your next step is finding and enrolling in a state-approved CNA program. Programs are offered by a variety of institutions, including community colleges, vocational schools, and even some hospitals. The length and cost of programs can vary, so it’s worth taking time to explore your options.

Program Costs

CNA programs in Alabama generally range in cost from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. When comparing costs, be sure to ask if the fee includes textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, and exam fees.

Flexible Schedules

Many CNA programs in Alabama offer flexible schedules, with full-time, part-time, and evening class options available. This is especially useful if you’re balancing work or other responsibilities while pursuing your certification.

Financial Aid

If the cost of a CNA program is a concern, ask about financial aid options. Some schools offer payment plans, and you may also qualify for scholarships or grants.

Featured CNA Programs in Alabama

3. Pass the Alabama CNA Test

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to pass the Alabama CNA exam. The exam tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you’re ready to provide quality care as a certified nursing assistant.

Exam Format

The CNA exam in Alabama is administered by either Prometric or Credentia. It consists of two parts:

Written Portion: This part contains 55 multiple-choice questions covering basic CNA knowledge. You’ll have 90 minutes to complete it, and you can take it as a written or oral exam, depending on your preference.

Skills Portion: During the skills test, you’ll need to demonstrate competency in at least five basic CNA tasks, such as measuring a patient’s pulse or helping them transfer safely. You’ll also need to demonstrate proper handwashing techniques and indirect care practices.

Test Costs

The costs for the CNA exam in Alabama vary slightly depending on the provider. Here’s a breakdown:

Exam Component	Prometric Fee	Credentia Fee
Written Exam	$35	$55
Skills Test	$40	$80
Site Fee	$40	N/A

Retakes

You have up to three attempts to pass both sections of the exam. If you don’t pass within two years of completing your training, you’ll need to retake the CNA course.

If you’re preparing for the CNA test, be sure to review our Free CNA Practice Test to help you get ready:

Free CNA Practice Test

4. Register & CNA Certification Upkeep

Once you’ve passed the CNA test, you’ll be added to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry and can start working as a CNA. Your certification is tied to your status on this registry, and it’s important to stay compliant to keep your certification active.

Active Status: To maintain your certification, you must work at least 8 hours every two years in a qualifying healthcare facility (such as a hospital, nursing home, or home health agency). Your work must be paid—volunteer hours don’t count.

Continuing Education: If you’re working in a skilled nursing facility, you’ll also need to complete 12 hours of continuing education each year. These hours ensure that you stay up to date on best practices in patient care and safety.

Renewal and Lapsed Certification: Alabama doesn’t have a formal renewal process. As long as you meet the work and continuing education requirements, your certification will remain active. However, if you don’t work for two years, you’ll need to retake the CNA training and pass the state exam again.

For more information, you can contact the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry at:

Address: PO Box 303900Montgomery, AL 36130-3900
Phone: (334) 206-5169
Email: NARCorrespondence@adph.state.al.us
Website: https://dph1.adph.state.al.us/NurseAideRegistry/(S(l1ig2aaefz1cror4mzsdrroe))/default

Other Local CNA Programs

id	Name	Website	Street Address	City	State	Zip Code	plus_code	Phone	latitude	longitude	latlong	Category	Reviews	Rating	5star	4star	3star	2star	1star	Monday Hours	Tuesday Hours	Wednesday Hours	Thursday Hours	Friday Hours	Saturday Hours	Sunday Hours	Details
12	Bevill State Community College	https://www.bscc.edu/	491 Tuscaloosa St	Carrollton	AL	35447	7W77+GJ Carrollton, Alabama	(800) 648-3271	33.26	-88.09	33.2637596-88.0859146	Community college	5	4.2						7:30AM to 5:30PM	7:30AM to 5:30PM	7:30AM to 5:30PM	7:30AM to 5:30PM	7:30 to 11:30AM	Closed	Closed	More details
13	Calhoun Community College	https://calhoun.edu/	102 Wynn Dr NW	Huntsville	AL	35805	P88V+8P Huntsville, Alabama	(256) 890-4700	34.72	-86.66	34.7157528-86.6557143	Community college	116	4.1	72	18	2	9	15	8AM to 5:15PM	8AM to 5:15PM	8AM to 5:15PM	8AM to 5:15PM	8 to 11:45AM	Closed	Closed	More details
14	Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation	https://crownehealthcare.com/brown/	2334 Washington St	Alexander City	AL	35010	X23C+7H Alexander City, Alabama	(256) 329-9061	32.95	-85.98	32.9532432-85.9785614	Nursing home	3	4.0	2	0	0	1	0	9AM to 6PM	9AM to 6PM	9AM to 6PM	9AM to 6PM	9AM to 6PM	Closed	Closed	More details
15	J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College	https://drakestate.edu/	3421 Meridian St N	Huntsville	AL	35811	QCCG+PM Huntsville, Alabama	(256) 539-8161	34.77	-86.57	34.7717663-86.573315	Community college	45	4.0	27	7	2	0	9	8AM to 5:30PM	8AM to 5:30PM	8AM to 5:30PM	8AM to 5:30PM	8AM to 12PM	Closed	Closed	More details
16	Senior Rehab & Recovery Center at Limestone Health Facility	https://www.limestonehf.com/	1600 W Hobbs St	Athens	AL	35611	R245+98 Athens, Alabama	(256) 232-3461	34.81	-86.99	34.8058853-86.9916982	Nursing home	15	2.9	4	2	2	2	5	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
17	Lineville Health and Rehabilitation, LLC	https://linevillehealthandrehab.com/	88073 AL-9	Lineville	AL	36266	863R+M3 Lineville, Alabama	(256) 396-2104	33.30	-85.76	33.3041632-85.7598596	Nursing home	12	4.7	11	0	0	0	1								More details
18	Luverne Health and Rehabilitation, LLC	https://luvernehealthandrehab.com/	142 W 3rd St	Luverne	AL	36049	PP8M+M6 Luverne, Alabama	(334) 335-5331	31.72	-86.27	31.7166489-86.2668843	Nursing home	8	4.5	7	0	0	0	1								More details
19	NHC Place, Anniston	https://nhccare.com/locations/nhc-place-anniston/	1335 Greenbrier Dear Rd	Anniston	AL	36207	J5JR+7Q Anniston, Alabama	(256) 835-3959	33.63	-85.81	33.6306929-85.8080545	Assisted living facility	17	4.2	12	1	2	0	2	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
20	Southern Union State Community College	https://suscc.edu/	750 Roberts St	Wadley	AL	36276	4CGH+R8 Wadley, Alabama	(256) 395-2211	33.13	-85.57	33.1270273-85.5716652	Community college	54	4.0	35	7	1	1	10	7:15AM to 4:30PM	7:15AM to 4:30PM	7:15AM to 4:30PM	7:15AM to 4:30PM	7:15AM to 12:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details
21	Valley View Health and Rehabilitation, LLC	https://valleyviewhealthandrehab.com/	5968 Wall Triana Hwy	Madison	AL	35757	Q63X+XP Madison, Alabama	(256) 830-2316	34.75	-86.75	34.7548778-86.7506683	Nursing home	76	2.9	31	6	0	4	35								More details