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Becoming a CNA in California

Interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California? Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the process from meeting state requirements to obtaining and maintaining your certification.
Steps to Become a CNA in California:

Requirements – Learn about California’s CNA eligibility requirements.
Attend a School – Information about attending a CNA program in California and what to consider when choosing a program.
Test Information – Understand the CNA test requirements in California and prepare for success.
Certification Registration and Upkeep – Learn how to register your CNA certification and maintain its active status.



1. CNA Requirements in California

To become a CNA in California, you must meet the following state requirements:

  • Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
  • Health: Be in good physical health and up-to-date on immunizations.
  • Criminal Record Clearance: You will need to pass a background check.
  • Education: You do not need a high school diploma, but some programs may require it. However, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program.
  • Training: California requires 150 hours of CNA training, which includes:
  • 50 hours of classroom instruction
  • 100 hours of supervised clinical practice

Once these requirements are met, you’ll be eligible to apply for the state CNA exam.

2. Attend a CNA Program in California

Choosing the right CNA program is crucial. Here’s what to consider:

Program Requirements:

  • Approved Programs: Ensure the program is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
  • Training Structure: The training includes 50 hours of classroom work and 100 hours of hands-on clinical training under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Clinical training cannot be done online, but the classroom portion may be offered virtually by some providers.

Considerations When Choosing a Program:

  • Location: Most programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or through the American Red Cross.
  • Program Length: CNA programs typically take 6–15 weeks to complete, with some accelerated options as short as 4 weeks.
  • Cost: The average cost for CNA programs in California ranges from $1,200 to $2,565, depending on the provider. Financial aid or payment plans may be available, and some employers might cover the cost if you commit to working for them after completing the program.

Featured CNA Programs in California

Cordoba Medical Institute

Cordoba Medical Institute offers an accelerated 30-day program with hands-on clinical rotations, state-approved certification prep, and personalized instruction from experienced healthcare professionals. Read more…
$1,500
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Windsor El Camino

The Windsor El Camino program offers a 100% tuition-free, 6-week training with paid on-the-job experience, plus guaranteed employment for 12 months and career placement support across multiple locations. Read more…
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Online

Unitek Learning

Champion Nursing Academia offers flexible evening classes, small class sizes for personalized instruction, and a comprehensive curriculum that blends hands-on clinical training with simulated classroom experiences. Read more…
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Champion Nursing Academia

Champion Nursing Academia offers flexible evening classes, a balanced mix of clinical and classroom training, and personalized instruction with small class sizes, all while being fully accredited by the California Department of Public Health. Read more…
$1,200
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Online

CAL ACE Nursing Academy

CAL ACE Nursing Academy offers a flexible hybrid format with online theory and in-person clinicals, plus employer-sponsored tuition options and job placement support, making it a standout choice for busy students. Read more…
$1,598
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AlveoMed Nursing

AlveoMed Nursing offers small class sizes, flexible day and evening schedules, a free job readiness workshop, and installment payment plans, ensuring students receive personalized support and career preparation. Read more…
$1,250
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Online

Sisu Care

SisuCare offers flexible online theory, extensive hands-on clinical training, and a unique tuition reimbursement option after 6 months of full-time employment with partnered healthcare facilities. Read more…
$1,750
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The Intentional Group

The Intentional Group offers personalized career support, flexible payment plans, and a state-approved curriculum, combining hands-on clinical training with comprehensive classroom instruction. Read more…
$1,500
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Sacramento Job Corps Center

The Sacramento Job Corps program is free, offers hands-on training, nationally recognized certifications, and provides job placement services, making it an exceptional pathway to a healthcare career. Read more…
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3. CNA Test Information for California

Once you’ve completed your training, the next step is to pass the state exam. The CNA exam in California is administered by Credentia and D&S Diversified Technologies LLP (Headmaster LLP), depending on your location.

CNA Exam Overview:

  • Written Exam: Consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. An audio option is available for an additional fee if English is your second language.
  • Skills Exam: You will perform 5 randomly selected nursing skills, such as bed making, feeding, or taking vital signs, within a set time frame.

Exam Costs:

  • Written & Skills Evaluation: $90–$130
  • Oral & Skills Evaluation: $105 (with an audio option available for an extra $10)

What to Bring on Exam Day:

  • Two forms of ID, including a photo ID
  • Non-skid, closed-toe shoes
  • Social Security card
  • No. 2 pencils
  • A watch with a second hand

You are allowed up to 3 attempts to pass both portions of the exam within 2 years of completing your CNA program.

Ready to test your knowledge? Take our Free CNA Practice Test.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

After passing the state exam, the next step is to register your certification with the California Nurse Aide Registry.

Registration:

  • Once you’ve passed the CNA exam, it may take up to 60 days for your results to be processed and for you to be added to the registry. You will receive your certification once this process is complete.

Maintaining Your Certification:

  • Renew Every 2 Years: To maintain your active CNA certification, you must renew it every 2 years.
  • In-Service Training: You’ll need to complete 48 hours of continuing education (CEUs) over the 2-year certification period, with at least 12 hours completed each year. Up to 24 hours of your CEUs can be completed online through CDPH-approved programs.
  • Work Requirement: You must have worked at least one day in a paid CNA role during the certification period to renew your license.

For more details on certification or renewal, you can contact the California Nurse Aide Registry:

Address:
CNA Certification Unit
1615 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95899

Phone: (916) 327-2445

Other Local CNA Programs

id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
85 ActivCare at Mission Bay AF1QipMPgeW4M6Yq6cQUsp93TreqYBowSiAD6AaEjX5m=w408-h248-k-no http://activcareliving.com/activcare-locations/activcare-mission-bay-san-diego/ 2440 Grand Ave San Diego CA 92109 RQ2F+JR San Diego, California (858) 299-3106 32.80 -117.23 32.8015307-117.2254075 Assisted living facility 11 5.0 11 0 0 0 0 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM More details
86 Alhambra Healthcare & Wellness Centre, LP AF1QipOfD5qL9QE7QdxoFJXj2G0Hcj0_nl91yrmX-MmM=w408-h275-k-no http://www.alhambrahc.com/ 415 S Garfield Ave Alhambra CA 91801 3VRG+59 Alhambra, California (626) 282-3151 34.09 -118.12 34.0904351-118.1240722 Nursing home 30 4.0 17 7 0 1 5 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM More details
87 Ararat Convalescent Hospital thumbnail?panoid=6L8PHtXdxeFF8AVdOJpXow&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=14.078465&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://ararathome.org/ 2373 Colorado Blvd Los Angeles CA 90041 4QRJ+3P Los Angeles, California (323) 256-8012 34.14 -118.22 34.1401326-118.2181807 Non-profit organization 14 4.7 13 0 0 0 1 More details
88 Ararat Nursing Facility thumbnail?panoid=DhLhUSyijc1WRzSEfx1Xbg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=330.12262&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://ararathome.org/ 15099 Mission Hills Rd Mission Hills CA 91345 7GMQ+26 Mission Hills, Los Angeles, CA (818) 837-1800 34.28 -118.46 34.2826215-118.4619425 Nursing home 14 3.9 10 0 0 0 4 More details
89 Arbor Glen Care Center AF1QipMdHfFqo7Qc9Q4aXNJ2aE380TyVfpO3W5fLTHRv=w408-h272-k-no https://arborglencare.com/ 1033 E Arrow Hwy Glendora CA 91740 4544+VR Glendora, California (626) 963-7531 34.11 -117.84 34.1072181-117.8429902 Rehabilitation center 113 4.0 80 5 3 3 22 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
90 Bancroft Healthcare Center thumbnail?panoid=R0Gp4fCrrr9FzKZFldmrcw&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=252.48451&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 1475 Bancroft Ave San Leandro CA 94577 PVG2+6X San Leandro, California (510) 483-1680 37.73 -122.15 37.725573-122.147511 Rehabilitation center 6 3.0 3 0 0 0 3 More details
91 Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Post-Acute Care Center AF1QipMwNEPDSs2vb83AOUWm3ADHIvD3x2LvmAKas7tU=w408-h544-k-no https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/facilities/San-Leandro-Post-Acute-Care-Center-100560 1440 168th Ave San Leandro CA 94578 MVRV+W9 San Leandro, California (510) 481-8575 37.69 -122.11 37.6923442-122.1065112 33 3.8 More details
92 Park Central Care & Rehab Center AF1QipMQSnmdHtKcAmOxk-VwaLM3tZyeesrUsmGwEcku=w408-h544-k-no https://www.parkcentralcare.com/ 2100 Parkside Dr Fremont CA 94536 H259+GG Fremont, California (510) 797-5300 37.56 -121.98 37.558756-121.9812132 Nursing home 4 3.8 2 1 0 0 1 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
93 San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living AF1QipMjb8geTccRkX_dCZeE3dAvjLlvfukpEZeGlzT6=w408-h306-k-no https://sfcjl.org/ 302 Silver Ave San Francisco CA 94112 PHH9+2M Excelsior, San Francisco, CA (415) 334-2500 37.73 -122.43 37.7275915-122.4308429 Assisted living facility 39 3.7 22 4 0 4 9 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Closed Closed More details
94 Jerold Phelps Community Hospital - Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District AF1QipPOz27VIni-hpCLiefC3bhq_iUXlnZwKkBNluU=w408-h544-k-no https://sohumhealth.org/ 733 Cedar St Garberville CA 95542 4624+JX Garberville, California (707) 923-3921 40.10 -123.79 40.1016001-123.7925979 General hospital 23 3.3 More details