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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

$850

$100

$2,100

$1,500

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	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
85	ActivCare at Mission Bay	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	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	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	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	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		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	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	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	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	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