DEGREES

CNA Certification Requirements By State

Written By: Sarah Jividen

RN, BSN

11 Min Read Published April 20, 2023

Importance
Requirements
License & Certification Process
Requirements by State
FAQs

Are you considering a career in nursing but need help knowing where to start? A certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification is a basic nursing credential that kickstarts the career of many healthcare workers.

CNAs are nursing aides who care for patients under a registered nurse's (RN) supervision. To practice as a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program.

This guide takes a state-by-state approach to CNA certification requirements. We'll discuss the importance of certification, what to expect from your program and CNA certification requirements by state. Read on to learn more about becoming a CNA in your state.

Why is CNA Certification Important?

Depending on where you live, you may not need to complete a CNA training program to earn a certification. But even in those states, program completion has its benefits. Your participation in a CNA program proves your qualifications to provide the highest level of care.

As a CNA, you'll work in healthcare environments like hospitals and long-term care centers. Your day-to-day tasks will involve close patient care activities like:

Helping patients bathe, dress, and eat
Checking and recording vital signs
Mobility assistance and repositioning
Specimen collection for labs

Your CNA certification is essential because it ensures you can complete these duties safely and effectively.

CNA certification will also improve your chances of finding employment. You may get more job opportunities because certified CNAs are in high demand. Moreover, certification may help you earn more money or qualify for incentives like tuition repayment.

Above all else, as a certified CNA, you will enter the workforce with greater confidence. That confidence can lead to higher job satisfaction and faster career advancement.

Get Breaking Nurse News and Exclusive Discounts Straight to Your Inbox!

General CNA Certification Requirements

CNA schools differ by state. Still, you should expect to complete the program in four distinct parts: classroom instruction, clinical training, a written exam, and a skills evaluation.

CNA Certification Programs

You can find CNA programs through vocational schools, community colleges, and at some hospitals. There are also online CNA certification programs if you need more flexibility.

Try researching local programs to find one that suits your needs. Whether you select in-person or online school, you must meet some general requirements before starting. Though CNA program requirements vary, you'll typically need to meet the following standards to get in:

Be a minimum of 16 to 18 years old
Earn a high-school diploma or GED equivalent
Be in good physical health
Pass a criminal background check
Be able to lift patients (~35-50 lbs)
Complete a written competency test
Have up-to-date immunizations
Pass a drug screening

Once accepted, you'll complete an approved training program per your state's standards.

Should You Enroll in an Online CNA Certification Program?

While online CNA certification programs seems incredible, we want to clarify their limitations so you can make an informed decision. Some online students report not receiving the same core knowledge as those attending in-person programs. Also, you will still need to complete in-person clinical hours in most online programs.

Classroom Instruction

Most CNA programs take between 4 to 16 weeks to complete. The first part of your CNA training program is classroom instruction. You'll learn about various healthcare topics like:

Basic nursing care
Anatomy
Mental health
Infection control
Proper body mechanics
Personal care and hygiene
Workplace safety
Patient rights
Communication techniques
Patient assistance
Charting patient vital signs

After completing your classroom instruction, you'll get to flex what you've learned in a clinical setting.

Clinical Training

You will complete the clinical skills portion of your CNA school inside a healthcare setting. You might work at a nursing home, outpatient facility, retirement home, or hospital. Throughout the clinical training portion, you'll complete everyday CNA duties supervised by your instructors.

Conversely, you may stay in your CNA school for your hands-on hours. Some schools have on-site simulation labs dedicated to clinical training. How you complete this portion of your training depends entirely on your chosen program.

CNA Exams

Each state has different standards for CNA exams. However, most have a written exam and a skills evaluation. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions from your classroom materials.

The skills evaluation encompasses everything you learned during clinical rotations or simulation labs. It tests your ability to perform CNA duties safely and effectively.

You will complete your CNA exams at proctored testing sites in most states. Expect written exams to take about 90 minutes and skills evaluations to take about 30-40 minutes.

License & Certification Process

After completing your state-approved CNA training program and passing your exams, you will earn a CNA certification. Remember that this licensure only allows you to practice in your state.

In most cases, you must renew your CNA certification every two years. If you remain employed during that period, recertification might only consist of a form and a fee.

But, if you didn't practice during some or all of those two years, you should expect a more complex recertification process. For example, some states may ask that you pass a competency exam before renewing your license.

Remember that all 50 states in the US have unique requirements. Ensure you understand your state's requirements to maintain your CNA license.