How to become a CNA in Arizona.
Arizona requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Headmaster and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 120
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- $130
- Exam fee
- 115
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Arizona certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Minimum age: 16 (A.R.S. 32-1645, for both CNA and LNA). CNA registry: no fingerprinting stated; applicants must upload proof of legal presence in the US. LNA license: fingerprints submitted to AZBN plus fee; A.R.S. 32-1646(B) bars licensure for felony convictions without absolute discharge 3+ years before application. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Arizona requires 120 training hours, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 115 approved programs in Arizona - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Headmaster. The exam fee is $130. Must test and pass within 2 years of training program completion. After 2 years, a new AZBN-approved program is required. Unlimited attempts within 2 years of program completion. After a third (or later) failed knowledge exam, candidate must wait 45 days before retesting (does not apply to skills test).
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Arizona State Board of Nursing CNA Registry (and separate LNA Registry). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the AZ registry - 5
Keep your certification active
CNA registry renewal (R4-19-810(A)(2), A.R.S. 32-1642): attest at least 8 hours of nursing assistant or nursing related services in the past 24 months and no abuse/neglect findings on other registries. LNA license (R4-19-809): renews every 2 years on last day of birth month, requires 160 hours of nursing assistant work in the 2 years; otherwise retrain and retest.
Online classes
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Ask each program how its classroom hours are delivered. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
Moving from another state
Endorsement: may be placed on the CNA Registry if listed on another state's nursing assistant registry (R4-19-810(A)(1)(b)). Proof of legal presence required.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Arizona.
CNA funding in Arizona →Arizona CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Training hours
- 120 hours
- Clinical hours
- At least 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Headmaster
- Exam fee
- $130 ($35 knowledge, $95 skills)
- Fee details
- Headmaster Arizona Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, Version 28, effective February 1, 2025: Knowledge exam or retake $35; audio knowledge exam $45 ($35 + $10); Skill exam or retake $95. Retakes cost the same as first attempts. LNA licensure adds a separate AZBN application and fingerprint fee (amount not captured; AZBN site blocked).
- Deadline to test
- Must test and pass within 2 years of training program completion. After 2 years, a new AZBN-approved program is required.
- Retakes
- Unlimited attempts within 2 years of program completion. After a third (or later) failed knowledge exam, candidate must wait 45 days before retesting (does not apply to skills test).
- Minimum age
- 16 (A.R.S. 32-1645, for both CNA and LNA)
- Background check
- CNA registry: no fingerprinting stated; applicants must upload proof of legal presence in the US. LNA license: fingerprints submitted to AZBN plus fee; A.R.S. 32-1646(B) bars licensure for felony convictions without absolute discharge 3+ years before application.
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Arizona State Board of Nursing
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: law.cornell.edu, azbn.gov, hdmaster.com. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Arizona, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Arizona?
Arizona requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Headmaster and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Arizona?
Headmaster runs the Arizona nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $130.
Can you take CNA classes online in Arizona?
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in Arizona?
Endorsement: may be placed on the CNA Registry if listed on another state's nursing assistant registry (R4-19-810(A)(1)(b)). Proof of legal presence required.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Arizona?
CNA registry renewal (R4-19-810(A)(2), A.R.S. 32-1642): attest at least 8 hours of nursing assistant or nursing related services in the past 24 months and no abuse/neglect findings on other registries. LNA license (R4-19-809): renews every 2 years on last day of birth month, requires 160 hours of nursing assistant work in the 2 years; otherwise retrain and retest.
How do I pay for CNA training in Arizona?
Workforce vouchers, employer sponsorship, state grants, and scholarships all pay for nurse aide training. A nursing home that hires you within a year of certification must reimburse your training costs under federal rules.
Start your training in Arizona.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.