How to become a CNA in California.
California requires 160 hours of nurse aide training, including 100 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia or Headmaster and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 160
- Training hours
- 100
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 509
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your California certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Minimum age: 16. Criminal record clearance through CA DOJ via Live Scan fingerprinting required for all nurse assistants; out-of-state applicants may use FD-258 cards with $32 DOJ fee. The CDPH 283B Initial Application must be submitted when the student starts training. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
California requires 160 training hours, including 100 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 509 approved programs in California - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Credentia or Headmaster. Must pass both written (or oral) and skills within 2 years of training program completion; after 2 years a new CDPH-approved program is required. 3 attempts at each portion within 2 years of training completion. Facility employees in training who fail 3 attempts can no longer be employed as nurse aides.
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the CDPH Certified Nurse Assistant certification (Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section; verify via CDPH License Verification). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the CA registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 2 years, expiring on the holder's birthday. Requires 48 hours of in-service training/CEUs per 2 years with at least 12 hours in each year; up to 24 of the 48 may be CDPH-approved online. Criminal record clearance must be maintained. Expired certificates can be renewed within 2 years of expiration with the required in-service hours. Renewal can be filed online through CDPH OASYS.
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
CDPH 283E Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (rev. 05/22): a CNA active and in good standing on another state's registry may be certified without training or exam, with proof of paid nursing-related work in the last 2 years (waived if initially certified within last 2 years) and Live Scan (or two FD-258 cards + $32).
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in California.
CNA funding in California →California CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- Training hours
- 160 hours
- Clinical hours
- 100 hours
- Exam provider
- Credentia or Headmaster
- Deadline to test
- Must pass both written (or oral) and skills within 2 years of training program completion; after 2 years a new CDPH-approved program is required.
- Retakes
- 3 attempts at each portion within 2 years of training completion. Facility employees in training who fail 3 attempts can no longer be employed as nurse aides.
- Minimum age
- 16
- Background check
- Criminal record clearance through CA DOJ via Live Scan fingerprinting required for all nurse assistants; out-of-state applicants may use FD-258 cards with $32 DOJ fee. The CDPH 283B Initial Application must be submitted when the student starts training.
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- California Department of Public Health
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: cdph.ca.gov, leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in California, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in California?
California requires 160 hours of nurse aide training, including 100 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia or Headmaster and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in California?
Credentia or Headmaster runs the California nurse aide competency exam.
Can you take CNA classes online in California?
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 California?
CDPH 283E Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (rev. 05/22): a CNA active and in good standing on another state's registry may be certified without training or exam, with proof of paid nursing-related work in the last 2 years (waived if initially certified within last 2 years) and Live Scan (or two FD-258 cards + $32).
How do you renew a CNA certification in California?
Every 2 years, expiring on the holder's birthday. Requires 48 hours of in-service training/CEUs per 2 years with at least 12 hours in each year; up to 24 of the 48 may be CDPH-approved online. Criminal record clearance must be maintained. Expired certificates can be renewed within 2 years of expiration with the required in-service hours. Renewal can be filed online through CDPH OASYS.
How do I pay for CNA training in California?
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 California.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.