How to become a CNA in Florida.
Florida requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Prometric and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 120
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 196
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Florida certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Minimum age: No minimum age for training-program route. Challenge (no training) route requires a high school diploma/equivalent OR age 18+.. Level 2 background screening: Livescan fingerprints to FDLE/FBI via Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, results reviewed by the Board before test eligibility. HB 975 (2024) extends electronic fingerprinting to renewals. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Florida requires 120 training hours, including 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 196 approved programs in Florida - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Prometric. Both parts must be passed within 2 years of first passed test date. Candidates who completed an approved training program within 6 months before applying need only the written portion (skills waived). 3 attempts; after failing 3 times must complete an approved training program (minimum 120 hours) before retesting.
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant Registry (Florida Board of Nursing, Department of Health MQA). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the FL registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Biennial; two renewal groups (May 31, 2027 and May 31, 2028). Must have performed paid nursing-related services within the last 24 consecutive months and complete 24 hours of in-service training per biennium. Statutory renewal fee $20 to $50.
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
Licensure by mobile endorsement under s. 456.0145: active unencumbered license in another state/DC/territory with similar scope, no discipline in prior 5 years, Level II background screening (ORI EDOH0380Z); apply online at flhealthsource.gov.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Florida.
CNA funding in Florida →Florida CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Training hours
- 120 hours
- Clinical hours
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Prometric
- Deadline to test
- Both parts must be passed within 2 years of first passed test date. Candidates who completed an approved training program within 6 months before applying need only the written portion (skills waived).
- Retakes
- 3 attempts; after failing 3 times must complete an approved training program (minimum 120 hours) before retesting.
- Minimum age
- No minimum age for training-program route. Challenge (no training) route requires a high school diploma/equivalent OR age 18+.
- Background check
- Level 2 background screening: Livescan fingerprints to FDLE/FBI via Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, results reviewed by the Board before test eligibility. HB 975 (2024) extends electronic fingerprinting to renewals.
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Florida Board of Nursing
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: law.cornell.edu, flrules.org, leg.state.fl.us, floridasnursing.gov. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Florida, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Florida?
Florida requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Prometric and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Florida?
Prometric runs the Florida nurse aide competency exam.
Can you take CNA classes online in Florida?
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 Florida?
Licensure by mobile endorsement under s. 456.0145: active unencumbered license in another state/DC/territory with similar scope, no discipline in prior 5 years, Level II background screening (ORI EDOH0380Z); apply online at flhealthsource.gov.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Florida?
Biennial; two renewal groups (May 31, 2027 and May 31, 2028). Must have performed paid nursing-related services within the last 24 consecutive months and complete 24 hours of in-service training per biennium. Statutory renewal fee $20 to $50.
How do I pay for CNA training in Florida?
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 Florida.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.