How to become a CNA in Georgia.
Georgia requires 85 hours of nurse aide training, including 24 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 85
- Training hours
- 24
- Clinical hours
- $130
- Exam fee
- 332
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Georgia certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Not part of the Credentia/registry testing process per the handbook. Georgia long term care employers run fingerprint-based checks under the state's long term care background check program, but that program's application to CNA candidates was not verified from an official page in this pass. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Georgia requires 85 training hours, including 24 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 332 approved programs in Georgia - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Credentia. The exam fee is $130. Must pass both parts within 1 year of completing a Georgia state approved training program (Route E1); other routes get 1 year from Alliant authorization. 3 attempts for each of Written and Skills within the 1-year window (whichever comes first); after that, must retrain.
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry (Georgia Department of Community Health; operated by Alliant Health Solutions, testing and registry platform by Credentia CNA365). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the GA registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Listing expires 24 months from last successful competency exam or last recertification. Renew by documenting at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under nurse supervision every 24 consecutive months (online renewal via careconnect.georgia.gov). No renewal fee. Private duty requires extra documentation.
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
Active, good-standing aides on another state's registry transfer through Alliant Health Solutions (application via careconnect). Route E6 (testing required): out-of-state aides who have not worked in the past 24 months, are listed as ineligible for LTC work, or hold a Maryland CNA instead of GNA; 1 year and 3 attempts from authorization.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Georgia.
CNA funding in Georgia →Georgia CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Training hours
- 85 hours
- Clinical hours
- 24 hours
- Exam provider
- Credentia
- Exam fee
- $130 ($35 knowledge, $95 skills)
- Fee details
- Credentia Georgia handbook (May 2024 PDF) and current Credentia GA knowledge base (Sept 2026) agree: Written only $35; Oral only $35; Spanish only $35; Skills only $95; Written+Skills or Oral+Skills $130. Nursing homes must pay NNAAP fees for their nurse aide employees, including retests.
- Deadline to test
- Must pass both parts within 1 year of completing a Georgia state approved training program (Route E1); other routes get 1 year from Alliant authorization.
- Retakes
- 3 attempts for each of Written and Skills within the 1-year window (whichever comes first); after that, must retrain.
- Background check
- Not part of the Credentia/registry testing process per the handbook. Georgia long term care employers run fingerprint-based checks under the state's long term care background check program, but that program's application to CNA candidates was not verified from an official page in this pass.
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Georgia Department of Community Health
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: mmis.georgia.gov, kb-ga.credentia.com, govinfo.gov, credentia.com. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Georgia, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Georgia?
Georgia requires 85 hours of nurse aide training, including 24 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Georgia?
Credentia runs the Georgia nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $130.
Can you take CNA classes online in Georgia?
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 Georgia?
Active, good-standing aides on another state's registry transfer through Alliant Health Solutions (application via careconnect). Route E6 (testing required): out-of-state aides who have not worked in the past 24 months, are listed as ineligible for LTC work, or hold a Maryland CNA instead of GNA; 1 year and 3 attempts from authorization.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Georgia?
Listing expires 24 months from last successful competency exam or last recertification. Renew by documenting at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under nurse supervision every 24 consecutive months (online renewal via careconnect.georgia.gov). No renewal fee. Private duty requires extra documentation.
How do I pay for CNA training in Georgia?
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 Georgia.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.