How to become a CNA in Louisiana.
Louisiana requires 80 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.
- 80
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 150
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Louisiana certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Minimum age: 16. Training program must run a statewide criminal history background check including the national sex offender public registry before accepting a trainee (LAC 48:I.10019); non abuse related criminal history does not bar training Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Louisiana requires 80 training hours, including 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 150 approved programs in Louisiana - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Prometric. Must pass both Clinical Skills and Written/Oral within 12 months of completing training Three attempts at each part (Skills and Written/Oral) within 12 months, then retrain; lapsed less than 24 months candidates get only one attempt
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Louisiana Certified Nurse Aide Registry (LDH Health Standards Section). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the LA registry - 5
Keep your certification active
At least 8 hours of nursing or nursing related services for pay in an approved setting during every consecutive 24 month period; if not met, may retest within the two years after expiration, otherwise retrain
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
Be an active CNA in good standing in another state; mail paper application (no online option), $35 fee, copy of SSN card and Louisiana or military ID to Prometric; after verification LDH places the aide on the Louisiana registry
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Louisiana.
CNA funding in Louisiana →Louisiana CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Training hours
- 80 hours
- Clinical hours
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Prometric
- Deadline to test
- Must pass both Clinical Skills and Written/Oral within 12 months of completing training
- Retakes
- Three attempts at each part (Skills and Written/Oral) within 12 months, then retrain; lapsed less than 24 months candidates get only one attempt
- Minimum age
- 16
- Background check
- Training program must run a statewide criminal history background check including the national sex offender public registry before accepting a trainee (LAC 48:I.10019); non abuse related criminal history does not bar training
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Louisiana Department of Health
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: ldh.la.gov, prometric.com. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Louisiana, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires 80 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 Louisiana?
Prometric runs the Louisiana nurse aide competency exam.
Can you take CNA classes online in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Be an active CNA in good standing in another state; mail paper application (no online option), $35 fee, copy of SSN card and Louisiana or military ID to Prometric; after verification LDH places the aide on the Louisiana registry
How do you renew a CNA certification in Louisiana?
At least 8 hours of nursing or nursing related services for pay in an approved setting during every consecutive 24 month period; if not met, may retest within the two years after expiration, otherwise retrain
How do I pay for CNA training in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.