How to become a CNA in New York.
New York requires at least 100 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 30 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Prometric and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 100
- Min. hours
- 30
- Clinical hours
- $115
- Exam fee
- 164
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your New York certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Fingerprint-based Criminal History Record Check (state DCJS + FBI), submitted by the employing nursing home or home care agency at no cost to the aide. Some convictions disqualify under 10 NYCRR Part 402 (e.g., any Class A felony; certain Class B through E felonies within 10 years). Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
New York requires at least 100 training hours, including at least 30 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 164 approved programs in New York - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Prometric. The exam fee is $115. Pass the Clinical Skills and Written/Oral exams within 2 years of finishing training (the training must also be within the last 24 months when applying) 3 attempts at the Clinical Skills exam and 3 attempts at the Written/Oral exam (combined across written and oral) within 2 years, then retrain
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the New York State Nursing Home Nurse Aide Registry (NAR). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the NY registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 24 months; must have worked at least 7 hours for pay as a nurse aide in a NYS nursing home or NYS-approved nurse aide employer in the previous 24 months. The employer recertifies you and pays the $40 fee.
Online classes
Classroom hours are taught in person. Plan to attend class in person.
Moving from another state
Certification application form, copy of current out-of-state certificate(s), and a $50 fee. If the other state does not show expiration dates, you also need an employer letter showing at least 7 hours of paid nurse aide work in the past 24 months. No exam required.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in New York.
CNA funding in New York →New York CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Training hours
- At least 100 hours
- Clinical hours
- At least 30 hours
- Exam provider
- Prometric
- Exam fee
- $115
- Fee details
- First-time Clinical Skills + Written is $115; Clinical Skills + Oral is $135. The handbook does not break out per-part prices for first-time testers. Retests: Clinical Skills $68, Written $57, Oral $67. Reciprocity (CNA from another state) is $50. Recertification is $40, paid by the employer. Nursing-home employers must pay exam fees, and NYS may repay part of training and exam fees if hired by a nursing home within 1 year. Payment is by money order or certified check.
- Deadline to test
- Pass the Clinical Skills and Written/Oral exams within 2 years of finishing training (the training must also be within the last 24 months when applying)
- Retakes
- 3 attempts at the Clinical Skills exam and 3 attempts at the Written/Oral exam (combined across written and oral) within 2 years, then retrain
- Background check
- Fingerprint-based Criminal History Record Check (state DCJS + FBI), submitted by the employing nursing home or home care agency at no cost to the aide. Some convictions disqualify under 10 NYCRR Part 402 (e.g., any Class A felony; certain Class B through E felonies within 10 years).
- Online classroom
- Classroom hours are taught in person
- Regulator
- NYS Department of Health
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: regs.health.ny.gov, health.ny.gov, nysed.gov, acces.nysed.gov. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in New York, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in New York?
New York requires at least 100 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 30 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 New York?
Prometric runs the New York nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $115.
Can you take CNA classes online in New York?
Classroom hours are taught in person. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in New York?
Certification application form, copy of current out-of-state certificate(s), and a $50 fee. If the other state does not show expiration dates, you also need an employer letter showing at least 7 hours of paid nurse aide work in the past 24 months. No exam required.
How do you renew a CNA certification in New York?
Every 24 months; must have worked at least 7 hours for pay as a nurse aide in a NYS nursing home or NYS-approved nurse aide employer in the previous 24 months. The employer recertifies you and pays the $40 fee.
How do I pay for CNA training in New York?
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 New York.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.