How to become a CNA in Texas.
Texas requires 100 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.
- 100
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- $120
- Exam fee
- 259
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Texas certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Texas DPS criminal history check (for all last names used) required for applicants on the military, RN/LVN graduate or student, out of state training, and reciprocity routes; there is a fee per check. Employers also check the registry. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Texas requires 100 training hours, including 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 259 approved programs in Texas - 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 $120. Must pass both the Clinical Skills and Written/Oral exams within 24 months of completing training 3 attempts at Clinical Skills and 3 attempts at Written/Oral within 24 months, then retrain
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (HHSC). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the TX registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 24 months; must have performed nursing or nursing related duties in a health care setting AND completed 24 hours of in-service education since registration or last renewal. Otherwise status expires and both exams must be retaken.
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
Aides with active certification in another state may transfer to Texas: DPS criminal history check plus TULIP application with out of state certificate and valid ID.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Texas.
CNA funding in Texas →Texas CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Training hours
- 100 hours
- Clinical hours
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Prometric
- Exam fee
- $120 ($31 knowledge, $89 skills)
- Fee details
- Written $31, Oral (includes reading comprehension) $41, Clinical Skills $89. Same fees for newly trained, lapsed, or retesters. Oral plus skills = $130. Fees nonrefundable and nontransferable; $25 fee to reschedule 5 to 29 days before test.
- Deadline to test
- Must pass both the Clinical Skills and Written/Oral exams within 24 months of completing training
- Retakes
- 3 attempts at Clinical Skills and 3 attempts at Written/Oral within 24 months, then retrain
- Background check
- Texas DPS criminal history check (for all last names used) required for applicants on the military, RN/LVN graduate or student, out of state training, and reciprocity routes; there is a fee per check. Employers also check the registry.
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: law.cornell.edu, hhs.texas.gov. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Texas, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Texas?
Texas requires 100 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 Texas?
Prometric runs the Texas nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $120.
Can you take CNA classes online in Texas?
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 Texas?
Aides with active certification in another state may transfer to Texas: DPS criminal history check plus TULIP application with out of state certificate and valid ID.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Texas?
Every 24 months; must have performed nursing or nursing related duties in a health care setting AND completed 24 hours of in-service education since registration or last renewal. Otherwise status expires and both exams must be retaken.
How do I pay for CNA training in Texas?
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 Texas.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.