Easiest States to Get CNA Certified (2026): Ranked by Hours, Fees & Reciprocity
Not all states make CNA certification equally easy. While federal law (OBRA 1987) sets a floor of 75 training hours, states can and do require more. Across the 51 states we track, training hours range from 75 hours at the low end to significantly higher requirements in other states. Combined with fees, background check requirements, and reciprocity policies, your starting state can meaningfully affect how quickly and cheaply you get certified.
This guide ranks the easiest states to get CNA certified based on a composite score that weighs training hours, government fees, background check requirements, and whether the state accepts out-of-state certification.
How We Rank "Easiness"
- Training hours — fewer hours means faster certification
- Total fees — lower government fees reduce upfront costs
- Background check — states without mandatory checks have simpler application processes
- Reciprocity — states that accept out-of-state certification offer more flexibility
Top 8 Easiest States to Get CNA Certified
These states score highest on our composite ease index, combining low training hour requirements, affordable fees, minimal administrative hurdles, and strong reciprocity policies.
Training hours
90 hrs
Total fees
$20
Background check
Required
Accepts out-of-state
Yes
Training hours
130 hrs
Total fees
$0 for registry placement
Background check
Required
Accepts out-of-state
Yes
Training hours
120 hrs
Total fees
$29–$39
Background check
Required
Accepts out-of-state
Yes
Training hours
75 hrs
Total fees
$75
Background check
Required
Accepts out-of-state
Yes
Training hours
90 hrs
Total fees
$76
Background check
Required
Accepts out-of-state
Yes
Training hours
75 hrs
Total fees
$97
Background check
Required
Accepts out-of-state
Yes
Training hours
75 hrs
Total fees
$100
Background check
Required
Accepts out-of-state
Yes
Training hours
75 hrs
Total fees
$104
Background check
Required
Accepts out-of-state
Yes
States with the Fewest Training Hours
If your primary goal is to get certified quickly, these states have the lowest training hour requirements among those we track. All meet or slightly exceed the federal minimum of 75 hours.
| Rank | State | Training Hours | Clinical Hours | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alabama | 75 | Yes | $135–$185 |
| #2 | Colorado | 75 | Yes | $135+ |
| #3 | Iowa | 75 | Yes | $165–$205 |
| #4 | Kentucky | 75 | Yes | $135–$150 |
| #5 | Michigan | 75 | Yes | $215 |
| #6 | Minnesota | 75 | Yes | $270 |
| #7 | Mississippi | 75 | Yes | $135 |
| #8 | Montana | 75 | Yes | $97 |
| #9 | Nebraska | 75 | Yes | $100 |
| #10 | Nevada | 75 | Yes | $190 |
| #11 | New Mexico | 75 | Yes | $140 |
| #12 | North Carolina | 75 | Yes | $140 |
| #13 | North Dakota | 75 | Yes | $275 |
| #14 | Ohio | 75 | Yes | $104 |
| #15 | Oklahoma | 75 | Yes | $75 |
States That Accept Out-of-State Certification
If you are already certified as a CNA in another state, 51 of 51 states will accept your certification through reciprocity or endorsement. This is one of the easiest paths — you avoid retraining entirely and typically just need to submit an application, pay a fee, and pass a background check.
States Without Mandatory Background Checks
Background checks add cost ($25–$75) and processing time to the certification process. 1 of 51 states do not require a criminal background check as part of CNA certification. Note that individual employers may still conduct their own background checks regardless of state requirements.
Full State-by-State Comparison
Use this table to compare all 51 states across the key factors that determine ease of certification.
| State | Hours | Background Check | Reciprocity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 75 | Required | Yes | $135–$185 |
| Alaska | 140 | Required | Yes | $260–$335 |
| Arizona | 120 | No | Yes | Exam fee only |
| Arkansas | 90 | Required | Yes | $125–$135 |
| California | 160 | Required | Yes | $115–$180 |
| Colorado | 75 | Required | Yes | $135+ |
| Connecticut | 100 | Required | Yes | $118+ |
| Delaware | 150 | Required | Yes | $115+ |
| District of Columbia | 120 | Required | Yes | $167–$192 |
| Florida | 120 | Required | Yes | $205–$230 |
| Georgia | 85 | Required | Yes | $130+ |
| Hawaii | 100 | Required | Yes | $225–$235 |
| Idaho | 120 | Required | Yes | $29–$39 |
| Illinois | 120 | Required | Yes | $85 |
| Indiana | 105 | Required | Yes | $100 |
| Iowa | 75 | Required | Yes | $165–$205 |
| Kansas | 90 | Required | Yes | $20 |
| Kentucky | 75 | Required | Yes | $135–$150 |
| Louisiana | 80 | Required | Yes | $151 |
| Maine | 130 | Required | Yes | $0 for registry placement |
| Maryland | 100 | Required | Yes | $161.25 |
| Massachusetts | 100 | Required | Yes | $100 |
| Michigan | 75 | Required | Yes | $215 |
| Minnesota | 75 | Required | Yes | $270 |
| Mississippi | 75 | Required | Yes | $135 |
| Missouri | 175 | Required | Yes | $125 |
| Montana | 75 | Required | Yes | $97 |
| Nebraska | 75 | Required | Yes | $100 |
| Nevada | 75 | Required | Yes | $190 |
| New Hampshire | 100 | Required | Yes | $310 |
| New Jersey | 90 | Required | Yes | $76 |
| New Mexico | 75 | Required | Yes | $140 |
| New York | 100 | Required | Yes | $115 |
| North Carolina | 75 | Required | Yes | $140 |
| North Dakota | 75 | Required | Yes | $275 |
| Ohio | 75 | Required | Yes | $104 |
| Oklahoma | 75 | Required | Yes | $75 |
| Oregon | 155 | Required | Yes | $176.50 |
| Pennsylvania | 80 | Required | Yes | $157–$175 |
| Rhode Island | 120 | Required | Yes | $205 |
| South Carolina | 100 | Required | Yes | $165 |
| South Dakota | 75 | Required | Yes | $207.50 |
| Tennessee | 75 | Required | Yes | $177.15 |
| Texas | 100 | Required | Yes | $145–$160 |
| Utah | 100 | Required | Yes | $145 |
| Vermont | 80 | Required | Yes | $116.50 |
| Virginia | 120 | Required | Yes | $180 |
| Washington | 108 | Required | Yes | $285 |
| West Virginia | 120 | Required | Yes | $175 |
| Wisconsin | 75 | Required | Yes | $137.75 |
| Wyoming | 75 | Required | Yes | $247 |
Tips for Getting Certified as Fast as Possible
- Choose a state at the federal minimum: States at or near the federal minimum of 75 hours offer the fastest path — programs can be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks full-time.
- Apply for employer-sponsored training: Nursing homes that pay for your training often run programs on an accelerated schedule since they want you working as soon as possible.
- Schedule your exam immediately: As soon as you complete training, schedule your competency exam. Waiting adds weeks of delay for no benefit.
- Use reciprocity if you're already certified: If you hold a valid CNA certification from another state, transferring is almost always faster than retaking the full program.
- Prepare thoroughly for the exam: Failed attempts delay your start date. Use practice tests and clinical skill checklists from your exam provider.
Related Posts
Sources
Training hour requirements, background check policies, and reciprocity data are sourced from official state nursing boards and health departments.
- Individual state nursing board and health department websites (cited on each state page).
- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) — federal CNA training minimums (75 hours training, 16 hours clinical).
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — nurse aide registry requirements.
Data last verified March 2026. Requirements change as states update their regulations. Always confirm current requirements with your state's nursing board before enrolling in a program.
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