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How to become a CNA in Alabama. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP) and Prometric. Total initial fees: $135–$185. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) – Division of Health Care Facilities
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
75% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
75 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (NNAAP) and Prometric
Exam Provider
$135–$185
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services during the past 24 months in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice agency, or mental health facility
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) – Division of Health Care Facilities
(334) 206-5169
Program Approval Body
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) – Division of Health Care Facilities
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
16
Skills Lab
Program Approval Body
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (NNAAP) and Prometric
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must complete testing within 24 months of training program completion; 3 attempts allowed per section
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; employers of nurse aides working in Medicare/Medicaid facilities must cover training costs | $500–$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Written + skills: ~$100 (Prometric) or ~$135 (Credentia); oral + skills: ~$120; employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid nursing homes must pay exam fees | $100–$135 |
State Registration Fee Alabama does not charge a separate state registration fee for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry | $0 |
Background Check Fee FBI fingerprint-based background check fee | $35–$50 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam and background check fees (excludes training program tuition); employers must pay exam fees for nurse aides working in Medicare/Medicaid facilities | $135–$185 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services during the past 24 months in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice agency, or mental health facility
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
Alabama does not charge a renewal fee; certification remains active as long as work requirements are met
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
No formal renewal process; if inactive for more than 24 months, must retrain and retest
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed for more than 24 months without qualifying employment
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Must apply for reciprocity through the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and pass a background check
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
Alabama is notable for having two exam vendors (Credentia and Prometric) and no formal renewal fees or process. Certification remains active as long as the CNA works at least 8 paid hours every 24 months. The Alabama Department of Public Health manages the nurse aide registry, not the Board of Nursing.
Alabama follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours
Alabama uses two exam vendors: Credentia (NNAAP) and Prometric
Credentia written exam has 70 questions with a 2-hour time limit; Prometric has 55 questions with 90-minute limit
Alabama does not issue physical certificates; placement on the Nurse Aide Registry serves as certification
Employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid nursing homes must pay exam fees per federal law
There is no formal renewal process or renewal fee; certification stays active if work requirements are met
No minimum age requirement specified by the state
All CNAs must be listed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry maintained by ADPH
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#48 of 51
Cost
#20 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$29,110
25th percentile
Median
$32,470
-18% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$35,930
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
24,560 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+229% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$32,470
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$32,470
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$50,100
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$71,040
MSN or DNP + national certification
$106,930
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Alabama requires 75 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (NNAAP) and Prometric competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) – Division of Health Care Facilities.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.