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Certified Nursing Assistant
Total cost: $135–$185
Governing Authority
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) – Division of Health Care Facilities
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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
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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
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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CNA Certification Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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CNA Competency Exam
Questions
70 questions
Time Limit
120 minutes
Passing Score
70%
Administered By
Credentia (NNAAP) and Prometric
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $100–$135Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CNA Competency Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CNA Certification Exam
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Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
Not sure if you need a cna license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 |
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 |
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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
Consistent with Alabama's no-formal-renewal-process model
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alabama with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
CNA requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Alabama
See how Alabama compares: CNA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
CNA Schools in Alabama
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Alabama? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your CNA license to Alabama →
Transfer your CNA license from Alabama to: Florida → | Georgia → | Mississippi → | Tennessee →
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.