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How to become a CNA in Arizona. Training: 120 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: Exam fee only. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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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
120 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam Provider
Exam fee only
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
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
(602) 771-7800
Program Approval Body
Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
120
Total Hours
80
Classroom
40
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
75
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
76%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3–4
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass within 3 attempts; after 3 failures, must retake training program
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 in Medicare/Medicaid facilities must cover training costs | $725–$1,560 |
Competency Exam Fee Paid to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster); contact (800) 393-8664 for current fees; employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid nursing homes must pay exam fees | Varies |
State Registration Fee Arizona does not charge CNA certification fees through AZBN due to federal law limitations; LNA certification is $50 | $0 |
Background Check Fee CNA applicants are not required to submit fingerprints to AZBN; background check/fingerprinting only required for LNA ($50) | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Arizona charges no state certification or background check fees for CNAs; only the exam fee paid to Headmaster applies (excludes training tuition) | Exam fee only |
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
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
Arizona does not charge CNA renewal fees; LNA renewal is $50
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
No renewal fee charged for CNAs
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 AZBN, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and be in good standing
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.
Arizona uniquely has two levels of nursing assistants: CNA (certification, no state fees or fingerprinting) and LNA (license, $50 fee + fingerprinting required). CNAs cannot be charged state fees due to federal law limitations. Arizona uses D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for testing, with a higher-than-average 76% passing score on a 75-question knowledge exam.
Arizona requires 120 training hours, exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster), not Pearson VUE
Arizona has two levels: CNA (certification, no state fees) and LNA (license, $50 fee + fingerprinting)
CNA applicants are NOT required to submit fingerprints or pay fees to AZBN due to federal law limitations
The knowledge exam has 75 questions with a 76% passing score (higher than many states)
Minimum age is 16 years old
Arizona also offers a Certified Medication Assistant (CMA) credential for CNAs who complete additional training
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 Arizona.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#21 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$37,680
25th percentile
Median
$41,980
+6% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$45,300
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
17,350 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+219% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$41,980
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$41,980
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$74,020
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$96,890
MSN or DNP + national certification
$133,790
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
Estimated total: 7–22 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) — Licensing Requirements
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Arizona requires 120 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.