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How to become a CNA in California. Training: 160 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (Northern California) and D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster (Southern California). Total initial fees: $115–$180. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Licensing and Certification Program
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
93% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
160 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (Northern California) and D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster (Southern California)
Exam Provider
$115–$180
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
48 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid CNA work under RN/LVN supervision within the two-year certification period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Licensing and Certification Program
(916) 327-2445
Program Approval Body
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Licensing and Certification Program
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
160
Total Hours
60
Classroom
100
Clinical
Program Approval Body
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (Northern California) and D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster (Southern California)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
75%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass within 3 attempts within 2 years of program completion; 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 widely: community colleges $500–$1,500; private schools $1,500–$3,500+; facility-based programs may be free; employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid facilities must cover training costs | $500–$3,500+ |
Competency Exam Fee Written + skills: ~$90–$120 depending on vendor; oral + skills: ~$105; retake fees: $35–$40 (written), $55–$80 (skills) | $90–$120 |
State Registration Fee No application fee charged by CDPH for initial certification | $0 |
Background Check Fee Live Scan fingerprinting fee varies by provider; includes DOJ and FBI checks | $25–$60 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam and Live Scan background check fees (excludes training program tuition) | $115–$180 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LVN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid CNA work under RN/LVN supervision within the two-year certification period
Work Requirement
48
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No renewal fee charged by CDPH; submit form CDPH 283C
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
No renewal fee; if lapsed, must apply for reinstatement
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed for more than 2 years 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
Out-of-state CNAs can apply using CDPH Form 283B with proof of active certification and training hours; if training standards match California's 160-hour requirement, certification is granted without retesting
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.
California has one of the highest CNA training requirements in the nation at 160 hours (over double the federal minimum). The state uses two different exam vendors split by geography: Credentia for Northern California and Headmaster for Southern California. California charges no state application, certification, or renewal fees. The state also requires 48 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle (4x the federal minimum), with no more than 24 hours allowed online.
California requires 160 training hours (60 classroom + 100 clinical), more than double the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
California uses the title 'Certified Nurse Assistant' (not 'Certified Nursing Assistant')
Two exam vendors serve California: Credentia (Northern CA) and D&S Headmaster (Southern CA)
Live Scan fingerprinting is required for DOJ and FBI background checks
48 hours of in-service/CE training required per 2-year cycle (minimum 12 hours per year), with max 24 hours online
No state application, certification, or renewal fees are charged by CDPH
Minimum age is 16 years old
Written exam has 70 questions with a 75% passing score and 2-hour time limit
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 California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#46 of 51
Salary
#5 of 51
Cost
#12 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$44,350
25th percentile
Median
$46,420
+17% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$50,540
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
102,380 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+259% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$46,420
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$46,420
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$77,170
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$140,330
MSN or DNP + national certification
$166,610
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: 8–24 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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California requires 160 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (Northern California) and D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster (Southern California) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Licensing and Certification Program.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.