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How to become a CNA in Colorado. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP) – transitioned from Pearson VUE. Total initial fees: $135+. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Colorado State Board of Nursing – Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA)
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
80% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 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) – transitioned from Pearson VUE
Exam Provider
$135+
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have been paid for at least 8 hours of nursing care work within the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Colorado State Board of Nursing – Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA)
(303) 894-2430
Program Approval Body
Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Colorado State Board of Nursing – Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (NNAAP) – transitioned from Pearson VUE
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 pass within 3 attempts within 24 months of initial application; 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 | $500–$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Written exam: $50 + Skills exam: $85; paid to Credentia; oral exam available in English or Spanish | $135 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee charged by DORA for CNA certification | $0 |
Background Check Fee Fingerprint-based background checks typically required by employers; costs vary | Varies |
Total Initial Fees Exam fees only (excludes training program tuition and employer-required background check costs) | $135+ |
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 (24 months)
Renewal Period
Must have been paid for at least 8 hours of nursing care work within the past 24 months
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
Colorado DORA/SBON does not charge a CNA renewal fee; must verify work hours
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
No renewal fee; 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
Out-of-state CNAs can apply through endorsement if certification is active and in good standing; may be certified without retaking the exam if credentials meet Colorado standards
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.
Colorado recently switched from Pearson VUE to Credentia for CNA exam administration. The state follows the federal minimum of 75 training hours and charges no state registration or renewal fees. Notably, fingerprint-based background checks are primarily employer-required rather than mandated by the State Board of Nursing for CNA certification. The minimum age for testing is 16, but most employers require age 18.
Colorado follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours
Colorado recently transitioned from Pearson VUE to Credentia for CNA exam administration
Knowledge exam available in written format or oral format in English or Spanish
Minimum age is 16 for exam; 18 required for employment at many facilities
Colorado DORA/SBON does not currently mandate specific CEUs for CNA renewal, but facilities must provide 12 hours of in-service education annually per federal requirements
No state registration or renewal fees are charged by DORA
Fingerprint-based background checks are typically required by employers, not directly by SBON for certification
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 Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#12 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
$40,830
25th percentile
Median
$44,950
+14% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$48,100
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
20,880 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+189% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$44,950
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$44,950
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$67,480
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$96,520
MSN or DNP + national certification
$129,750
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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Colorado requires 75 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (NNAAP) – transitioned from Pearson VUE competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Colorado State Board of Nursing – Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.