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How to become a CNA in Florida. Training: 120 hours required. Exam provider: Prometric. Total initial fees: $205–$230. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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
120 hrs
Training Hours
Prometric
Exam Provider
$205–$230
Total Initial Fees
2 years (expires May 31 of renewal year)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed paid CNA work during the certification period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) – Department of Health
(850) 245-4125
Program Approval Body
Florida Board of Nursing (FBON)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) – Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
120
Total Hours
80
Classroom
40
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Florida Board of Nursing (FBON)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Prometric
Written Exam Details
60
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
31–40 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 Combined clinical skills + written: $155; written only: $35; clinical skills only: $120; all fees non-refundable; paid to Prometric | $155 |
State Registration Fee Registration included in the exam/application process through Prometric | Included |
Background Check Fee Level 2 electronic fingerprinting through FDLE-approved Livescan provider; results typically arrive within 24-72 hours | $50–$75 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam fee ($155) and background check fee ($50-$75); excludes training program tuition | $205–$230 |
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 (expires May 31 of renewal year)
Renewal Period
Must have performed paid CNA work during the certification period
Work Requirement
24
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$55
Biennial renewal fee; can renew online through MQA Services Portal up to 90 days before expiration
Late Renewal Fee
Varies
Late renewal subject to additional fees; must renew before expiration to avoid lapse
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
Florida accepts out-of-state CNAs through the MOBILE Act if applicants have active certification, at least 3 years of CNA employment in the past 4 years, and no disciplinary actions
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.
Florida is notable for requiring Level 2 electronic fingerprinting through FDLE-approved Livescan providers (mandated by HB 975 in 2024). The state uses the MOBILE Act for reciprocity, which requires 3 years of CNA employment in the past 4 years -- stricter than most states. Florida also has a relatively high exam fee of $155 through Prometric. The renewal fee of $55 is charged every 2 years, unlike many states that have no renewal fee.
Florida requires 120 training hours (80 classroom/lab + 40 clinical), exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
The competency exam is administered by Prometric
Florida requires Level 2 electronic fingerprinting through FDLE-approved Livescan providers (HB 975, 2024)
Knowledge exam available in English and Spanish; 60 questions with 90-minute time limit
24 hours of in-service training required every 2 years, covering bloodborne pathogens, domestic violence, documentation, resident rights, communication, CPR, and patient safety
Renewal fee is $55 (payable through MQA Services Portal)
Florida uses the MOBILE Act for reciprocity, requiring 3 years of CNA employment in the past 4 years
Those who completed training within 6 months may only need to take the written portion
Contact: MQA.CNA@flhealth.gov or (850) 245-4125
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 Florida.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#41 of 51
Cost
#40 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$35,360
25th percentile
Median
$36,850
-7% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$41,030
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
91,280 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+250% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$36,850
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$36,850
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,080
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$82,850
MSN or DNP + national certification
$129,010
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: 7–22 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) – Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) – Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
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Florida requires 120 hours of training and passage of the Prometric competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) – Department of Health.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.