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How to become a CNA in Ohio. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $104. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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55% of data points are verified against official sources. 15 fields based on preliminary research. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
75 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam Provider
$104
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must demonstrate 7.5 consecutive hours of paid work OR 8 hours of paid work in a 48-hour period; employer must complete HEA 7713 form
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
(800) 582-5908
Program Approval Body
Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
79
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
75%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3-4 (including hand hygiene)
Skills Tasks
35 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
3 attempts per section within 2 years of training completion
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; some employers cover training costs | $500-$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Written/Oral + Skills $104; Written retake $24; Oral retake $34; Skills retake $80; paid to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) | $104 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee; Headmaster reports results directly to ODH registry | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Exam fees only (excludes training tuition) | $104 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly 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 demonstrate 7.5 consecutive hours of paid work OR 8 hours of paid work in a 48-hour period; employer must complete HEA 7713 form
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No renewal fee
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed 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 applicants with active licenses may transfer using the HEA 6907 form if in good standing with no disqualifying findings
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.
Ohio is one of the few states that uses the designation STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant) instead of CNA. The 'State Tested' designation reflects Ohio's unique competency evaluation requirement. Ohio has no renewal fee and uses specific state forms (HEA 7713 for renewal, HEA 6907 for reciprocity).
Ohio calls them STNAs (State Tested Nursing Assistants), not CNAs
Ohio follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours (59 classroom/lab + 16 clinical)
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
No renewal fee - renewal is free
Renewal work verification requires employer to complete the HEA 7713 form
Reciprocity uses the HEA 6907 form
Headmaster testing questions: (877) 851-2355
Registry/renewal questions: (800) 582-5908
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 Ohio.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#30 of 51
Cost
#11 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$36,810
25th percentile
Median
$38,570
-2% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$43,620
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
62,360 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+229% salary growth potential
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CNA
$38,570
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$38,570
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,990
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$81,250
MSN or DNP + national certification
$126,740
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.
Source: Ohio Department of Health (ODH) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Ohio Department of Health (ODH) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Ohio requires 75 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 Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.