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How to become a CNA in Pennsylvania. Training: 80 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP). Total initial fees: $157–$175. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
73% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
80 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (NNAAP)
Exam Provider
$157–$175
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related services during the 24-month renewal period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Pennsylvania Department of Health
888-204-6249
Program Approval Body
Pennsylvania Department of Education
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
80
Total Hours
42.5
Classroom
37.5
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (NNAAP)
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 both parts within 24 months of completing training; 3 attempts allowed. Must retrain if not passed within 24 months.
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 | $725–$1,560 |
Competency Exam Fee Written/oral plus skills evaluation; employer must pay if employed in long-term care facility | $135 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee; placement on Nurse Aide Registry is included after passing exam | $0 |
Background Check Fee PA State Police Criminal Record Check (~$22); FBI check additional if lived outside PA less than 2 years | $22–$40 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam fee ($135) and background check fees; excludes training program tuition | $157–$175 |
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 have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related services during the 24-month renewal period
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No renewal fee; employer reports work hours and renewal is automatic if requirements are met
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
No fee; if certification lapses, must retest to reinstate
Inactive Reinstatement
Must retake and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed due to not meeting 24-month work requirement; if lapsed more than 2 years, must complete new training program
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 Credentia, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and complete Pennsylvania background checks
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.
Pennsylvania uses Credentia for testing (with online proctoring available). Training programs are approved by the Department of Education, not Health. Renewal is automatic with no fee if employer reports work hours. Minimum age is 16.
Pennsylvania requires 80 training hours, which exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
Training programs are approved by the PA Department of Education, not the Department of Health
The competency exam is administered by Credentia (formerly associated with Pearson VUE NNAAP)
Online proctored testing is available for the written/oral portion of the exam
Employers in long-term care facilities must pay testing costs for their employed candidates
Renewal is automatic if employer reports work hours to the registry; no renewal fee
Background clearances (PA State Police, Child Abuse) must be renewed every 5 years
Minimum age is 16 years old
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 Pennsylvania.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#22 of 51
Cost
#30 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$37,950
25th percentile
Median
$41,110
+4% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$45,070
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
65,410 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+210% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$41,110
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$41,110
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$62,010
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$87,610
MSN or DNP + national certification
$127,400
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: Pennsylvania Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Pennsylvania requires 80 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (NNAAP) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.