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How to become a CNA in Texas. Training: 100 hours required. Exam provider: Prometric. Total initial fees: $145–$160. 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.
60% of data points are verified against official sources. 15 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
100 hrs
Training Hours
Prometric
Exam Provider
$145–$160
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours
Must have documented paid nursing or nursing-related work within the last 2 years
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
800-488-5787
Program Approval Body
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
100
Total Hours
60
Classroom
40
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
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
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass both parts within 24 months of training completion; 3 attempts allowed. Must retrain if not passed.
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; HHSC offers free computer-based 60-hour online classroom option; employers in LTC facilities must cover training costs under OBRA | $625–$1,400 |
Competency Exam Fee Written exam $31 + Skills exam $89; oral exam $41 instead of written $31. Paid to Prometric. | $120 |
State Registration Fee No separate registration fee; certification issued through TULIP system upon passing exam | $0 |
Background Check Fee Criminal history check through Texas Department of Public Safety; fee per name searched | $25–$40 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam fee ($120) and background check ($25-40); excludes training program tuition | $145–$160 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly 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 documented paid nursing or nursing-related work within the last 2 years
Work Requirement
24
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No renewal fee; processed through TULIP system
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
If expired, must retrain (60+40 hours) or retest depending on circumstances
Inactive Reinstatement
If expired without documented work: Option 3 requires retraining (60 hours classroom + 40 hours clinical) and retesting; Option 4 allows retesting only after criminal history check
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 through TULIP system, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and pass a criminal history check
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.
Texas uses Prometric for testing (not Pearson VUE). HHSC offers free 60-hour online classroom training. All applications through TULIP portal. No renewal fee. Requires 24 hours of in-service education (double federal minimum) including mandatory geriatrics/dementia content. Multiple eligibility routes including military spouse expedited processing.
Texas requires 100 training hours, which exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
The competency exam is administered by Prometric, not Pearson VUE
HHSC offers a free 60-hour computer-based training (CBT) online classroom option
24 hours of in-service education required per renewal, including geriatrics and dementia care (Alzheimer's)
All applications processed through TULIP online system (tulip.hhs.texas.gov)
No renewal fee; renewal is free through TULIP
10 different eligibility routes available, including military spouse expedited processing
Texas uses LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) instead of LPN
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 Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#44 of 51
Cost
#27 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$33,090
25th percentile
Median
$36,390
-8% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$39,530
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
87,050 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+257% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$36,390
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$36,390
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,150
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$90,010
MSN or DNP + national certification
$129,880
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: 7–21 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Licensing Requirements
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Texas requires 100 hours of training and passage of the Prometric competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.