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CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant training must total at least 75 clock hours, including 16 supervised practical hours, before you can take your state competency exam. CNA training programs prepare students to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant competency exam through a combination of classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Federal regulations (42 CFR 483.152) require a minimum of 75 hours of combined training, though 38 states mandate 100–180 hours or more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, about 203,300 openings for nursing assistants and orderlies are projected each year from 2025 to 2035, making CNA training one of the fastest entry points into the healthcare workforce.
Finding CNA training near you is straightforward because programs are offered by community colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, the American Red Cross, workforce development centers, and accredited online platforms in every U.S. state. Many facilities offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. The average cost at a community college ranges from $500 to $1,500, while private training schools charge $1,000 to $2,000. Employer-sponsored programs at hospitals and nursing homes often cover tuition entirely.
This comprehensive guide covers where to find CNA training near you, how to compare free and paid programs, state-by-state requirements, program costs, and a step-by-step timeline from your initial search to certification. Whether you are exploring CNA classes for the first time or comparing options in your area, this page will help you make the right choice.
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Understanding the full cost of CNA training helps you compare programs accurately. Beyond tuition, factor in textbook fees ($30–$80), scrubs ($25–$50), background check ($25–$75), and the state competency exam fee ($100–$150). Many programs bundle these costs, while free programs typically cover everything except the exam fee. Check our detailed CNA certification page for state-specific exam fee information.
New York: Requires 100 hours of training (75 classroom + 25 clinical). Programs available through SUNY community colleges, NYC Health + Hospitals (free), and the American Red Cross. The NY Nurse Aide Registry is managed by Prometric.
New Jersey: Requires 90 hours of state-approved training. Programs offered at Bergen Community College, Rutgers, and many long-term care facilities offering free training with employment. NJ requires renewal every 2 years with 12 CEU hours.
Pennsylvania: Minimum 80 hours of training. Community colleges like HACC and DCCC offer affordable programs. PA allows nurse aides to work up to 120 days while completing training under certain conditions.
Massachusetts: Requires 100 hours of training. Many hospitals in the Boston area offer free CNA training. The MA Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the Department of Public Health.
Florida: Requires 120 hours of training (80 classroom + 40 clinical). Programs available at state colleges, vocational schools, and many nursing homes. FL has one of the highest demands for CNAs, with over 15,000 openings annually.
North Carolina: Minimum 75 hours of training. Community colleges like Wake Tech and CPCC offer programs under $1,000. NC requires annual in-service training of at least 12 hours for continued certification.
Georgia: Requires 85 hours of training. Technical colleges throughout the state offer affordable programs. Many Atlanta-area hospitals provide free training with work agreements.
Texas: Minimum 100 hours of training (75 classroom + 25 clinical). The Texas Health and Human Services Commission oversees nurse aide training. Programs available at community colleges statewide and through employer-sponsored training at major healthcare systems.
Ohio: Requires 75 hours of state-approved training. Programs available through community colleges, the American Red Cross, and many nursing facilities offering free training. The Ohio Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the Department of Health.
Illinois: Minimum 120 hours of training (80 theory + 40 clinical). City Colleges of Chicago offer programs under $800. IL has a high demand for CNAs in both urban and rural healthcare settings.
Michigan: Requires 75 hours of training. Community colleges and many nursing homes offer affordable or free programs. MI allows reciprocity from other states with active, good-standing certification.
Minnesota: Minimum 75 hours of training. Many long-term care facilities in MN offer free training with a post-certification employment commitment. The state maintains one of the highest CNA wage averages in the Midwest.
California: Requires 160 hours of training (60 theory + 100 clinical), the highest in the nation. Programs available through community colleges, the American Red Cross, and many healthcare facilities. CA CNAs earn the highest average wages nationally.
Washington: Minimum 85 hours of training. Many facilities in the Seattle and Tacoma areas offer free training. WA requires annual continuing education and background checks for renewal.
Colorado: Requires 75 hours of training. Community colleges and workforce centers across the state offer affordable programs. CO has a growing demand for CNAs in both hospital and home health settings.
Arizona: Minimum 120 hours of training (40 theory + 80 clinical). Programs available at community colleges and many tribal health facilities. AZ allows provisional certification while awaiting exam results.
Step 1 — Search nursing homes within 25 miles. Call the Director of Nursing or HR department and ask specifically about paid CNA training programs. Over 60% of nursing homes nationwide offer free training because they need to fill CNA positions quickly.
Step 2 — Check hospital career pages. Large hospital systems (HCA, Ascension, Providence, Kaiser) frequently run free CNA training cohorts. Search "[hospital name] CNA training program" to find current openings.
Step 3 — Visit your local workforce center. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds CNA training for eligible individuals. Use CareerOneStop.org to find your nearest American Job Center.
Step 4 — Apply for state-funded programs. Many states (NY, CA, IL, MA) offer dedicated healthcare training grants. Contact your state's Department of Health or Board of Nursing for current programs.
Step 5 — Explore scholarship options. Organizations like the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants and local healthcare foundations offer scholarships that cover tuition, materials, and exam fees.
Once you have identified CNA training programs near you, the next step is understanding the full timeline from your initial search to earning your certification. The process typically takes 6–20 weeks depending on program type and state requirements. Review our guide on how long it takes to become a CNA for detailed timelines by state.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| In-person programs provide immediate hands-on practice with real medical equipment and fellow students | Online hybrid programs offer flexible scheduling for students balancing work, childcare, or other commitments |
| Direct instructor feedback during clinical skills helps correct technique errors before they become habits | Self-paced theory modules allow faster completion for students who learn quickly and have prior healthcare experience |
| Structured classroom schedule creates accountability and consistent study habits for most learners | Online programs are available regardless of location, which benefits students in rural areas with limited nearby options |
| Clinical hours are integrated into the program schedule, eliminating the need to arrange them separately | Students can review recorded lectures and study materials multiple times before exams |
| Networking with classmates and instructors often leads to job referrals and mentorship opportunities | Online programs may cost less than private in-person schools, though prices vary widely by provider |
| In-person programs typically have higher first-attempt pass rates on the clinical skills evaluation | Clinical hours must be arranged separately at a local partner facility, which adds a coordination step |
Build a complete picture of the CNA career path with these detailed guides:
Prepare for the CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
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Try these questions from our free CNA practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
The care plan for a diabetic resident includes 'FBS' in the morning. What does this abbreviation instruct the CNA to do?
Answer: B. Ensure the resident does not eat or drink before their blood sugar is tested.
FBS stands for Fasting Blood Sugar. This means the resident's blood glucose level must be checked before they have had anything to eat or drink in the morning to get an accurate baseline reading.
A CNA finishes tasks ahead of schedule. What is the MOST productive use of the remaining time?
Answer: B. Check on other residents or ask coworkers if assistance is needed
Using extra time to assist coworkers or check on residents promotes teamwork and improves overall patient care quality.
What is the correct way to measure a patient’s respiratory rate?
Answer: C. Watch the chest rise and fall for 60 seconds
To accurately measure a patient's respiratory rate, a CNA should observe the chest rise and fall for a full 60 seconds. This method accounts for irregular breathing patterns and ensures a precise count, as counting for shorter periods and multiplying can lead to inaccuracies. It's important to do this discreetly, as patients may alter their breathing if they know it's being observed.
A resident tells a CNA they want to update their advance directive. What should the CNA do?
Answer: B. Inform the nurse so the appropriate steps can be taken
The CNA should notify the nurse, who can then connect the resident with the appropriate resources such as social services or legal counsel.
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For more details, see our cna training guide. For more details, see our cna vs caregiver guide. For more details, see our pennsylvania cna license lookup guide. For more details, see our prometric cna sample test guide. For more details, see our how long does it take to become a cna guide. For more details, see our free cna practice test guide. For more details, see our arizona rn license lookup guide. For more details, see our missouri cna registry guide. For more details, see our cna salary new jersey guide. For more details, see our cna classes near me guide. For more details, see our montana cna license lookup guide. For more details, see our CNA Practice Test 2026 - Certified Nursing Assistant Training guide. For more details, see our wisconsin nursing license lookup guide. For more details, see our certified nursing assistant salary guide. For more details, see our CNA Certifications guide. For more details, see our CNA Jobs guide. For more details, see our cna salary guide. For more details, see our CNA Courses Near Me & Online guide. For more details, see our CNA Programs guide. For more details, see our cna interview questions and answers guide. For more details, see our CNA Resume guide. For more details, see our CNA Resources guide. For more details, see our cna agency jobs near me guide. For more details, see our Tracheostomy & Ventilator Support CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our Rehabilitation CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our Pediatric CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our Oncology CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our Memory Care CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our Maternal / Newborn CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our FLOAT POOL CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our ER CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our free prometric cna practice test with answers guide. For more details, see our cna jobs in houston texas guide. For more details, see our cna exam study materials guide. For more details, see our cna vs medical assistant guide. For more details, see our CNA Palliative / Hospice Care Practice Test Video Answers guide. For more details, see our Camp CNA Practice Test Video Answers guide.CNA training programs typically take 4 to 16 weeks to complete, depending on the program type and state requirements. Accelerated programs at nursing homes or hospitals can be completed in as few as 4 weeks, while community college programs usually run 8 to 16 weeks. All programs must include a minimum of 75 hours of combined classroom and clinical instruction as required by federal law, though 38 states require more than 75 hours.
Yes, free CNA training is widely available. Nursing homes are the most common source of free training because they hire CNAs directly after certification. Hospitals, government-funded workforce development centers (through the WIOA program), and some state health departments also offer free programs. To find free CNA training near you, call nursing homes within 25 miles, check hospital career pages, and visit your local American Job Center at CareerOneStop.org.
Most CNA training programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old (16 in some states with parental consent), hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check and drug screening, provide proof of required immunizations (TB test, Hepatitis B, flu shot), and demonstrate basic English literacy. Some programs also require CPR/BLS certification before enrollment, while others include it in the curriculum.
Online CNA training is legitimate when offered as a hybrid program that combines online classroom instruction with in-person clinical hours at an approved facility. No state allows 100% online CNA certification because hands-on clinical training is a federal requirement. Verify that any online program you consider is approved by your state Board of Nursing and that the clinical site is Medicare/Medicaid certified. Accredited online hybrid programs have comparable pass rates to fully in-person programs.
CNA training costs range from $0 to $2,000 depending on the program type. Free programs are available through nursing homes, hospitals, and workforce centers. Community college programs cost $500 to $1,500 with financial aid available. Private training schools charge $1,000 to $2,000. Additional costs include textbooks ($30–$80), scrubs ($25–$50), a background check ($25–$75), and the state competency exam fee ($100–$150). Many programs bundle these costs into their tuition.
CNA training is the educational program that teaches you the knowledge and skills needed to work as a nursing assistant. CNA certification is the credential you earn after completing training and passing the state competency exam. Training is the preparation phase, while certification is the official qualification. You cannot take the certification exam without first completing a state-approved training program, and you cannot work as a CNA without passing the certification exam.
Yes, many CNA training programs are designed for working adults. Community colleges and online hybrid programs offer evening and weekend class schedules. Employer-sponsored programs at nursing homes and hospitals often provide paid training during work hours. Some accelerated programs require full-time attendance for 4 to 6 weeks, which may require taking time off work. Choose a program format that fits your schedule to maintain consistent attendance throughout training.
After completing your CNA training program, you schedule and take the state competency exam, which includes a written test (60–70 multiple-choice questions) and a clinical skills evaluation (3–5 randomly selected skills). Once you pass both portions, your name is added to your state's Nurse Aide Registry, and you are officially certified to work as a CNA. Most new CNAs find employment within 1 to 3 weeks of certification. The national median CNA wage is $17.41 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
70 multiple-choice questions are on the NNAAP written exam in 2026: 60 scored and 10 unscored pretest items, under the content outline effective October 2024. You also perform 5 randomly selected skills, always including hand hygiene, and must pass both parts. States that use a different test vendor may use a different format.
There is no single national passing score. Credentia does not publish one numeric NNAAP cut score, and you must pass both the written (or oral) exam and the skills evaluation. Federal rules guarantee at least 3 attempts to pass the competency evaluation. Check your state candidate handbook for its scoring rules.
$140 in North Carolina for the NNAAP written or oral exam plus skills evaluation; retakes cost $40 (written) and $100 (skills). Fees vary by state. If a nursing facility employs you or has offered you a job when training starts, federal law bars it from charging you for the training and competency evaluation program.
2 hours (120 minutes) for the NNAAP written or oral exam, with the skills evaluation taken separately on the same test day. Before testing, federal law requires at least 75 clock hours of state-approved training, including 16 hours of supervised practical training.
16 hours of pre-contact training cover communication, infection control, safety and emergency procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver), resident independence and residents' rights. The full federal curriculum adds basic nursing skills such as vital signs, personal care skills like bathing and transfers, and mental health and social service needs. The NNAAP exam tests this entry-level long-term care knowledge.
There is no single national CNA registration deadline. You register with your state's test vendor after finishing a state-approved program, and each vendor sets its own test dates. After certifying, going 24 consecutive months without paid nursing work means you must retrain or retest.