CNA in Pennsylvania 2026: Training — Free Questions & Explanations 💯

CNA in Pennsylvania 2026: Training, Certification, Salary, and Requirements

Pennsylvania requires 80 hours of CNA training — meeting the federal minimum — and uses Pearson VUE to administer the state competency exam, a distinction that sets PA apart from states using Prometric or D&S Diversified. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) maintains the official Nurse Aide Registry, which records all certified CNAs in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania's two dominant healthcare markets — Philadelphia in the southeast and Pittsburgh in the west — together employ tens of thousands of CNAs across major health systems including Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, UPMC, and Allegheny Health Network. A strong SEIU union presence in Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, particularly in Philadelphia, gives many CNAs access to collective bargaining for wages and benefits. PA CareerLink offices statewide connect job seekers to free or subsidized CNA training programs funded through federal workforce development dollars, making Pennsylvania one of the more accessible states for no-cost CNA certification.

Start CNA Basic Nursing Skills 1 — Free

Pennsylvania Detailed Breakdown

🏙️ Philadelphia / SE PA

Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania represent the largest CNA market in the Commonwealth. Penn Medicine (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Jefferson-affiliated facilities) and Jefferson Health (14+ hospitals across the region) are among the top employers of CNAs in the state, offering competitive wages and union-backed benefits in many settings. Temple University Health System and Einstein Healthcare Network (now part of Jefferson) also hire CNAs in volume across their Philadelphia campuses. The Community College of Philadelphia offers affordable CNA training at approximately $800–$1,200 for residents. SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania has a strong presence in Philadelphia-area nursing facilities and hospitals, providing many CNAs with collectively bargained wages starting above $16–$18/hour. PA CareerLink Philadelphia operates multiple workforce centers that connect job seekers to free WIOA-funded CNA training programs. CNA wages in Philadelphia average $16–$20/hour, with union hospital positions reaching $20–$24/hour. The Philadelphia suburbs — Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Chester County — also offer strong CNA employment through Main Line Health, Crozer Health, and numerous SNFs. CNA scholarships and employer-sponsored training are widely available in the Philadelphia market.

🔱 Pittsburgh / Western PA

Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania are anchored by two competing healthcare giants: UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) — one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the US with 40+ hospitals — and Allegheny Health Network (AHN), a subsidiary of Highmark Health. UPMC is one of the largest single employers in Pennsylvania and one of the top CNA employers in the state, offering employer-sponsored training programs, tuition reimbursement, and internal career pathways. AHN's network of hospitals across Western PA also recruits CNAs actively. Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is the primary affordable CNA training provider in Pittsburgh, with programs available at multiple campuses. CNA wages in Pittsburgh average $15–$19/hour; UPMC and AHN union positions range from $18–$22/hour. The Pittsburgh metro's aging population and large number of skilled nursing facilities create steady year-round demand. Western PA rural communities — Butler, Greensburg, Uniontown, Beaver — offer CNA positions with lower competition but slightly lower wages ($13–$15/hour). PA Nurse Aide Registry status is required for all positions in UPMC and AHN facilities.

⚙️ Allentown / Lehigh Valley

Allentown and the Lehigh Valley — including Bethlehem and Easton — form Pennsylvania's third-largest metropolitan area and a growing healthcare hub. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is the dominant healthcare employer in the region, operating multiple hospitals including LVH-Cedar Crest (a Level I trauma center) and LVH-Muhlenberg. LVHN regularly recruits CNAs and offers competitive wages for the region. St. Luke's University Health Network, headquartered in Bethlehem, operates 15 hospitals across PA and NJ and is another major CNA employer in the Lehigh Valley. Northampton Community College in Bethlehem and Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) offer affordable CNA training programs. CNA wages in Allentown average $14–$18/hour, with LVHN and St. Luke's positions ranging $16–$20/hour. The Lehigh Valley's large Puerto Rican and Hispanic community creates demand for bilingual CNAs, particularly in long-term care facilities. PA CareerLink Allentown connects job seekers to free WIOA-funded CNA training. Pearson VUE testing is available in Allentown and Bethlehem. Free CNA classes may be available through PA CareerLink for eligible candidates.

🌊 Central PA / Harrisburg

Central Pennsylvania and the Harrisburg region serve as the administrative center of the Commonwealth and offer a stable, mid-sized CNA market. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey is the dominant academic medical employer for CNAs in the region, offering strong wages and benefits. UPMC Pinnacle (now branded UPMC West Shore, UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Carlisle) operates multiple facilities across Central PA and recruits CNAs consistently. WellSpan Health serves south-central PA with hospitals in York, Chambersburg, and Gettysburg. HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) is the primary affordable CNA training provider for the region, with campuses in Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and Gettysburg. CNA wages in Central PA average $13–$17/hour. The Lancaster County and York County markets have strong nursing home and assisted living demand due to large older adult populations. Pearson VUE testing is available in Harrisburg. PA CareerLink offices in Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York connect eligible candidates to subsidized CNA training. Working as a CNA in Central PA often means lower cost of living with stable employment opportunities.

🌲 Erie / NW PA

Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania offer a smaller but stable CNA market driven by the region's large older adult population and limited competition for healthcare positions. UPMC Hamot (a Level II trauma center) and Saint Vincent Hospital (part of Allegheny Health Network) are the two primary hospital employers for CNAs in Erie. Erie's large number of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities — driven by one of Pennsylvania's highest concentrations of residents age 65+ — creates consistent demand for CNAs year-round. Mercyhurst University's Continuing Education division and Erie's Career Technology Center (PCTS) offer CNA training programs. CNA wages in Erie average $13–$16/hour — lower than Philadelphia and Pittsburgh but reflective of the region's lower cost of living. Scranton and the Lackawanna/Luzerne County area in Northeastern PA offer additional CNA opportunities through Geisinger Health System, Commonwealth Health, and Allied Services. Lackawanna College in Scranton and area career/technology centers provide CNA training. SEIU has some representation in Scranton-area nursing facilities. PA CareerLink Erie and Scranton offices connect candidates to workforce development-funded CNA training programs. Private duty CNA work is also available through regional home health agencies in Northwestern PA.

Pennsylvania Essential Checklist

Be at least 16 years old (most PA programs require 17–18; verify with your specific program)

Provide valid government-issued photo ID (PA driver's license, passport, or state ID)

Complete Pennsylvania State Police (PATCH) criminal history check

Complete FBI fingerprint-based federal background check through IdentoGO

Obtain a 2-step Mantoux TB test (or QuantiFERON Gold) — required by PA nursing facilities

Pass a physical examination by a physician, CRNP, or PA-licensed provider

Current BLS/CPR certification (AHA BLS or American Red Cross — Hands-Only not accepted)

Complete required immunizations (Hep B series, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, annual Flu)

Pass a drug screen if required by your clinical training site

Enroll in and complete a PA DOH-approved 80-hour CNA training program

Complete at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training at a PA-licensed long-term care facility

Pass written knowledge exam (70 questions, 70% minimum passing score, 90 minutes)

Pass clinical skills evaluation (5 randomly selected skills, all must be passed)

Wait for PA DOH Nurse Aide Registry placement (2–4 weeks after exam passage)

Renew every 2 years: provide proof of 8 hours paid nursing service within the 24-month renewal period

Practice CNA Skills Test Questions — Free

Pennsylvania Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

Pearson VUE is widely available with testing sites in all major PA cities — scheduling is straightforward
SEIU union presence in Philadelphia significantly boosts wages and benefits for hospital and SNF CNAs
PA CareerLink free training programs make CNA certification accessible at no cost for eligible residents
UPMC and Penn Medicine are two of the most prestigious healthcare employers in the US — major career advancement platforms
Strong demand across all PA regions: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley, Central PA, and Erie all have steady openings
Only 80 hours required — one of the shorter state minimums nationally, allowing faster certification
Employer-sponsored training widely available at UPMC, Jefferson Health, and major SNF chains
Pennsylvania's large aging population (4.3M+ residents age 60+) ensures long-term job security for CNAs

Cons

Pennsylvania's strict background check requirements (Act 169 + federal FBI check) add time and cost before clinical
Salaries ($30K–$38K statewide) are below coastal markets like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
Philadelphia's high cost of living can offset wage advantages compared to Central PA or Erie
Pearson VUE (not Prometric) means some national exam prep resources may not perfectly reflect PA exam format
2-step TB testing requirement adds time before clinical rotations can begin — 2 weeks minimum
Limited CNA training programs in rural NEPA and Northcentral PA counties
UPMC dominance in Pittsburgh means limited employer competition in some markets — less leverage for CNA wage negotiation
Reciprocity processing through PA DOH can take 4–10 weeks for out-of-state candidates

How many hours of training are required to become a CNA in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires 80 hours of CNA training at a PA DOH-approved program — 5 hours above the federal minimum of 75 hours. At least 16 of those hours must be supervised clinical training at a licensed Pennsylvania long-term care facility. The remaining hours are split between classroom instruction and laboratory skills practice. Full-time programs complete in 2–4 weeks; part-time programs typically run 5–8 weeks. All programs must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Who administers the CNA exam in Pennsylvania — Pearson VUE or Prometric?

Pennsylvania uses Pearson VUE to administer the CNA competency exam — not Prometric (used by most states) and not D&S Diversified. This is an important distinction for candidates who may have prepared using resources referencing Prometric. Pearson VUE administers both the written knowledge test (70 questions, 90 minutes) and the clinical skills evaluation (5 randomly selected skills). You must register directly with Pearson VUE after completing your approved training program. Testing centers are in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Harrisburg, Reading, Scranton, and Bethlehem.

What is the CNA salary in Pennsylvania?

CNA salaries in Pennsylvania range from $30,000 to $38,000 per year ($14–$18/hour) statewide. Philadelphia metro CNAs earn the most — hospital CNAs at Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and SEIU-represented facilities earn $18–$24/hour. Pittsburgh CNAs at UPMC and AHN average $16–$20/hour. The Lehigh Valley (Allentown/Bethlehem) averages $15–$19/hour. Central PA and Erie markets average $13–$17/hour. Staffing agency and per-diem CNAs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can earn $20–$28/hour.

Which agency manages the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry?

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) manages the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. After passing the Pearson VUE competency exam, Pearson VUE notifies the PA DOH, which adds you to the registry within 2–4 weeks. Your registry status — including certification date and any disciplinary findings — is publicly searchable on the PA DOH website. Any CNA listed on the PA DOH Abuse Registry for patient abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property is permanently barred from employment in any Medicaid/Medicare-certified facility in Pennsylvania.

Does PA CareerLink really provide free CNA training in Pennsylvania?

Yes. PA CareerLink — Pennsylvania's WIOA-funded workforce development network — can fund free CNA training for eligible residents through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs). Eligibility is based on income, employment status, and other WIOA criteria. ITAs can cover tuition, books, and sometimes exam fees at any PA DOH-approved training program on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Locations in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Harrisburg, Scranton, and 60+ other PA cities assess eligibility for free training. Visit careerlinkpa.com or call your local office to find out if you qualify.

How strong is SEIU's presence for CNAs in Pennsylvania?

SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania has a significant presence in the Philadelphia healthcare market, particularly in hospital systems and nursing facilities. SEIU-represented CNAs at Philadelphia-area facilities typically earn higher starting wages ($17–$22/hour), have better benefits packages (health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave), and benefit from grievance and disciplinary protections. SEIU also runs workforce training programs in Philadelphia. The union's presence is stronger in Philadelphia than in Pittsburgh, Central PA, or the Lehigh Valley, where most CNA employment is non-union. In Pittsburgh, UPMC is a non-union employer, though SEIU has organized some AHN facilities.

Can I transfer my CNA certification to Pennsylvania from another state?

Yes. Pennsylvania participates in the nurse aide reciprocity process. To transfer your CNA certification to Pennsylvania, you must have an active, unrestricted listing on your current state's nurse aide registry with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. You must submit a completed reciprocity application to the PA DOH with verification of your current registry status and the results of a Pennsylvania State Police and FBI criminal background check. Allow 4–10 weeks for processing. If your certification has lapsed more than 24 months, you may need to retake the Pearson VUE exam before PA registry placement.

What cities in Pennsylvania have the most CNA jobs?

Philadelphia has by far the most CNA jobs in Pennsylvania, driven by Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, and hundreds of SNFs and ALFs in the metro area. Pittsburgh is the second-largest market, anchored by UPMC (one of the nation's largest health systems) and Allegheny Health Network. Allentown and the Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem, Easton) are growing rapidly with LVHN and St. Luke's as major employers. Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, Scranton, and York all have steady CNA demand through regional health systems and long-term care facilities.

How do I renew my Pennsylvania CNA certification?

Pennsylvania CNA certification must be renewed every two years through the PA DOH Nurse Aide Registry. To maintain active status, you must have provided at least 8 hours of paid nursing service (working as a CNA) within the 24-month renewal period. Pennsylvania does not require a specific number of in-service continuing education hours for renewal beyond the employment requirement. If you have not worked as a CNA for 24 consecutive months, you must retake the Pearson VUE competency exam — both the written and skills sections — before your registry listing can be reinstated as active.

CNA Practice Test