California CNA Certification (CA)

View our California CNA Program list.

California CNA Certification Requirements

To get your CNA certificate in California, you first need to complete the required course work and/ or training program. You will need to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. If you do not pass, you may retake the test up to three times in a 2 year period. There are many online CNA Test Prep resources if you need assistance. Applicants must then submit fingerprint cards. Licenses/certificates and will not be issued without the results of a state and federal background check coming back in good standing.

As prescribed by federal law, the typical California CNA certificate program lasts approximately 8 to 13 weeks to gain 75 accredited hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin training. After passing the Certified Nurse Assistant exam, you must be placed on the California Nurse Aid Registry.

Required Hours for California CNA Certification

In California, you are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation before challenging the state CNA licensing exam. The nurse aide classes typically last 2-6 months. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin the training program.

California CNA Certification Prerequisites

In California, CNA prerequisites include a current background check, two fingerprint cards, Photo ID, two photos (passport size). A negative TB test within the past 6 months and proof of immunizations will be required. You will also be required to show a high school diploma or GED.

California CNA Certification Resources

• California Board of Registered Nursing
• California Dept. of Public Health
• California Nurse Aide Registry