How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA?

Quick Answer

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) takes 4–12 weeks, depending on the state, program format, and scheduling. Federal law requires a minimum of 75 training hours, but most states mandate more. After completing an approved program, candidates must pass a state competency exam that includes a written (or oral) test and a clinical skills evaluation.

Training Requirements by State

State	Minimum Training Hours	Typical Program Length	Exam Format
California	160 hours	6–8 weeks	Written + skills
Texas	75 hours	4–6 weeks	Written + skills
Florida	120 hours	4–6 weeks	Written + skills
New York	100 hours	4–8 weeks	Written + skills
Illinois	120 hours	6–8 weeks	Written + skills
Pennsylvania	80 hours	4–6 weeks	Written + skills
Ohio	75 hours	4–5 weeks	Written + skills
Georgia	85 hours	4–6 weeks	Written + skills
Oregon	155 hours	6–10 weeks	Written + skills
Maine	180 hours	8–12 weeks	Written + skills
Missouri	175 hours	8–10 weeks	Written + skills
Washington	85 hours	4–6 weeks	Written + skills

Note: Hours include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.

Program Format Comparison

Format	Duration	Schedule	Best For
Full-time day program	4–6 weeks	Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM	Career changers, fast track
Part-time evening program	8–12 weeks	Evenings and weekends	Working adults
Community college program	8–16 weeks	Follows semester schedule	Students wanting college credit
Employer-sponsored (nursing home)	4–8 weeks	During work hours	New hires at care facilities
Accelerated/weekend program	3–5 weeks	Intensive weekends + some weekdays	Fastest path to certification

Step-by-Step Timeline

Step	Time Required	Details
Research and enroll in a program	1–2 weeks	Verify state approval, check schedules, pay tuition ($500–$2,000)
Background check and health screening	1–2 weeks	TB test, immunizations, drug screen, criminal background check
Classroom training	2–6 weeks	Anatomy, infection control, patient rights, nutrition
Clinical training	1–4 weeks	Hands-on care in a nursing facility under RN supervision
Schedule state exam	1–2 weeks	Register through state testing vendor (Prometric, Pearson VUE, or D&S Diversified)
Pass competency exam	1 day	Written/oral test (60–100 questions) + 3–5 clinical skills demonstrations
Receive certification	1–4 weeks	State adds name to nurse aide registry

Total timeline from enrollment to working: 6–16 weeks.

Exam Pass Rates and Preparation

First-time pass rates for the CNA competency exam average 85–90% nationally. The exam has two parts:

• Written/oral test: 60–100 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes. Covers patient care, safety, communication, legal issues, and basic nursing skills.
• Skills evaluation: Candidates demonstrate 3–5 randomly selected clinical skills (hand washing, vital signs, range of motion exercises, patient transfers, etc.) in front of an evaluator.

Candidates who fail may retake the exam, typically within 2–4 weeks. Most states allow 3 attempts before requiring additional training.

Cost Breakdown

Expense	Typical Cost
Training program tuition	$500–$2,000
Textbooks and supplies	$50–$150
Background check	$30–$75
State exam fee	$50–$150
Uniform and shoes	$50–$100
Total	$680–$2,475

Many nursing homes and long-term care facilities offer free CNA training in exchange for a commitment to work at the facility for 6–12 months after certification. This is the most cost-effective path.

Career Outlook

CNAs earn a median salary of $36,220 per year ($17.41/hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand is projected to grow 4% through 2032. Many CNAs use the certification as a stepping stone toward LPN, RN, or other healthcare career paths.