CNA Training Programs in California

Join the Golden State's healthcare workforce with the nation's highest CNA salaries and comprehensive training

160
Hours Required
60 classroom + 100 clinical
$130
Exam Cost
Headmaster/Credentia testing
$43,570
Average Salary
Annual in California
2
Year Renewal
48 CEUs required

California CNA Requirements

California maintains the most comprehensive CNA training standards nationwide, ensuring top-quality patient care and career opportunities

Training Hours

160 hours total training - the most comprehensive in the nation with 60 hours classroom instruction and 100 hours supervised clinical experience.

Certification Exam

Pass both written (70 questions, 120 minutes) and clinical skills (5 skills, 30 minutes) components administered by Headmaster or Credentia testing vendors.

Renewal

Renew certification every 2 years with 48 hours of continuing education and at least 8 hours of paid CNA work under supervision.

Top CNA Training Programs in California

California offers extensive CNA training through community colleges and healthcare institutions across all major metropolitan areas

American River College

$1,850

Location: Sacramento, CA

Duration: 8-12 weeks

State-approved program
Excellent clinical partnerships
Financial aid available

Pasadena City College

$1,920

Location: Pasadena, CA

Duration: 10 weeks

Los Angeles area
Evening classes available
Job placement assistance

City College of San Francisco

$2,100

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: 12 weeks

Bay Area location
High employment rates
Bilingual instruction

Santa Barbara City College

$1,750

Location: Santa Barbara, CA

Duration: 8 weeks

Coastal location
Small class sizes
Modern facilities

El Camino College

$1,680

Location: Torrance, CA

Duration: 10 weeks

South Bay location
Accelerated program
High pass rates

Mt. San Antonio College

$1,825

Location: Walnut, CA

Duration: 9 weeks

San Gabriel Valley
Comprehensive training
Industry connections

San Joaquin Delta College

$1,590

Location: Stockton, CA

Duration: 11 weeks

Central Valley
Affordable tuition
Flexible scheduling

Southwestern College

$1,780

Location: Chula Vista, CA

Duration: 10 weeks

San Diego County
Diverse student body
Clinical excellence

CNA Salaries in California Cities

California leads the nation in CNA compensation, with Bay Area and major metropolitan areas offering the highest wages

San Francisco

$52,270
$25.13/hour
Pop: 875,000

San Jose

$51,600
$24.81/hour
Pop: 1,030,000

Napa

$44,180
$21.24/hour
Pop: 80,000

Los Angeles

$42,620
$20.49/hour
Pop: 4,000,000

San Diego

$42,410
$20.39/hour
Pop: 1,420,000

Modesto

$41,060
$19.74/hour
Pop: 218,000

Riverside

$39,770
$19.12/hour
Pop: 340,000

Fresno

$38,230
$18.38/hour
Pop: 545,000

California CNA Salary Insights

Highest in Nation: California CNAs earn $7,350 more annually than the national average, with San Francisco Bay Area leading at $52,000+.

Tech Hub Premium: Silicon Valley healthcare facilities offer premium wages due to high cost of living and competition for talent.

Growth Potential: Top 10% of CNAs earn over $56,000 annually, with hospital and unionized positions offering highest compensation.

Job Security: California employs more CNAs than any other state with over 100,000 positions and strong growth projections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA training and certification in California

Start Your CNA Career in California Today

Join the nation's largest healthcare workforce with the highest CNA salaries and endless opportunities for growth