CNA Classes in San Francisco, CA

Our directory lists 4 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in San Francisco, CA. All programs must meet California's minimum of 160 hours and prepare graduates to sit for the D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) competency exam.

Published tuition for CNA programs in San Francisco ranges from $598 to $4,500. City College of San Francisco lists the lowest tuition at $598. Total out-of-pocket cost also includes the state exam fee (Varies by vendor; typically around $135–$155 for both portions), background check, and uniforms.

Oxman College offers the shortest published program in San Francisco at 8 weeks (160 hours). California requires 160 hours of state-approved training, so any accelerated program must compress the required hours into a shorter calendar window through full-time scheduling. Call (800) 249-5661 for current cohort start dates.

To work as a CNA in San Francisco, you must meet a California-approved training program of at least 160 hours, pass the D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) competency exam (Two-part exam: written (or oral) knowledge test plus a hands-on skills evaluation, based on the California Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook), and clear a Live Scan fingerprinting (Request for Live Scan Service, BCIA 8016) submitted to the California DOJ and FBI before certification is issued. Most candidates complete the full process in 8–14 weeks (training averages 6–10 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry).

No San Francisco program on our directory currently advertises free tuition, but many California nursing facilities pay for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Ask local long-term care employers about employer-sponsored training programs, and check the American Red Cross and Job Corps for additional pathways.