CNA Requirements by State

Every state sets its own rules for becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. Training hours range from 75 (federal minimum) to 175. Pick your state to see exactly what you need.

States Covered

75–175

Training Hours Range

4–12 wks

Typical Time to Cert

Select Your State

Arizona

CNA Requirements

Training:120 hours

Min age:16

Time:8–14 weeks (training 6–10 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Arizona Requirements

California

CNA Requirements

Training:160 hours

Min age:16

Time:8–14 weeks (training averages 6–10 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry)

View California Requirements

Delaware

CNA Requirements

Training:75 hours

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Delaware Requirements

Florida

CNA Requirements

Training:None required (challenge exam allowed)

Min age:18

Time:2–10 weeks depending on whether you challenge the exam directly or complete a training program first

View Florida Requirements

Georgia

CNA Requirements

Training:85 hours

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Georgia Requirements

Illinois

CNA Requirements

Training:120 hours

Min age:16

Time:8–14 weeks (training is typically 6–10 weeks, exam and registry listing 2–4 weeks)

View Illinois Requirements

Louisiana

CNA Requirements

Training:80 hours

Min age:18

Time:5–10 weeks (training typically 4–6 weeks, exam and registry listing 2–4 weeks)

View Louisiana Requirements

Massachusetts

CNA Requirements

Training:75 hours

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Massachusetts Requirements

Michigan

CNA Requirements

Training:75 hours

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Michigan Requirements

Mississippi

CNA Requirements

Training:75 hours

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Mississippi Requirements

New Jersey

CNA Requirements

Training:90 hours

Min age:18

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View New Jersey Requirements

New York

CNA Requirements

Training:100 hours minimum

Min age:17

Time:6–12 weeks (training is typically 4–8 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry listing)

View New York Requirements

North Carolina

CNA Requirements

Training:75 hours (Nurse Aide I)

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks for NA I (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks); NA II adds another 8–12 weeks of additional training

View North Carolina Requirements

Ohio

CNA Requirements

Training:75 hours

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Ohio Requirements

Pennsylvania

CNA Requirements

Training:80 hours

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Pennsylvania Requirements

Tennessee

CNA Requirements

Training:75 hours

Min age:16

Time:5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Tennessee Requirements

Texas

CNA Requirements

Training:75 hours minimum

Min age:16

Time:4–8 weeks from program start to registry listing

View Texas Requirements

Virginia

CNA Requirements

Training:120 hours

Min age:16

Time:8–14 weeks (training 6–10 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

View Virginia Requirements

Washington

CNA Requirements

Training:85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours)

Min age:18

Time:5–10 weeks for entry-level NA-R; full NA-C requires up to 4 additional months under federal OBRA rules

View Washington Requirements

More States Coming Soon

We are adding detailed CNA requirements pages for all 50 states. The pages above already cover the largest CNA workforces. Check back regularly as we add more states.

How CNA Requirements Vary by State

Federal law (OBRA '87) sets a floor of 75 hours of training for nurse aides working in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified facilities. Beyond that floor, every state sets its own requirements — and the differences are substantial. California requires 160 hours, Virginia and Illinois require 120, while Texas, Florida, and several others stick with the 75-hour federal minimum.

Other state-specific factors include minimum age (some states allow CNA training at 16, others require 18), education prerequisites (some require a high school diploma, others do not), background check rules, and which company administers the competency exam. Common testing vendors include Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE), Prometric, Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies), and PSI.

Some states have unique pathways: Florida allows you to challenge the exam without formal training. Washington has a two-tier system (NA-R for entry-level, NA-C for the full credential). New Jersey distinguishes CNAs (long-term care facilities) from CHHAs (home health). Pick your state above for the exact rules.

General CNA Requirement Questions

What is the federal minimum training requirement for CNAs?

Federal law (OBRA '87) requires a minimum of 75 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training, before a candidate can take the competency exam and work in a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility. Many states require more than the federal minimum.

Do I need a high school diploma to become a CNA?

It depends on the state. Some states (like California) explicitly require a high school diploma or GED for CNA certification. Others (like Texas) do not require it, though individual training programs and employers may. Check your state's specific requirements page for the rule.

How long does it take to become a CNA?

In most states, the full process — training, exam, and registry listing — takes 4 to 12 weeks. Accelerated programs can complete the classroom and clinical portions in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. States with higher training-hour requirements (California's 160-hour rule, for example) typically take longer.

How much does CNA training cost?

Costs vary widely by state and program type. Many nursing facilities sponsor training for free in exchange for a work commitment. Community college programs typically range from $400 to $1,500. Private programs may run higher. Add $75 to $200 for the exam and registry fees.