Certified Nursing Assistant License Guide 2026
Certified Nursing Assistant licensing in 2026 is regulated state-by-state: verified pre-license education ranges from 75–180 hours, the exam is most commonly administered by Credentia, and published first-attempt pass rates run from 87.14% to 87.14%. A background check is required in 51 of 51 states with verified data.
Provides hands-on patient care under RN supervision. Two-part exam: written + clinical skills.
National overview — CNA at a glance
| States with verified data | 51 of 51 |
| Pre-license education | 75–180 hrs |
| Most common exam vendor | Credentia |
| Exam passing score | 70% |
| National pass-rate reference | ~80% (industry reference) |
| Published state pass rates | 1 states · 87.14%–87.14% |
| Exam fee | varies by state |
| Application fee | varies by state |
| Common renewal cycle | every 2 years |
| Background check | 51 of 51 states |
State-by-state essentials (top verified states)
Florida
Full guide ↗- Education
- 120 hrs
- Exam vendor
- Prometric
- Exam
- 70N · 70%
- First-attempt pass rate
- 87.14%
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
Alabama
Full guide ↗- Education
- 75 hrs
- Exam vendor
- Credentia
- Exam
- 70N · 70%
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
Alaska
Full guide ↗- Education
- 140 hrs
- Exam vendor
- Credentia
- Exam
- 70N · 70%
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
Arizona
Full guide ↗- Education
- 120 hrs
- Exam vendor
- Headmaster (D&S Diversified)
- Exam
- 70N · 70%
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
Arkansas
Full guide ↗- Education
- 90 hrs
- Exam vendor
- Prometric
- Exam
- 70N · 70%
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
How to get a CNA license — step by step
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age is 18 in every state with a published figure. A criminal background check is required in 51 of 51 verified states.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Approved training hours run from 75–180 hours across verified states. Choose a state-approved program; your school reports completion to the licensing authority.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is most often administered by Credentia, with a 70% passing score. Schedule through the vendor portal after your education is reported.
- 4Pay fees and submit your application
Expect an exam fee of varies by state and an application fee of that varies by state. Submit any required background check results with your application.
- 5Maintain your license
The most common renewal cycle is every 2 years. Track continuing-education deadlines so your license never lapses.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education do I need to become a CNA?
Verified requirements range from 75–180 hours across states. Check your state's exact figure before enrolling — hours are set by each state board.
How hard is the Certified Nursing Assistant exam?
Published first-attempt pass rates range from 87.14% to 87.14% across 1 states (national reference ~80%). Only some states publish official figures.
What does a CNA license cost?
Fee schedules are not published in the verified dataset — check your state board before paying.
Who administers the Certified Nursing Assistant exam?
The most common vendors are Credentia (16 states), Prometric (13 states), Headmaster (D&S Diversified) (12 states). Your state chooses one vendor — confirm on your state's licensing page.
Can I transfer my CNA license to another state?
Reciprocity for CNA licenses is decided state-by-state and is not uniformly published. Contact both state boards before moving to confirm whether your license transfers or requires an exam.
Dig deeper into CNA licensing
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with your state licensing board (data retrieved 2026-08-20).