How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in California
In California, a CNA license typically requires 150 hours of pre-license education, a 70-question national plus state exam, a 70% passing score.
Provides hands-on patient care under RN supervision. Two-part exam: written + clinical skills. Requirements change — always confirm with California Department of Public Health — Aide and Technician Certification Section before paying.
Licensing steps in California
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age 18; a criminal background check is required.
- 2Complete pre-license education
150 hours of approved training is the documented requirement in California.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by Prometric; you need 70% to pass.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Fee schedule not published here — verify with the board.
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years.
CNA requirements — California at a glance
| Education hours | 150 hrs |
| Exam vendor | Prometric |
| Questions (national/state) | 70 / — |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years |
| Reciprocity | — |
Official source: California Department of Public Health — Aide and Technician Certification Section ↗
Transferring a CNA license between states
No CNA compact — registry reciprocity state by state. There is no CNA compact and no multi-state CNA licence. The Nurse Licensure Compact covers RNs and LPNs only. CNAs move by transferring their listing on a state nurse aide registry one state at a time, through a process states call reciprocity or endorsement.
Confirm your destination registry's training-hour requirement and whether it accepts transfers from your current state. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a CNA license in California?
After completing 150 hours of education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the CNA exam in California?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by California; check the state board.
What does the CNA license cost in California?
Fees are not published here — check the official board site.
Can I transfer my CNA license to California?
No CNA compact — registry reciprocity state by state: There is no CNA compact and no multi-state CNA licence. The Nurse Licensure Compact covers RNs and LPNs only. CNAs move by transferring their listing on a state nurse aide registry one state at a time, through a process states call reciprocity or endorsement. A per-state note for California is not published in our dataset — verify with both boards.
Plan your CNA licensing in California
Work the road in order — check what California requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the CNA exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and California reciprocity.
CNA tools for California
Every step of the California CNA road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with California Department of Public Health — Aide and Technician Certification Section (retrieved 2026-08-20).