How to Become a CNA in Arizona 2026
Arizona CNAs are certified by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. To earn certification, you must complete a board-approved training program of at least 120 hours, pass a two-part competency exam administered by Headmaster, clear a fingerprint-based background check, and submit an application to the AZBN. Most candidates complete the full process in six to ten weeks.
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Arizona certifies nursing assistants through the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). The requirements cover a board-approved training program, a two-part competency exam, a fingerprint background check, and a formal application. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and provide proof of lawful presence in the United States before sitting for the exam.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, application steps, and out-of-state endorsement information.
- Training requirements and approved programs
- Waivers and alternate training routes
- The CNA competency exam
- Background check process
- How to apply for CNA certification
- Endorsement for out-of-state CNAs
- Maintaining your registry listing
- CNA-CMA certification
Training Requirements
Arizona requires a minimum of 120 hours of board-approved CNA training. The AZBN publishes a list of qualifying programs on its website, along with exam pass rates by program, at azbn.gov/education/education-program-lists.
Applicants who completed training in another state need to document the number of hours completed. A program approved by another U.S. state or territory is accepted if it meets the 120-hour minimum. A shorter program of 75 hours may qualify if the applicant can document at least 45 hours of work experience as a nursing assistant.
Completion of an LPN or RN program also satisfies the training requirement. The AZBN will accept a nursing license issued by any U.S. state as evidence that educational requirements have been met. More information is available on the AZBN’s Apply for a License page.
Alternate Healthcare Training and Waivers
Candidates who haven’t completed a CNA program may qualify for a waiver in several circumstances.
Nursing students can apply for a waiver after completing a nursing course that includes instruction in long-term care and at least 40 hours of actual patient care in a long-term care facility or comparable site. The instructor or director must sign the waiver form.
Military applicants may qualify if they have completed at least 100 hours of healthcare training while in service and have worked in healthcare at some point during the most recent two-year period.
Waivers are also available for applicants who have completed foreign nursing programs.
Examination Requirements
The Arizona CNA competency exam has two components: a knowledge test and a skills test. The knowledge test is available in both written and audio formats.
The exam is administered by the Headmaster. A candidate handbook and scheduling information are available on the AZ CNA page at hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/arizona/AZ_CNA_Home.htm.
Candidates must be registered with AZBN before scheduling. For most applicants, the training program handles that registration. Those who completed training outside an AZBN-approved program must provide evidence of waiver approval. Anyone who completed training more than two years ago must also provide documentation of employment as a nursing assistant.
Some Arizona schools host their own exam sessions and schedule students directly. Other candidates register through the Headmaster’s TMU online portal at az.tmutest.com. Scheduling guides and testing information are available on the Headmaster AZ CNA page.
Self-pay fees through the TMU portal: $35 for a written knowledge test, $45 for an audio version of the knowledge test, and $95 for the skills test.
If you pass one component and fail the other, you only retake the failed portion. Failing the knowledge test three times requires a 45-day waiting period before testing again. Both components must be passed within two years of completing your training program. If that window lapses without passing both, you’ll need to retrain, unless you can document working as a nursing assistant for at least 160 hours during every two-year period since program completion.
Questions about the testing process can be directed to the Headmaster at (800) 393-8664, Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time.
Background Check Requirements
Some applicants may be required to submit a fingerprint-based background check depending on the credential level they’re applying for. Confirm your specific requirements directly with the AZBN at (602) 771-7800 or at azbn.gov before submitting your application.
If a fingerprint card is required, the AZBN uses a specific card pre-printed with AZBN information. Electronic fingerprinting is available for applicants physically located in Arizona. Results typically take about 30 days for electronic submissions and 8 to 12 weeks for physical cards.
The Board doesn’t accept DPS clearance cards and won’t process fingerprints taken for other agencies.
Applicants with a felony conviction must be at least five years past absolute discharge. Criminal history can significantly extend processing time.
The Application Process
Application materials and eligibility information are available on the AZBN’s Apply for a License page.
You’ll need to document citizenship or lawful immigration status. Accepted documents include post-1996 Arizona driver’s licenses, Arizona ID cards, birth certificates, passports, and tribal certificates. Social security cards aren’t accepted. If the citizenship document doesn’t include a photograph, submit a second government-issued photo ID.
There’s no application fee for CNA certification. Applications are submitted online through the AZBN Nurse Portal at azbn.boardsofnursing.org/azbn. You’ll upload your certificate of completion from your training program and your proof of lawful presence documents. Processing typically takes one to two months.
Once certified, your name is added to the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry. Employers use the Registry to verify CNA credentials before hiring. Your registry status can be checked online through the AZBN’s verification tool.
Out-of-State CNAs
A nursing assistant certified in another state can apply for endorsement to work in Arizona. Your out-of-state certificate must be active, or must have been active within the last two years of your application date. Arizona still requires that training hours meet the 120-hour minimum. A program of 75 hours may qualify if the applicant can also document at least 45 hours of work experience.
In addition to meeting the training requirement, the applicant must satisfy at least one of the following:
- 160 hours of work as a nursing assistant within the prior two years
- Completion of a nursing assistant program and the required exam within the prior two years
- Current employment performing nursing assistant duties, regardless of job title
The endorsement application packet includes a Proof of Nurse Aide Registration form. This form must be sent to the state of current certification, along with any fee that state requires. Arizona charges a $50 endorsement application fee.
Maintaining Your Registry Listing
After certification, your name is listed on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry. To renew registry status, you need to have performed nursing assistant or nursing-related services for at least 8 hours within the past 24 months. Certified nursing assistants who haven’t met that work threshold may need to complete additional training before their listing can be reactivated.
Verify current registry renewal requirements directly with the AZBN at (602) 771-7800 or through the nursing assistant pages at azbn.gov/laws-rules/nurse-practice-act.
CNA-CMA Certification
After six months of full-time employment, or 960 hours of work as a CNA, a nursing assistant may be eligible to train as a Certified Medication Assistant. This credential expands the scope of tasks a nursing assistant can perform under supervision. CNAs looking to move into LPN or RN roles can find full state licensing requirements on our Arizona nursing license requirements page.
Certification information can be found on the site of the Arizona State Board of Nursing at azbn.gov. CNA certification rules are covered in the Nurse Practice Act rules available at azbn.gov/laws-rules/nurse-practice-act. For direct assistance, call (602) 771-7800.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
CNA to RN Programs | How to Become an LPN in Arizona | How to Become an RN in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Arizona?
Most candidates complete CNA training and pass the competency exam in six to ten weeks. All approved programs are at least 120 hours. Background check processing and application review add another one to two months, so plan for roughly three months from program start to active registry listing.
What is the minimum age to become a CNA in Arizona?
Applicants must be at least 16 years old. You’ll also need to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States before sitting for the competency exam.
Who administers the CNA exam in Arizona?
The Arizona CNA competency exam is administered by Headmaster. It has two parts: a knowledge test (written or audio) and a skills test. Self-pay fees are $35 for the written knowledge test, $45 for the audio version, and $95 for the skills test. Both components must be passed within two years of completing your training program. Headmaster can be reached at (800) 393-8664 for scheduling questions.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to Arizona from another state?
Yes. Arizona allows endorsement for CNAs with active out-of-state certification. You’ll need to meet Arizona’s 120-hour training requirement and show recent work history as a nursing assistant. The endorsement application fee is $50.
What happens if I fail part of the CNA exam in Arizona?
If you fail one component, you only need to retake that portion. If you fail the knowledge test three times, a 45-day waiting period applies before your next attempt. If you don’t pass both components within two years of training completion, you’ll need to complete a new training program.
Key Takeaways
- AZBN certifies Arizona CNAs — The Arizona State Board of Nursing approves all training programs and reviews all applications and background checks.
- 120 hours of approved training required — Programs must be AZBN-approved. LPN and RN program graduates automatically satisfy the training requirement.
- Two-part competency exam — Headmaster administers both a knowledge test and a skills test. Both must be passed within two years of program completion.
- Certification adds you to the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry — Employers check the Registry to verify credentials before hiring. To renew registry status, you must have worked at least 8 hours as a nursing assistant in the past 24 months.
- Out-of-state CNAs can endorse into Arizona — Active certification elsewhere, plus meeting Arizona’s training and work history requirements, qualifies you for endorsement at a $50 fee.
Use the search below to find AZBN-approved CNA training programs in Arizona and get application details for your area.