CNA Requirements in California 2026
California CNAs must complete a CDPH-approved training program, pass a two-part competency exam, and clear a Live Scan criminal background check before the California Department of Public Health issues a certificate. Candidates must be at least 16 years old. Most approved programs run six to 15 weeks.
California certifies nurse assistants through the Department of Public Health, which approves training programs, sets eligibility requirements, and maintains the Nurse Assistant Registry. The process moves in a defined sequence: confirm eligibility, complete training, pass the competency exam, clear the background check, and submit an application. Each step has specific requirements, and the order matters.
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Use the links below to jump to specific certification requirements, the application process, and renewal information.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Training Requirements
- Alternate Training and Equivalency Waivers
- Examination Requirements
- Criminal Background Check
- Application Process
- Out-of-State Transfer and Reciprocity
- CNA Certification Renewal
Eligibility Requirements
California allows candidates as young as 16 to enter CNA training. Applicants must have a valid Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number for registry enrollment. All candidates undergo a Live Scan criminal background check before beginning the patient-care portion of their program. This is not a final-step requirement. It runs concurrently with training enrollment.
Candidates should review the list of disqualifying convictions in the CDPH application packet before enrolling. Certain offenses automatically disqualify a candidate from certification. Reconsideration is available in some cases, but a candidate with a disqualifying felony conviction must first obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation.
Training Requirements
A prospective CNA must complete a Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) approved by the California Department of Public Health. Approved programs include a minimum of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. Training can also be completed through an employer-based arrangement if it meets state code requirements.
Most programs take between six and 15 weeks to complete, depending on the provider and schedule. The CDPH maintains a current list of approved programs on its website at cdph.ca.gov.
Alternate Training and Equivalency Waivers
Candidates who have completed healthcare training outside a standard CNA program may qualify through an equivalency pathway. The CDPH accepts equivalency applications based on partial completion of an LPN, RN, or Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT) program. Military training is also accepted as a basis for equivalency. In most cases, equivalency candidates must demonstrate recent paid employment in the healthcare field. Nursing graduates who completed their degree within the previous two years are exempt from this employment requirement.
Equivalency candidates must receive CDPH approval before registering for the competency exam. Contact the Department directly at (916) 327-2445 to confirm equivalency eligibility before submitting an application.
Examination Requirements
California uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation. Candidates must pass both parts within two years of completing their training program or receiving CDPH equivalency approval. Three attempts are permitted during that window.
Credentia administers the NNAAP exam in California. A second approved option is available through Headmaster/D&S Diversified Technologies, which runs its own competency exam with separate registration and scheduling. Each vendor sets exam fees and scheduling procedures, which are subject to change. Verify current fees and registration steps directly with the testing provider before scheduling. Credentia’s California candidate resources are available at credentia.com.
The written knowledge test is also available in an oral format. The oral version includes word recognition and reading comprehension questions in addition to the standard question set. Candidates who are uncertain which format to choose can use the self-assessment in the candidate handbook.
Criminal Background Check
California requires all CNA applicants to submit to Live Scan digital fingerprinting. Applicants complete form BCIA 8016 (a request for Live Scan services) and visit a licensed operator for fingerprinting. The CDPH reviews all criminal offenses except minor traffic violations.
The application packet includes a list of convictions that are automatically disqualifying. An applicant may request reconsideration in some cases despite a disqualifying conviction. A disqualifying felony conviction requires a Certificate of Rehabilitation before reconsideration is possible.
Application Process
In-state trainees submit an application and Live Scan fingerprint request before beginning the patient-care portion of the program. In many cases, the training program submits the application on the student’s behalf. Application forms are available on the CDPH website. Applicants for initial nurse assistant certification use form CDPH 283 B. There is no required application fee.
A candidate applying based on recent in-state CNA training needs a signature from the registered nurse who supervised the program. Equivalency candidates use the same CDPH 283 B form but complete different sections. Documentation of training must include the completion date and come in the form of an official transcript or a letter on official school letterhead. An individual applying based on nursing education must have completed at least one course in Fundamentals of Nursing. Military training applicants include a copy of their DD-214.
Out-of-State Transfer and Reciprocity
CNAs who are certified and in good standing in another state may be placed on the California Nurse Assistant Registry through reciprocity, without repeating the competency exam. The applicant submits a copy of the out-of-state certificate to the California Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS) and submits a Verification of Current Nurse Assistant Certification form (CDPH 931) to the state where the certificate was originally issued.
Reciprocity candidates use the same CDPH 283 B initial application form. A reciprocity packet and a PDF guide that highlights required sections are available on the ATCS webpage. Out-of-state CNAs whose initial certificate was issued more than two years ago must also include a pay stub or other documentation of recent employment providing nursing-related services.
CNA Certification Renewal
California CNA certificates must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires completing continuing education hours and submitting a renewal application to the CDPH. Applications can be submitted electronically through the CDPH online portal. A certificate can be renewed for up to two years after its expiration date if renewal requirements are met. Verify current continuing education requirements and renewal fees directly with the CDPH, as these are subject to change.
For renewal questions, contact the CDPH at (916) 327-2445 or by email at [email protected]. Additional resources are available on the Aide and Technician Certification page of the CDPH website.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CNA training take in California?
Most approved California CNA programs take between six and 15 weeks, depending on the provider and schedule format. State requirements set a minimum of 60 classroom hours and 100 supervised clinical hours. Program length and cost vary. The CDPH maintains a current list of approved programs on its website.
Who administers the CNA exam in California?
California uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), currently administered by Credentia. Headmaster/D&S Diversified Technologies is a second approved testing vendor with its own exam format and registration process. Verify current fees and scheduling directly with your chosen vendor before registering.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to California?
Yes. CNAs certified and in good standing in another state can apply for placement on the California Nurse Assistant Registry through reciprocity. You won’t need to retake the exam, but you’ll need to verify your current out-of-state certification. If your original certificate was issued more than two years ago, include documentation of recent nursing-related employment.
What disqualifies someone from CNA certification in California?
The CDPH reviews all criminal offenses except minor traffic violations—the certification application packet lists which convictions are automatically disqualifying. A candidate with a disqualifying felony conviction must obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation. Reconsideration is possible in some cases for other disqualifying offenses.
How do I renew my California CNA certificate?
California CNA certificates renew on a two-year cycle. Renewal requires completing continuing education hours and submitting a renewal application before the certificate expires. The CDPH accepts electronic submissions through its online portal. Contact the CDPH at (916) 327-2445 or [email protected] to confirm current continuing education requirements and fees before renewing.
Key Takeaways
- CDPH runs the process — The California Department of Public Health approves training programs, administers the certification process, and maintains the Nurse Assistant Registry.
- Training takes six to 15 weeks — Approved programs require at least 60 classroom hours and 100 supervised clinical hours. A current list of CDPH-approved programs is on the CDPH website.
- Two testing vendors are approved — Credentia administers the NNAAP exam in California. Headmaster is the second approved option. Confirm fees and scheduling directly with your chosen vendor before registering.
- Equivalency routes are available — Partial completion of an LPN, RN, LPT, or military training program may qualify a candidate to bypass standard CNA program enrollment.
- Out-of-state CNAs can transfer by reciprocity — Active certification in good standing from another state qualifies for California registry placement without repeating the exam.
Use the search above to find CDPH-approved CNA training programs in California, or explore approved programs in other states using the directory below.