Florida CNA Requirements 2026
Florida certifies nursing assistants through the Florida Board of Nursing using a two-part Prometric exam. You don’t have to complete a state-approved training program first, but you must be at least 18 or hold a high school diploma. Passing both the written and clinical skills tests, plus clearing a Level II background check, gets you added to the Florida CNA Registry.
Sponsored School(s)
Florida’s CNA certification process runs through two agencies. The Florida Department of Health and the Board of Nursing set the requirements and maintain the CNA Registry. Prometric develops and administers the competency exam and processes applications. All testing communication goes through Prometric. Eligibility decisions and Registry management stay with the Board.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, application steps, and renewal information.
- Training and Eligibility Requirements
- Florida CNA Exam
- Background Check Requirements
- The Application Process
- CNA Registry
- Renewal and In-Service Training
- CNA by MOBILE Endorsement
Training and Eligibility Requirements
Florida doesn’t require a state-approved training program before you can apply for the CNA exam. You qualify to test if you meet any one of these conditions:
- You completed an AHCA-approved CNA training program
- You hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
- You are at least 18 years old
There’s an important distinction for program graduates. If you completed an approved training program within the six months before applying, the Board requires you to pass only the written portion of the exam, not the clinical skills test. All other candidates must pass both parts.
State-approved programs are administered through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Verify that a program carries AHCA approval before enrolling. A current list of approved programs is available on the Florida Board of Nursing website (floridasnursing.gov).
Florida CNA Exam
The Florida CNA exam is a two-part competency test administered by Prometric. You must pass both the written knowledge test and the clinical skills test to receive certification, unless you qualify for the written-only pathway described above.
Written Knowledge Test
The written exam has 60 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit. It’s available in English and Spanish, and in a written or written/audio format. You choose your format when you apply. The candidate information bulletin includes sample questions, and Prometric offers practice tests for purchase.
Clinical Skills Test
The clinical portion requires you to perform five nursing assistant skills. Two are fixed for every candidate: handwashing technique and indirect care. The remaining three are randomly assigned from the full skills checklist on the day of testing. You won’t know your specific assignments in advance. The complete checklist is available on the Prometric Florida exam page (prometric.com/exams/nurseaide-fl).
Exam Fees and Retakes
The combined exam fee is $155. This covers both the written and clinical skills tests. You can also register for each section separately: the written test is $35, and the clinical skills test is $120. If you fail one section, you only need to reapply and pay for the part you didn’t pass.
Candidates have up to three attempts to pass the exam. Anyone who fails three times must complete an AHCA-approved training program before applying again. Applications must be submitted to Prometric at least 50 days before your requested test date. Testing is available at more than 25 locations across Florida.
You’ll receive your results on the day of the exam. Approximately one week later, Prometric sends official results directly to the Board of Nursing.
Background Check Requirements
All candidates must complete a Level II background check before certification can be approved. Florida uses Livescan electronic fingerprinting. You can begin this step before submitting your exam application, which can help speed up the overall timeline.
Use ORI# EDOH0380Z when submitting fingerprints. Providing the wrong ORI number means the Board won’t receive your results, which will stall your application. You can use any FDLE-approved Livescan service provider. A list is available at flhealthsource.gov. Fees vary by provider.
Applicants with a criminal history must include supporting documentation with their application. This includes a self-explanation letter, final disposition records, and three to five professional letters of recommendation. The Board reviews each application on its own merits.
The Application Process
Applications are submitted to Prometric, not directly to the Florida Board of Nursing. You can apply online or by mail. The online application allows immediate credit card processing. Paper applications require a certified check or money order.
Once Prometric receives a complete application, it processes the file within three business days and forwards it to the Board. The Board has up to 30 days to review your materials and notify Prometric of your eligibility. Once approved, Prometric schedules your exam within 7 to 14 business days and emails your admission ticket.
Applicants enrolled in an approved training program can submit their application before completing the program. Program coordinators must eventually submit electronic verification of completion to the Board. If your application has any deficiencies, the Board will contact you with what’s needed before moving your file forward.
CNA Registry
Florida maintains the Florida Nurse Aide Registry, which lists every certified CNA in the state. After you pass both exam components and your application is fully processed, the Board adds you to the Registry and mails your certificate. The process can take more than four weeks after exam day.
Employers use the Registry to verify CNA credentials before hiring. You can check the status of any Florida CNA certificate through the Prometric exam page or the Florida Health Source website (flhealthsource.gov). Name or address changes to your Registry record carry no additional fee.
Florida CNA certification is a common first step toward LPN or RN licensure. If you’re considering that route, see CNA to RN programs in Florida for information on bridge program options.
Renewal and In-Service Training
Florida CNA certification renews on a biennial basis. To qualify for renewal, you must show active paid employment as a nursing assistant in a qualified nursing setting, such as a nursing home, hospital, or home health agency. Volunteer work doesn’t count toward this requirement.
Florida also requires in-service training hours during each renewal period. Check current in-service requirements and renewal deadlines directly with the Florida Board of Nursing at floridasnursing.gov/certified-nursing-assistant, as requirements can change. The Board’s call center can also be reached at 850-245-4125.
CNA by MOBILE Endorsement
Florida offers a pathway called CNA Initial License by MOBILE Endorsement for out-of-state CNAs who meet specific eligibility criteria. Qualifying candidates don’t need to retake the Prometric exam. Applications go through the Florida Department of Health online portal, not Prometric.
To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
- Hold an active, unencumbered CNA license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory
- Have actively practiced as a CNA for at least two years within the four-year period immediately before applying
- Have no disciplinary action on any professional license within the five years before application
- Have no pending disciplinary proceedings in any jurisdiction
- Have never been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (with limited exceptions)
- Complete a Level II background screening using ORI# EDOH0380Z
If you don’t meet the active-practice or disciplinary requirements, you’ll need to apply through the examination pathway instead. Apply online at the Florida DOH services portal or review current requirements at the Florida Board of Nursing website (floridasnursing.gov/certified-nursing-assistant).
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses. For a full overview of Florida nursing credentials, see Florida nursing license requirements.
Related fields: How to become a Medical Assistant in Florida | How to become an LPN in Florida | How to become an RN in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete a training program to become a CNA in Florida?
No. Florida allows candidates to sit for the CNA exam without completing a state-approved training program, as long as they are at least 18 years old or hold a high school diploma. That said, candidates who completed an AHCA-approved program within the six months before applying only need to pass the written portion of the exam.
How much does the Florida CNA exam cost?
The combined exam fee is $155, which covers both the written knowledge test ($35) and the clinical skills test ($120). You can register for each section separately. If you fail one part, you only need to retake and pay for that section. All fees are paid directly to Prometric.
How long does the Florida CNA certification process take?
Plan on six to twelve weeks from application to certification. Applications must be submitted to Prometric at least 50 days before your preferred test date. The Board takes up to 30 days to review your file and confirm eligibility. After passing, the certificate can take four or more weeks to arrive by mail.
How do I renew my Florida CNA certification?
Florida CNA certification renews every two years. Renewal requires proof of active paid employment as a nursing assistant in a qualifying nursing setting, along with completed in-service training hours. Check current requirements at floridasnursing.gov or call the Board at 850-245-4125.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Florida?
Yes, if you meet Florida’s MOBILE Endorsement requirements. You must hold an active, unencumbered CNA license and have actively practiced for at least two years within the past four years. You’ll also need a clean disciplinary record for the past five years and must complete Florida’s Level II background check. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’ll need to apply through the examination pathway instead.
Key Takeaways
- No training program required — Florida allows candidates to challenge the CNA exam without a formal program, as long as they’re 18 or hold a high school diploma.
- Two-part Prometric exam — You must pass both the written test (60 questions) and the clinical skills test (5 skills), unless you completed an approved program within the last six months.
- Exam fee is $155 combined — You can register for each section separately at $35 (written) and $120 (clinical skills).
- Level II background check required — All applicants must complete electronic Livescan fingerprinting using ORI# EDOH0380Z before the Board approves certification.
- Out-of-state CNAs can apply through MOBILE Endorsement — Florida’s endorsement pathway skips the Prometric exam, but requires at least two years of active practice in the past four years and a clean disciplinary record.
Find Florida-approved CNA and nursing programs near you by entering your zip code below.