Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Pennsylvania takes 6 to 12 weeks from enrollment to active certification. You’ll complete a state-approved training program, pass a two-part exam administered by Credentia, and get placed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Pennsylvania employs 65,410 CNAs statewide, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 data.
If you’re already certified in another state, you can transfer your certification to Pennsylvania through Credentia’s CNA365 platform without retesting.
This guide covers every step: requirements, training programs with real costs, the exam format, and what you’ll actually earn.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum training | 80 hours (37.5 hours supervised clinical) |
| Typical program length | 4 to 8 weeks full-time |
| Exam vendor | Credentia (NNAAP) |
| Exam fee | $135 (both parts) |
| Avg. PA CNA wage | $19.76/hr ($41,110/yr) — BLS 2024 |
| Registry | PA Nurse Aide Registry via CNA365 |
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What Does a CNA Do in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s certified nursing assistant workforce numbers 65,410, making it one of the largest healthcare occupations in the state by headcount. The Pennsylvania Department of Health defines the CNA scope of practice in Pennsylvania as providing direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN).
On a typical shift, you’ll handle activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, feeding, and repositioning patients. You’ll take and record vital signs, monitor changes in patient condition, and report concerns to the supervising nurse.
Where CNAs Work in Pennsylvania
Most Pennsylvania CNAs work in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. Other settings include hospitals, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers. The setting affects both the pace of work and your pay range, which the salary section covers in detail.
Requirements to Become a CNA in Pennsylvania
To enroll in a PA-approved CNA training program, you’ll need to meet all of these requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 16 minimum (many programs require 18+) |
| Education | No state requirement; most programs and employers require a high school diploma or GED |
| Background check | See below — differs by residency duration |
| Physical exam | Required before clinical rotations |
| Immunizations | Hepatitis B, MMR, flu (Oct to Mar), COVID per facility policy |
| English proficiency | Must read, write, and perform basic math in English |
| Registry history | No prior abuse or neglect findings on any nurse aide registry |
The education requirement varies by program. While Pennsylvania does not require a high school diploma or GED to join the Nurse Aide Registry, most individual training programs and employers require one as a condition of enrollment or hire. High school students (16+) in approved vocational-technical programs are a common exception. Most training programs independently set their minimum age at 18, so confirm with your specific program before applying.
Background Check Requirements
This is where Pennsylvania’s requirements differ from what most guides describe. The PA State Police ePATCH system handles criminal history checks, but what you need depends on how long you’ve lived in Pennsylvania:
| Check | Who Needs It | Fee | Processing Time | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA State Police (ePATCH) | Everyone | ~$22 | Instant to 3 business days | epatch.pa.gov |
| FBI Fingerprint | PA resident < 2 years or non-resident | ~$27.50 | 1 to 4 weeks | IdentoGO locations |
Start both checks early. The FBI fingerprint check can overlap with your training if you submit it before classes begin.
A felony on your record doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but Pennsylvania law (Act 13 of 1997 and Act 14 of 1998) lists specific “Prohibitive Offenses” that may permanently bar you from working in long-term care facilities. These include felony drug convictions, aggravated assault, and certain theft offenses. If you have a criminal record, review the PA Department of Aging’s Prohibitive Offenses guidance before paying for training.
CNA Training Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 80 hours of state-approved training, including at least 37.5 hours of supervised clinical practice, according to the PA Department of Education. All programs must be approved by the PA DOE before you can use them to sit for the certification exam.
In practice, most programs go well beyond that minimum. Here’s what actual PA programs look like:
| Program | Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Philadelphia | 124 hrs | Philadelphia |
| HACC (Harrisburg Area CC) | 120 hrs | Central PA |
| Dauphin County Technical School | 121 hrs | Central PA |
| Health & Technology Training Institute | 152 hrs | Varies |
| PA state minimum | 80 hrs | — |
If you’re working full-time, evening and weekend programs are available at community colleges and vocational schools. These typically take 8 to 12 weeks to complete rather than 4 to 8 weeks.
What Training Covers
CNA training covers patient safety and fall prevention, infection control and standard precautions, vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure), mobility assistance and transfer techniques, nutrition and feeding assistance, communication with patients and care teams, and patient rights. Clinical rotations happen in actual healthcare facilities under direct RN or LPN supervision.
Online vs. In-Person Training
You cannot complete CNA training entirely online in Pennsylvania. The clinical component requires in-person, supervised practice with patients. Some programs offer hybrid formats where the classroom theory portion is delivered online, followed by in-person clinical hours. Be cautious of any program advertising “fully online CNA certification” — Pennsylvania’s nurse aide registry will not accept it.
Find approved CNA programs in Pennsylvania to compare options near you. For guidance on evaluating your choices, see our resource on how to choose the right CNA program.
How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Pennsylvania?
CNA training in Pennsylvania costs $1,000 to $2,500 total, depending on the program and what’s included. Here’s what four PA programs actually charge:
| Program | Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) | 124 hrs | $1,630 |
| Dauphin County Technical School | 121 hrs | $1,650 |
| HACC (Harrisburg Area CC) | 120 hrs | $1,875 |
| Health & Technology Training Institute (HTTI) | 152 hrs | $2,361 |
Those figures cover tuition only. Add uniforms ($30 to $50), background check fees, a drug test, a physical exam and immunizations (often $100+), and the certification exam ($135). Budget $1,500 to $2,600 all-in.
Financial Aid and Free Training Options
Before paying out of pocket, check these three options.
Employer-sponsored training. Some Pennsylvania nursing homes offer paid CNA training in exchange for a work commitment of 6 to 12 months after certification. You train during paid hours and receive a wage while learning. One Pennsylvania CNA in training at a nursing home described the arrangement:
“i’m in cna classes for a nursing home, im making $15 an hour rn during classes but once i’m certified i’ll be making $24 an hour, 2pm to 10pm shift. pennsylvania”
(Reddit user, r/cna)
That arrangement covers your training cost entirely and pays you while you learn.
Federal reimbursement law. Under 42 CFR Section 483.152, nursing homes receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding must reimburse your training and exam costs if they hire you within 12 months of completing certification. This is federal law, not optional. If a facility hires you after you paid your own way through training, they are legally required to reimburse you.
Scholarships. Community College of Philadelphia offers Foundation scholarships for workforce development programs, including CNA training. Other county workforce funds may be available. Browse CNA scholarship opportunities for options beyond institution-specific aid.
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The Pennsylvania CNA Certification Exam
Pennsylvania uses Credentia to administer the CNA certification exam through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). You register directly through Credentia’s PA test-taker page. Credentia is the sole contracted vendor for Pennsylvania.
Written Exam
The written portion includes 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions, for 70 questions total, with a 90-minute time limit. Questions cover physical care skills, psychosocial care skills, and the role of the nurse aide. An oral exam option is available for candidates who need it.
Skills Evaluation
Five skills are randomly selected from the NNAAP skills list and performed in front of an evaluator. You have 25 minutes total. Hand hygiene is always one of the five skills. At least one skill involves taking and recording a measurement.
The skills evaluation is the part most candidates find nerve-wracking. Prepare with our free CNA practice exam to test yourself on the same skill categories Credentia evaluates. The CNA skills test guide covers all evaluated skills in detail. For a full study strategy, see how to study for the CNA exam.
Exam Fees and Retake Policy
| Exam Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full exam (written + skills) | $135 |
| Written portion retest only | $50 |
| Skills evaluation retest only | $85 |
If you fail one part, you retake only the failed portion. Your passing score on the other part stays on record. You can attempt each part up to three times. Three failures on either part means you must re-enroll in a state-approved training program before testing again. Results are available online the same day, typically within a few hours. Full retake details are in the Credentia FAQ.
Getting on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
Once you pass both exam parts, Credentia automatically adds you to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry through the CNA365 platform. You don’t need to file a separate application or contact the PA Department of Health. Your “Active” status means you’re cleared to work as a CNA in Pennsylvania immediately.
You can look up your certification on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry to confirm your active status and provide verification to employers.
Your certification is valid for 24 months and requires you to work at least 8 consecutive paid hours as a nurse aide during that cycle to renew. For the full renewal process and what happens if your certification lapses, see how to renew your Pennsylvania CNA certification.
CNA Salary in Pennsylvania
CNAs in Pennsylvania earn an average of $41,110 per year ($19.76/hr), according to Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 data. That average covers 65,410 employed CNAs across the state.
But the average masks a wide range. CNA pay in Pennsylvania depends on where you work, what shift you take, and how much experience you have.
Pennsylvania CNA Wage Distribution (BLS 2024)
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $15.44 | $32,120 |
| 25th | $17.17 | $35,710 |
| Median | $19.49 | $40,530 |
| 75th | $21.87 | $45,490 |
| 90th | $26.75 | $55,630 |
Source: BLS OES, May 2024 — SOC 31-1131, Nursing Assistants, Pennsylvania
New CNAs typically start near the 10th to 25th percentile range. With 2 to 5 years of experience, CNAs report moving toward the median and above. Agency and travel CNAs consistently report rates at or above the 90th percentile.
The jump from training to certified pay is immediate and significant:
“i’m in cna classes for a nursing home, im making $15 an hour rn during classes but once i’m certified i’ll be making $24 an hour, 2pm to 10pm shift. pennsylvania”
(Reddit user, r/cna)
That $9/hr raise after certification is one of the fastest pay bumps in entry-level healthcare. At the higher end, one Pennsylvania CNA with 14 years in the role reported earning $26/hr (Reddit user, r/cna, Oct 2024).
Salary by Work Setting
Where you work affects your hourly rate as much as experience, especially early in your career.
| Setting | Typical Hourly Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term care / Nursing home | $17 to $22/hr | Most CNA positions in PA |
| Hospital | $18 to $24/hr | Higher base, structured shifts |
| Home health | $16 to $20/hr | Flexible schedule, variable hours |
| Staffing agency | $25 to $35/hr | Highest pay, no benefits |
Hospitals pay more and offer more structured schedules, but competition for positions is stiffer. Home health offers scheduling autonomy but less stability. Agency work represents the pay ceiling, without benefits and with variable assignments.
Shift Differentials and Overtime
Shift differentials are a real earning lever that most salary guides overlook. Pennsylvania CNAs consistently report extra pay for nights and weekends:
“I get paid $19.30 plus 0.75 for working overnight and also an extra $1.00 on the weekends. I work in Pennsylvania.” (Reddit user, r/cna, Jan 2025)
On a weekend overnight, that adds up to $21.05/hr. Over a full schedule of nights and weekends, those differentials contribute $2,000 to $4,000 annually above base pay. Agency CNAs in Pennsylvania report $35/hr (Reddit user, r/cna, Oct 2024) — agency rates come without benefits but represent the realistic ceiling for experienced CNAs who want maximum hourly income.
Pennsylvania’s CNA average is below the national mean for nursing assistants. Many areas of the state have a lower cost of living, which partially offsets the gap. Experienced CNAs who take on nights, weekends, or agency shifts can push well above $25/hr.
Career Advancement from CNA in Pennsylvania
Most CNAs in Pennsylvania who advance follow a clear path: CNA to LPN to RN. The credential gives you clinical exposure and patient care experience that strengthens your application to nursing programs — an advantage classroom-only applicants don’t have.
The CNA-to-LPN-to-RN Pathway
LPN programs in Pennsylvania typically run 12 to 18 months. Many programs give preference to applicants with CNA work experience. The pay jump from CNA to LPN is substantial, as one Pennsylvania CNA described:
“Just passed my TEAS test for LPN program. Cutting my hours so I can attend. There is a job offer at my same facility for LPN $80k per year!! On indeed. So I definitely think OP saying a nursing degree would be useless is not true.”
(Reddit user, r/cna, Mar 2025)
That’s a jump from roughly $41,000 (BLS CNA mean) to $80,000 without leaving the same facility. Many Pennsylvania employers actively recruit their own CNA staff for LPN positions and offer tuition assistance to support the transition.
Specialized roles within the CNA scope also exist. Patient Care Technician (PCT) positions in hospitals typically pay $1 to $3/hr more than standard CNA roles and include additional responsibilities such as phlebotomy or EKG monitoring. Some Pennsylvania facilities use medication aide designations for experienced CNAs under appropriate supervision. The CNA credential is most valuable when you treat it as year one of a longer healthcare career, not the finish line.
For a broader look at CNA career paths and the Pennsylvania job market specifically, see why become a CNA in Pennsylvania.
Working Conditions for CNAs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania implemented new nursing facility staffing regulations effective July 1, 2024, establishing minimum staffing requirements for skilled nursing facilities for the first time in more than 20 years, according to the PA Department of Health. Before these rules, Pennsylvania had no mandated CNA-to-patient ratios, which left many facilities operating with understaffed shifts.
The reality on the ground is direct: “Pennsylvania. I also work like crazy because my facility is so short staffed. That’s about to change whether they like it or not though.” (Reddit user, r/cna, Mar 2025, 8 upvotes)
Those regulations set minimum staffing standards that directly affect workload and job satisfaction. The staffing shortage also means strong job security and frequent overtime opportunities for CNAs who want more hours. Pennsylvania CNAs work all shifts — days, evenings, nights, and weekends. The workload is real, but Pennsylvania’s new regulations represent a structural shift that didn’t exist before July 2024.
For national context on CNA-to-patient ratios and how Pennsylvania compares to other states, the staffing regulations resource has a full breakdown.
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