How to Become a CNA in Utah

To become a CNA in Utah, you need to complete at least 100 hours of training at a UNAR-approved program, pass a two-part certification exam administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and get listed on the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. Most people finish the entire process in 6 to 12 weeks.

This guide covers every step: CNA training and certification requirements, program options and real costs, the exam breakdown, and what happens after you pass. Not sure what the day-to-day work involves? Start with our overview of what a certified nursing assistant does before diving in.

Utah CNA Certification Requirements at a Glance

“just wanted to say i’ve officially passed all the tests and i am a registered cna”

(671 upvotes — Reddit user, r/cna)

Becoming a CNA in Utah is achievable, and thousands of people complete the process every year. Here is what Utah requires.

Requirement	Details
Minimum training hours	100 hours (at least 24 supervised clinical hours in long-term care)
Minimum age	16 years old
Program type	UNAR-approved NATCEP (Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program)
Exam	Two parts: written knowledge + manual skills, administered by D&SDT-Headmaster
Exam cost	$110 total ($55 per portion)
Training cost	$475-$1,930 tuition (total out-of-pocket: $550-$2,500)
Time to certification	6-12 weeks
Governing body	Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR)

For Utah CNA classes and the full list of approved programs, see UNAR’s program directory. The steps below explain each requirement in detail.

Step 1 — Complete a UNAR-Approved Training Program

CNA classes are available across Utah in several formats. With 30+ approved programs statewide, the first step is understanding what training actually involves, then matching the format and cost to your situation.

What UNAR-Approved Training Includes

Utah requires a minimum of 100 hours of training through a UNAR-approved NATCEP (Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program). At least 24 of those hours must be supervised clinical practice in a long-term care facility, under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. All classroom skill curriculum must be completed before you begin clinical training.

You must be at least 16 years old to enroll. Programs are not permitted to substitute volunteer hours or unsupervised work experience for the required clinical hours. The 100-hour minimum is set by UNAR, which exceeds the federal floor of 75 hours.

Program Format Options

Utah does not approve fully online CNA programs. UNAR requires at least 24 hours of in-person clinical training, which no online-only program can satisfy. If you have been searching for online CNA classes in Utah, hybrid programs are the closest option: you complete classroom content online and schedule clinical hours at a partner facility.

Three formats are available:

Format	Program	Tuition	Details
Hybrid	Utah CNA Training Centers	$575	30 days online coursework + 51 hours in-person lab and clinical. Locations in Murray, Orem, Clearfield, and Logan.
Traditional in-person	ccCNA Program	~$550	Fully in-person schedule, multiple locations across Utah.
Traditional in-person	Orchard CNA Training Program	~$475	In-person, Salt Lake area. One of the lowest-cost options in the state.
College credit	Utah Tech University	$1,930 (resident)	Awards college credit applicable toward nursing degrees. St. George campus. Utah Tech requires CNA certification for BSN admission.

Not sure how to evaluate these options? Our guide on how to choose a CNA program walks through the evaluation criteria in detail. These four programs represent the range, but 30+ UNAR-approved programs exist statewide. See the full UNAR approved training program directory to find options near you.

Financial Aid and Free Training Options

Medicare and Medicaid-certified facilities are required by federal law to reimburse your training and testing costs if you are hired within 120 days of completing your program. This is the most direct path to free CNA training in Utah. How it works: you pay for training upfront, complete the program, get hired at a qualifying nursing home or facility, and receive reimbursement for tuition and exam fees. Many facilities actively recruit from training programs and make this offer during the hiring process.

Two additional paths can reduce your costs:

1. Utah Division of Workforce Services — If you are unemployed, underemployed, or changing careers, the Division of Workforce Services may provide financial assistance for approved training programs. Contact your local Workforce Services office to check eligibility and current funding availability.
2. Program-specific scholarships — Some programs offer their own scholarships. Contact programs directly to ask.

High school students (16+) may access free or reduced-cost CNA training through concurrent enrollment programs at participating school districts. Utah Tech, for example, has pathways for high school students pursuing early career healthcare credentials.

For a full breakdown of what training costs in Utah, including exam fees and supplies, see the cost section below.

Step 2 — Pass the Utah State CNA Exam

The CNA exam is the step most people worry about, and that anxiety is normal. As one CNA student put it after learning about their exam timeline: “I’m so relieved I have 100 years to take my CNA exam!” (617 upvotes — Reddit user, r/cna) In Utah, you have three attempts within one year of completing your NATCEP to pass both portions. Here is exactly what each portion involves.

Written Knowledge Exam

The written exam is 75 multiple-choice questions. You have 90 minutes to complete it. The passing score is 75%, which means you need to answer 57 or more questions correctly out of 75.

The exam covers material from your NATCEP curriculum: infection control, safety, patient rights, basic nursing skills, communication, and activities of daily living. Prepare with our free CNA practice exam to get familiar with the question format. For study strategies, see our guide on how to study for the CNA exam.

Manual Skills Exam

You will perform 7 skills during the manual skills exam: 5 randomly selected from the NATCEP curriculum, plus 2 mandatory skills (handwashing and vital signs measurement). The exam runs 45 minutes.

Scoring is strict. You must score 75% or higher on each individual skill. You must also complete 100% of all critical steps — missing any critical step on any skill is an automatic fail for that skill, even if you complete everything else correctly. Critical steps include actions like checking patient identification before a procedure or maintaining proper infection control technique throughout.

Wear clean scrubs and closed-toe shoes. Tie your hair back and remove dangling jewelry. The dress code is enforced: arriving out of dress code can affect your ability to test. Review our CNA skills test guide for step-by-step breakdowns of each skill you may be tested on. Our CNA skills test series covers each testable skill with video-style walkthroughs.

Scheduling, Fees, and Retake Rules

• Cost: $55 per portion, $110 total per attempt
• Separate dates: You can take the written and skills portions on different days
• Schedule through: D&SDT-Headmaster — register online or call (855) 355-2800 to book your written and skills exam dates. Your instructor must first complete your record in the TMU (TestMaster Universe) system after you finish your 100 hours; watch your email for a registration notification before attempting to schedule. Before testing, download the Utah CNA Candidate Handbook for exact scoring criteria and skill checklists. (See our full list of CNA exam vendors by state for comparison.)
• Attempts: 3 within 1 year of completing your NATCEP
• After 3 failures: You must complete a new NATCEP before retesting

If you do not pass on your first try, read our guide on retaking the CNA exam for preparation strategies.

Step 3 — Get Listed on the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry

After you pass both exam portions, you are automatically listed on the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry through UNAR’s TMU (TestMaster Universe) system. You do not file a separate application. The registry listing happens as part of the exam completion process.

A background check and abuse registry screening are part of the Utah CNA certification process. Here is what to expect:

• When: During your training program, typically in the first week — not after you pass the exam.
• What it covers: Criminal history (through Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification), federal abuse/neglect registry, and sex offender registry screening. UNAR screens for abuse and neglect findings when listing you on the registry.
• Cost: Approximately $30-$45 for background check and fingerprinting (see cost breakdown below).
• Drug screening: Some clinical sites require a separate drug screen ($30-$50). Your program will tell you if this applies.
• Criminal history: A record does not automatically disqualify you. UNAR evaluates offenses case-by-case — abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults typically results in denial; other offenses are reviewed individually. If you have any criminal history, contact the Utah Department of Health and Human Services before enrolling to request a preliminary eligibility determination.

Your employer can verify your certification status anytime through the UNAR portal. Employers use the same system, so your credentials are visible to any facility looking to hire you.

Your certification is valid for two years from your listing date. See the renewal section below for what you need to keep it active.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Utah?

"If I could afford to stay a CNA, I would" (Reddit user, r/cna) -- that tension between wanting to do this work and the financial reality of CNA pay is something worth acknowledging upfront. Understanding the full cost picture before you start, from tuition to exam fees to supplies, helps you plan without surprises. Here is what CNA training actually costs in Utah.

Program Tuition Comparison

Four programs cover the range of what you will pay in Utah:

Program	Tuition	Format	Location
Orchard CNA Training Program	~$475	In-person	Salt Lake area
ccCNA Program	~$550	In-person/Hybrid	Multiple locations
Utah CNA Training Centers	$575	Hybrid (30 days online + 51 hrs in-person)	Murray, Orem, Clearfield, Logan
Utah Tech University	$1,930 (resident)	College credit	St. George

Costs verified as of April 2026. Contact programs directly for current pricing.

Private training programs cluster in the $475-$575 range and offer the fastest path to certification. Utah Tech at $1,930 earns college credit that counts toward a nursing degree, which makes it the right choice if you plan to pursue nursing and want to start building credits now.

Additional Costs Beyond Tuition

Tuition is not the full picture. Here is what you will pay on top of it:

Item	Cost
Exam -- written portion	$55
Exam -- skills portion	$55
Exam -- total per attempt	$110
Textbook	~$40
Blood pressure cuff + stethoscope	~$40
Scrubs	$20-$40
Background check + fingerprinting	$30-$45
Drug screen (if required by clinical site)	$30-$50

Total out-of-pocket: $550-$2,500, depending on program choice. The low end is realistic at Orchard ($475 tuition + $110 exam + minimal supplies). The high end reflects Utah Tech tuition ($1,930) plus supplies and fees.

No competitor aggregates these numbers. Most program websites show only tuition. UNAR lists exam fees but not supplies or background check costs. This total is the number you actually need to budget.

If $550-$2,500 feels steep, the financial aid options in the training section above can help. The employer reimbursement path is real money back.

CNA Training Programs in Utah

With 30+ approved programs across the state, finding the right fit is a matter of matching your location, schedule, and format preference.

Programs by Region

Utah CNA training programs are concentrated in five metro areas:

• Salt Lake City metro (Salt Lake County): The largest concentration of programs, including Orchard CNA Training Program and ccCNA locations. Multiple schedule options including evenings and weekends.
• Provo/Orem (Utah County): Strong options including Mountainland Technical College and Utah CNA Training Centers (Orem location).
• Ogden/Clearfield (Weber/Davis County): UBTECH and Utah CNA Training Centers (Clearfield location) serve this corridor.
• Logan (Cache County): Bridgerland Technical College and Utah CNA Training Centers (Logan location) serve northern Utah.
• St. George (Washington County): Utah Tech University is the primary option, along with other southern Utah programs.

Programs outside these hubs exist -- check the UNAR directory for rural and smaller-city options.

How to Find UNAR-Approved Programs

The UNAR approved training program directory lets you filter by city. Use it as your starting point.

When evaluating programs, compare these five factors:

1. Cost -- Does the tuition fit your budget? Does the program offer payment plans?
2. Format -- Hybrid, in-person, or college credit? Match the format to your schedule.
3. Location and commute -- Clinical hours are in-person regardless of format. How far is the clinical site?
4. Schedule -- Weekday, evening, or weekend options? How does it fit your current job or family schedule?
5. Clinical placement -- Does the program arrange your clinical placement, or do you need to find a facility yourself?

Only attend a UNAR-approved program. Training from unapproved programs will not qualify you for the state exam, and there is no partial credit for non-approved hours.

How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA in Utah?

Becoming a CNA in Utah takes 6 to 12 weeks from enrollment to registry listing for most people. Here is how the timeline breaks down:

1. Training: 4-8 weeks. Hybrid programs (Utah CNA Training Centers) complete in approximately 30 days. Traditional in-person programs run 4-6 weeks. College credit programs at Utah Tech run a full semester.
2. Exam scheduling and testing: 2-4 weeks. After completing your NATCEP, you schedule your written and skills exams through D&SDT-Headmaster. Availability at testing centers varies.
3. Registry listing: Automatic. After passing both exam portions, UNAR adds you to the registry through the TMU system. No additional wait.

The fastest realistic path is 6 weeks, using a hybrid program and scheduling your exams quickly after completion. Most students finish in 8 to 10 weeks. Factors that extend the timeline: choosing a longer program format, exam scheduling delays during busy periods, and background check processing time (which happens during training, not after).

CNA Reciprocity in Utah

You cannot work as a CNA in Utah using an out-of-state certificate. You must apply for reciprocity through UNAR before working in Utah. This applies to CNAs relocating from any state, including neighboring Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, and Arizona.

To apply for reciprocity, submit the following to UNAR:

• Completed reciprocity application
• Valid photo ID
• Social Security card
• Current, valid CNA certificate from your previous state (must be active and in good standing)

Application fee: $50.

Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, you are added to the UNAR registry and can begin working in Utah.

One important exception: if your out-of-state CNA certification has expired, reciprocity is not available. You must complete a full Utah NATCEP (100 hours, including 24 clinical hours) and pass both portions of the Utah state exam. There is no shortcut for an expired certificate, regardless of how long you worked as a CNA in your previous state.

Submit your reciprocity application through the UNAR portal -- navigate to the reciprocity section or search "reciprocity" on the site. Your previous state's registry must send verification of your certification directly to UNAR; you cannot submit this yourself. If UNAR does not have a dedicated reciprocity URL, call them directly for the form and confirm whether online or mail submission is accepted. You cannot work as a CNA in Utah until your name appears on the UNAR registry.

CNA Renewal in Utah

Utah CNA certification renews every two years. The requirement to renew is straightforward: you must have worked at least 200 hours of paid nursing services within the 24 months before your certification expires.

Important: volunteer hours do not count. The 200 hours must be paid employment providing nursing services.

What happens depending on when you renew:

Status	What Happens	Cost
On time (before expiration)	Renew through UNAR	$20
1 day to 6 months late	Renew with late fee	$40
6 to 24 months expired	Must retest both exam portions (written + skills)	Exam fees ($110) + $40 renewal fee
24+ months expired	Must complete a new NATCEP training program and retest	Full training cost + exam fees + $40

Good news: Utah does NOT require continuing education for CNA renewal. You do not need to complete any CE credits between certification cycles. As long as you have your 200 paid hours logged and you renew on time, the process costs $20 and takes minimal effort.

The $20 standard renewal fee is among the lowest in the country. The penalty tiers, however, escalate quickly. Letting your certification lapse past 24 months means starting the full training process over.

Submit your renewal through the UNAR portal.

Career Outlook for CNAs in Utah

CNA work is demanding, and it is honest to acknowledge that not everyone stays in the role long-term. One post that resonated with thousands of CNAs simply asked:

"I wonder how many CNAs quit after this 😮‍💨"

(3,701 upvotes -- Reddit user, r/cna)

That question deserves a real answer. In Utah, the data shows steady demand for CNAs, but demand alone does not make a career sustainable. Here is what the numbers actually look like.

Salary Overview

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs in Utah earned a mean annual salary of $33,380 per year ($17.10 per hour) as of May 2023. The BLS figure reflects verified employer-reported wages; job-posting sites tend to skew higher because they capture listed rates rather than actual paid wages. More recent job-posting estimates from ZipRecruiter, Nursa, and Indeed show current averages of $18.07 to $18.33 per hour ($37,994 to $38,130 per year).

Utah CNA pay trails the national average of $36,220 (BLS). At $18/hr full-time (40 hours/week), that is roughly $2,880 per month before taxes. Salt Lake City and St. George show slightly higher average hourly rates than the state overall.

For a detailed breakdown by city, facility type, and shift differentials, see our CNA Salary in Utah guide.

Work Settings and Advancement

CNAs in Utah work across four main settings: long-term care facilities (nursing homes), hospitals, home health agencies, and clinics. Hospital positions and agency/travel CNA roles typically pay more than nursing home positions, though the hours and demands differ.

Many CNAs in Utah use certification as the first step toward a nursing career. One nurse reflected on a decade of progression: "My nursing journey in 10 years." (1,650 upvotes -- Reddit user, r/nursing) That 10-year arc is one path, and it starts with the same certification process described in this guide. Several Utah nursing programs actively recruit CNAs, and Utah Tech University specifically requires CNA certification for BSN admission, which means the hours you put in now count toward your next credential.

The CNA-to-LPN-to-RN pathway is the most common progression. LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months after CNA certification. RN programs (ADN or BSN) take 2 to 4 years. Each step brings a substantial pay increase.

If you end up in a facility that does not respect your time or your work, you have options. One CNA's post resonated with thousands:

"Finally quit my toxic job"

(2,489 upvotes -- Reddit user, r/cna)

With active CNA certification in Utah, you are not locked into any single employer. Utah's healthcare facilities are actively hiring, and your certification transfers across every setting: hospitals, long-term care, home health, clinics. The right environment exists; you may need to look for it.