CNA Classes in California

Before enrolling in a CNA program in California, you must satisfy several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old with proper documentation
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Physical examination confirming ability to perform essential job functions
  • Negative tuberculosis (TB) test
  • Up-to-date immunizations
  • Drug and alcohol screening at some facilities
• Must obtain CPR certification before beginning clinical training

Foreign-trained applicants may need to provide translated diplomas and demonstrate English proficiency. Certain criminal convictions might disqualify candidates from certification, particularly those involving patient abuse or violent offenses.

California maintains the most rigorous CNA training standards in the nation to ensure quality patient care:

• Total of 150 training hours required (highest in the country):
  • 50 hours of classroom instruction
  • 100 hours of supervised clinical training
• Special training requirements include:
  • 6 dedicated hours for managing patients with mental health disorders
  • Training in dementia care, Alzheimer’s, and cerebral palsy
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Professional communication
  • Basic anatomy and physiology
  • Infection control practices
  • Personal care techniques
  • Emergency procedures
  • Patient rights and dignity

Most programs take between 6 and 15 weeks to complete, with some accelerated 4-week options available. While theoretical portions may be available in hybrid formats, all clinical hours must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities.

Finding an approved CNA training program is essential for your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Vocational schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Adult education centers

To verify a program’s approval status, check the CDPH-approved training program directory on their website.

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition (ranging from $500-$1,500)
• Textbooks and study materials
• Background check fees
• Uniform costs ($50-$100)
• Medical requirements like TB tests ($25-$50)

Financial assistance options include:

• California Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
• Federal Pell Grants for students attending accredited colleges
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs
• Free training through work agreements with healthcare facilities

Payment plans offered by some training providers

After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination administered by Pearson VUE:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written test: 70 multiple-choice questions (in English)
  • Oral option: Alternative format with 60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions (available for ESL candidates)
  • Skills evaluation: Performance of 5 randomly selected nursing skills within 25 minutes
• Exam fees:
  • Written exam with skills evaluation: $90
  • Oral exam with skills evaluation: $105
  • Re-examination fees: $35 for written, $50 for oral, $55 for skills evaluation
• You must complete and pass both exam components within 2 years of finishing your training

On exam day, bring government-issued photo identification and wear appropriate attire (many testing centers require scrubs). Automatic failure can occur if you omit critical safety steps like proper hand hygiene during the skills evaluation.

The final step is registering with the California Department of Public Health Nurse Aide Registry:

• Submit form CDPH 283 B to the California Department of Public Health, including:
  • Completed application signed by the supervising registered nurse
  • Livescan fingerprint results for background check
  • Documentation of training completion
• After passing your exam, your information is submitted to the registry
• Most new CNAs appear in the system within 2-3 weeks of passing their exam
• You can verify your listing by contacting the CDPH Certification Unit

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) manages the state’s Certified Nurse Assistant Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in California.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/CNA.aspx
• Phone: (916) 327-2445
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse assistants

To check your certification status, visit the CDPH Verification Search portal: https://cvl.cdph.ca.gov/SearchPage.aspx

Maintaining your CNA certification in California requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours in a 24-month period under RN supervision
• Continuing education: 48 hours of in-service or continuing education within the 2-year certification period
• Renewal process:
  • Submit renewal application form CDPH 283 C
  • Provide proof of required continuing education hours
  • Include verification of employment
  • Pay the renewal fee ($30)
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation program or retake the CNA exam

For renewal forms and detailed instructions, visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/How-to-Complete-Your-Renewal-Application.aspx

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in California, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the California Initial Application (CDPH 283 B)
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
  • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 2 years
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Fingerprint clearance through LiveScan
  • Pay the application fee ($30)
• Mail your application and documents to the California CNA Program

Allow 4-6 weeks for processing. California may require additional training if your original program doesn’t meet state standards.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/How-to-Complete-Your-Reciprocity-Application-Package.aspx

California requires 48 hours of continuing education for CNA renewal. Here are resources to help you meet these requirements:

Education Providers:

• California Community College System
  • Website: https://www.cccco.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF)
  • Website: https://www.cahf.org/Education-Events
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs