CNA Classes in Georgia

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Georgia, you must meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED is NOT required (making this career accessible to many)
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must complete a negative drug screening
• Must be a US citizen
• Must be able to read, write, and understand English
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Negative PPD (tuberculosis) test or chest X-ray
  • Physical examination confirming ability to perform essential job functions

You’ll need to provide a valid government-issued ID and Social Security card for identification purposes. Unlike many other healthcare roles, Georgia’s CNA path doesn’t require previous education credentials, making it an excellent entry point into healthcare.

Georgia has specific requirements for CNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:

• Total of 85 training hours required, consisting of:
  • 61 hours of classroom instruction
  • 24 hours of supervised clinical training in a nursing home setting
• Before any direct patient contact, students must complete 16 hours of training in six mandatory subjects:
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Infection control
  • Safety/emergency procedures/FBAO/Body Mechanics
  • Promoting residents’ independence
  • Respecting residents’ rights
  • Legal/ethical behavior and scope of practice

Most programs take between 4 weeks and 1 year to complete, with accelerated options available for those who need to enter the workforce quickly. 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 an essential step in your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Technical schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Specialized training centers like Georgia Training Center

To verify a program’s approval status, check the Georgia Department of Community Health website for their directory of approved training programs.

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition (around $1,000 for many programs)
• Textbook/Ebook and workbook
• TB skin test
• Background check
• Drug screen
• Liability insurance
• CPR/First Aid training
• Medical supplies

Additional expenses you should budget for include:

• Physical exam costs
• Uniform expenses
• State testing fees

Many programs offer payment plans to help make training more affordable, with some requiring a deposit (such as $400) to secure your spot.

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

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written test: 70 multiple-choice questions
  • Clinical skills evaluation: Demonstration of 5 randomly selected skills from a possible 23 skills
  • Both sections are typically administered on the same day
• Testing options include:
  • Written exam in English
  • Oral exam available in English or Spanish
• Exam fees:
  • $112 for Written & Clinical Skills Evaluation
  • $112 for Oral & Clinical Skills Evaluation
  • $27 for Written/Oral Exam re-test
  • $85 for Clinical Skills Evaluation re-test
• You must take the exam within 1 year of completing your training program
• You’re allowed three attempts to pass each exam portion

On exam day, bring:

• Government-issued photo identification
• Social Security Card
• Non-skid, closed-toe shoes
• Three No. 2 pencils and eraser
• Watch with second hand
• Scrub-like clothes

Exam results are available online 24 hours after testing, allowing you to quickly know your certification status.

The final step is being listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry:

• The registry is operated by Alliant Health Solutions under contract with the Georgia Department of Community Health
• After passing your exam, you are automatically enrolled in the registry
• Employers can verify your certification status at www.mmis.georgia.gov

The Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, managed by Alliant Health Solutions on behalf of the Georgia Department of Community Health, is your primary resource for certification matters in the state.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/portal/PubAccess.Nurse%20Aide/tabId/44/Default.aspx 
• Phone: (800) 414-4358
• 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 aides

To check your certification status, visit the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/portal/PubAccess.Nurse%20Aide/tabId/44/Default.aspx

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

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a paid nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Your employer must submit verification of employment through the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
  • No renewal fee required
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal information and verification forms, visit: https://nurseaide.allianthealth.org/

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

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card
• Mail your application and documents to the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry

Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. Georgia does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/portal/ResourceProxy.aspx?iCProxyTo=MS1OQVBTZWxmU2VydmUuYXNweD9pZD0wJmZvcm1pZD0xMA==

While Georgia doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• Technical College System of Georgia
  • Website: https://tcsg.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Georgia Health Care Association
  • Website: https://www.ghca.info/foundation 
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Georgia Nurses Association
  • Website: https://georgianurses.nursingnetwork.com/ 
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Georgia
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/georgia.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses