State terminology: Certified nurse assistant (CNA). CDPH nurse assistant form ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
California at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | California Department of Public Health, Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Agency confirmation needed · checked November 6, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See California CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in California?
Approved training requires at least 160 hours: 60 theory and 100 supervised clinical.[4] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- Initial applicants must be at least 16 and obtain criminal record clearance.[1]
- CDPH currently lists Headmaster, Credentia and Regional Testing Center.[2]
Where can you find training programs?
CA approved training-program directory ↗[3] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What are the steps?
Enroll and apply
Choose a CDPH-approved program; submit the initial application and Live Scan documentation when enrolling.[1]
Complete training and evaluation
Follow the program instructions for competency evaluation; consult the current CDPH vendor list.[1] [2]
Confirm certification
Resolve application deficiencies and check CDPH certification after the evaluation results arrive.[1]
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm current attempt limits, exam prices and appointment availability with the provider.
- Program costs, admissions and schedules vary. Confirm them directly with the school.
- A same-day online application-processing statement is not a same-day certification promise.
Where did this information come from?
- CDPH How to Complete Your Initial Application ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Requirements and Steps 1-5: age, program, criminal record clearance, application/Live Scan, competency evaluation and certification.
- CDPH CNA Testing Vendors ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Vendor entries for D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster, Credentia Nurse Aide LLC, and Regional Testing Center.
- CDPH Certified Nurse Assistant Training Programs ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Current approved-program table; school/facility entries are a directory, not an enrollment guarantee.
- CDPH Nurse Assistant Training Program Applicants ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Nurse Assistant Certification Training Program Application (CDPH 276S/276F); minimum training hours; 22 CCR 71835(n).
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to California?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: California Department of Public Health, Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section. Sources checked November 6, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state CNA reciprocity — Active good-standing out-of-state CNA
Key requirement: If your CNA certificate is active and in good standing in another state, you may be able to get certified in California without retaking training or the exam. CDPH reviews each application.
What are the first steps for Out-of-state CNA reciprocity?
Complete CDPH 283E
Fill out the Certified Nurse Assistant Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (CDPH 283E).
Complete fingerprints
In California: get fingerprinted at a Live Scan site and send a copy of form BCIA 8016. Outside California: send two FD-258 fingerprint cards to CDPH with a $32 check or money order payable to the Department of Justice.
Assemble credential and work proof
Gather your current certificate or a screenshot of your active registry record. Confirm whether CDPH also needs form CDPH 931 and whether you qualify for the work-proof exception before mailing your package.
What exceptions apply?
- Work-proof exemption — You may not need proof of work if your out-of-state certificate is less than two years old. CDPH's web page says the certificate must be "issued within the last two years," while its application form says "initial certification" within the last two years. If your certificate was renewed or reissued, ask CDPH which date counts.
- Staffing-agency pay — If a staffing agency paid you but you worked in a facility, send a letter from the facility confirming your supervised work. CDPH says staffing agencies don't qualify on their own.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm whether CDPH requires form CDPH 931 and which certification date it uses for the work-proof exception.
- No total processing time or full application/fingerprinting cost verified.
What will the California planner ask?
- Is your current nurse aide credential active? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Where are you currently located? (In California, Outside California, I’m not sure)
- Was your out-of-state certificate issued within the last two years? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in California? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in California?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Every two years. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least one day of paid nursing or nursing-related work in a health care facility, under a licensed health professional's supervision, during your certification period. |
| CE or in-service | 48 hours of in-service training or CEUs every two years, including at least 12 hours each year. Up to 24 hours may be online. |
| Renewal window | You can submit a complete renewal package up to six months before your certificate expires. If you met the requirements by the expiration date, you can still renew within two years after it expires. Until then, your certificate is in delinquent status and can't be verified online. |
| If the credential lapses | If you didn't meet the renewal requirements, ask CDPH to approve reactivation by competency evaluation. You must pass the exam within two years after your certificate expired. If it expired more than two years ago, ask CDPH which route applies. |
California CNA certification renews every two years. To renew, you need at least one day of paid, supervised nursing or nursing-related work during your certification period, 48 hours of in-service training or CEUs (at least 12 each year, up to 24 online through CDPH-approved providers), and continued criminal record clearance. You can apply up to six months early. If you met the requirements by your expiration date, you can renew within two years after it; until then, your certificate is delinquent and can't be verified online. If you didn't meet them, CDPH may approve reactivation, and you must pass the competency exam within two years after expiration.
Source: CDPH: How to Complete Your Renewal Application ↗ CDPH: CNA work requirement FAQ ↗ CDPH 283C: CNA and/or HHA Renewal Application, July 2024 ↗ CDPH Helpful Tips & Advice for a Successful CNA & HHA Renewal Application ↗
Open the official California registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state