CNA Resources

Training & preparation

CNA Training & Exam Preparation

Find CNA training directories, check state approval for a program, and locate your state’s testing handbook and preparation resources.

Page reviewed November 5, 2026.

Start with the state agency’s current approved-program directory and testing instructions. Confirm approval directly before enrolling or paying.

What should you ask a program?

  • Is this exact program and location currently approved?
  • What classroom, lab and clinical attendance does it require?
  • What is the full cost, including testing, supplies and refunds?
  • Who schedules testing and which handbook applies?
  • What are the completion and retake policies?

How should you compare costs and funding?

Ask for total tuition, lab and clinical fees, exam fees, supplies, refund terms and payment plans. Check whether your state workforce agency or the program offers funding; eligibility varies. Do not treat advertised tuition as the full cost.

Common CNA training questions

  • Is online training accepted? Check the state’s approved-program rules; do not assume.
  • Can I transfer a CNA certificate? It depends on the destination; use the transfer planner.
  • How much does training cost? Ask the program for the full cost and refund terms before enrolling.

Where should you start?

Find your state resource hub and read the current agency instructions. A transfer applicant may need a different pathway from a first-time student.

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What does “state-approved” mean?

A program is state-approved when the state agency responsible for CNA training approves it as meeting state requirements. State approval is separate from national accreditation, decisions about transfer credit and approval of your individual application. Ask the state agency to confirm the exact campus, current approval status and effective date.

Directory sources differ. Some are CNA-agency approval lists; others are testing-contractor, workforce or college listings. Each page identifies its source and coverage limits. A listing on this site is not proof of current state CNA approval. Match the exact program and campus with the state agency before enrolling.

For renewal and continuing-education requirements, use the CNA renewal guide and your state hub.

You may see two similar abbreviations while looking for training. NATCEP means Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program: the federal framework for training and testing nurse aides in nursing homes. NNAAP means National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, a testing program used by some states. Follow your state’s handbook and program directory for the terms and steps that apply to you. The CNA glossary also explains TMU, OBRA, reciprocity and state-specific titles.

How should you verify a program?

  1. Open the state agency’s current program directory.
  2. Match the legal program name and the exact training location.
  3. Ask the program for its current approval letter or listing.
  4. Confirm the total hours, clinical placement, testing provider and refund policy in writing.

Training costs and funding

Tuition is only one part of the cost. Compare tuition, lab and clinical fees, exam fees, background checks, supplies, transportation and retake costs. Read the refund terms before you enroll.

Read the training costs & funding guide →

State training-program directories

All 50 states and DC (51 jurisdictions) have a reviewed program directory: 45 full and 6 partial. A partial directory reproduces the official source that was available at review and states its limits; it is not a claim that the list is complete or that every program is approved by the state CNA agency.

Each directory identifies the agency, contractor or college source used. “Full” means the selected source has been reproduced; it does not necessarily include every approved program in the state. Read the source note before using the list.

Coverage limits

Directories marked partial have gaps in coverage or approval verification. A workforce listing or a college’s own program page does not establish CNA-agency approval. Read the source notes and confirmation items in every directory, including those marked full.

Find training guidance for your state

Each state hub includes training information, testing links and a program directory with its source identified. Some training sections are still incomplete, so check the source notes and items that need confirmation before choosing a program.