California CNA Certification Guide
Step-by-step guide to becoming a California Certified Nursing Assistant in 2026 — 160 hours training, $140 exam, D&S Diversified testing, mandatory background check.
Complete an accredited 160-hour CNA training program (60h classroom + 100h clinical) per HSC §1276.5, pass a Live Scan background check, then take your CDPH-approved vendor's written exam and skills demonstration (CDPH publishes neither the length nor the cut score, and the vendors differ). Total cost ~$700-$2,000. Apply at CDPH after passing.
Exam facts
| Administering body | California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Healthcare Workforce Branch — exam delivered by three CDPH-approved testing vendors: D&SDT-Headmaster LLP, Credentia Nurse Aide LLC, and the Regional Testing Center Source: CDPH — CNA Testing Vendors |
|---|---|
| Questions | Not published by CDPH What we read and found nothing in: CDPH — CNA Testing Vendors |
| Time limit | Not published by CDPH What we read and found nothing in: CDPH — CNA Testing Vendors |
| Passing score | Not published by CDPH What we read and found nothing in: CDPH — CNA Testing Vendors |
| Fees | Not published by CDPH What we read and found nothing in: CDPH — CNA Testing Vendors |
| Languages offered | Not published by CDPH What we read and found nothing in: CDPH — CNA Testing Vendors |
Steps to get your CNA certification
Complete a state-approved 160-hour CNA training program
California requires 160 hours per HSC §1276.5 (60 classroom + 100 supervised clinical) — exceeds federal 75-hour minimum. Programs run at community colleges, ROP, vocational schools, and some long-term care facilities (free if hired). Typical cost: $600-$2,000.
Submit Live Scan fingerprinting + criminal background check
CDPH requires DOJ + FBI background check via Live Scan ($49 + site fee, typically $69-$124 total). Certain felony convictions disqualify; some can be appealed via exemption request to CDPH.
Pass your vendor's knowledge exam
A multiple-choice written test whose length and cut score depend on which CDPH-approved vendor you sit: D&SDT-Headmaster gives 75 questions in 60 minutes, Credentia gives 70 questions and publishes no cut score at all. CDPH publishes neither. Available in English and Spanish. PrepPass offers 200 free practice questions in 4 languages (English, 中文, Español, Tiếng Việt).
Pass the 5-skill demonstration
Performed in front of a state-approved evaluator. Skills are randomly selected from the 24 mandatory CNA skills (handwashing, vital signs, transfers, peri care, etc.). One re-test allowed if you fail.
Apply to CDPH for certification (free if you pass)
After passing both exam components, your training program submits results to CDPH. You get your CNA number and can verify status on the CDPH Nurse Aide Registry. Active certification = legally able to work.
Renew every 2 years with 24 hours of continuing education
HSC §1337.3 requires 24 hours of in-service continuing education every 2 years. Employer typically tracks this. Stay current to keep your certification active.
Important contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a California CNA certification?+
Anyone working as a Certified Nurse Assistant in a California skilled nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or long-term care setting must be certified by CDPH and listed on the California Nurse Aide Registry.
How much does it cost to become a CNA in California?+
Total cost is typically $800-$2,300: training $600-$2,000 (many community colleges and ROPs offer subsidized programs), CNA exam $140 ($40 knowledge + $100 skills), and Live Scan $49-$124.
How long is the California CNA certification valid?+
2 years from the date of issue. To renew you must work at least 8 hours for pay performing nursing-related services and complete 48 hours of continuing education (24 hours per year) per HSC §1337.3.
What's the passing score for the California CNA exam?+
CDPH publishes no passing score, and the approved vendors differ — one publishes a numeric cut score for its knowledge exam and the other publishes none at all for its written or oral examination. Each vendor's own figure, with the handbook it comes from, is in the exam-facts table above. Both vendors also require satisfactory performance on all 5 randomly selected skills in the clinical portion.
Can I take the California CNA exam in a language other than English?+
Yes — the written knowledge exam is available in English and Spanish; an oral exam is also offered for candidates who need it. The skills portion is conducted in English with an evaluator.
How long does CDPH take to process my CNA application?+
Typically 6-10 weeks after CDPH receives your complete application (CDPH 283-B), Live Scan results, and exam results. Processing can be longer if there are background check issues.
Does California exceed federal CNA training requirements?+
Yes. Federal law (42 CFR §483) requires a minimum of 75 hours of training. California requires 160 hours (60 classroom + 100 clinical) per HSC §1276.5 — more than double the federal minimum.
Last updated: November 2026
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