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How Old Do You Have to Be to Become a CNA?
There is no federal minimum age, and most states don’t set one either. Here is what the rules actually say, and what to expect from programs and employers.
By the CaregiverCert team · Updated October 24, 2026 · 5 min read
Many teens start their health care careers as CNAs, sometimes through high school career programs. So how young can you be? The answer depends less on the law and more on your training program and employer.
Federal rules set no minimum age
Federal rules for nurse aide training and testing (42 CFR 483.151 to 483.154) don’t set a minimum age to train, test, or be listed on a state registry. They also don’t require a high school diploma.
States that set a minimum age
In our October 2026 review of every state’s official rules and registry pages, only a few states state a minimum age for CNA certification or work:
| State | Minimum age | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 16 | State law (A.R.S. 32-1645) |
| California | 16 | California Department of Public Health |
| Illinois | 16 | To work in a long-term care facility (IDPH) |
| Maine | 16 | Maine CNA Registry |
| Maryland | 16 | Maryland Health Occupations Article 8-6A-05 |
| Nebraska | 16 | Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-6039) |
| Washington, DC | 18 | DC regulations (17 DCMR 9604.1) |
From official state laws, regulations, and agency pages. In the other states, we found no minimum age in the official CNA rules, though programs and employers can set their own.
A couple of states have education rules: Maine requires proof that you finished 9th grade, and Illinois requires at least eight years of grade school or equivalent knowledge. In Florida, people who take the exam without completing a training program must be 18 or have a high school diploma.
Programs and employers set their own rules
Even where the state has no minimum age, training programs often require students to be 16, 17, or 18, and some require a high school diploma or GED or a reading test. Employers may have their own minimums, too. Federal and state child labor laws can also limit hours and some job tasks for workers under 18, so ask the employer how they handle younger CNAs.
Still in high school? Ask your school counselor about career and technical programs. Many high schools and career centers offer CNA training, sometimes for free.
Tips for younger CNAs
- Check the age requirement with the program before you enroll.
- Ask employers about their minimum hiring age and any limits on tasks or hours.
- Keep your CNA active after you graduate. Under federal rules, 24 months in a row without paid nursing-related work means retraining or retesting. See renewal rules by state.
- Use your CNA as a stepping stone. See CNA to LPN and CNA to RN.
Frequently asked questions
Can you be a CNA at 16?
In many states, yes, if a training program and employer accept you. Arizona, California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, and Nebraska specifically allow it at 16.
Do you need a high school diploma to be a CNA?
Federal rules don’t require one, and most states don’t either, but some training programs do.
What is the minimum age to be a CNA in Washington, DC?
18, under DC regulations.
Can a 17-year-old work as a CNA?
Often, yes, depending on your state, program, and employer. Child labor laws may limit hours and certain tasks.