CNA Classes in California
Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in the Golden State. California sets a high bar for healthcare excellence with a 160-hour training requirement—consisting of 60 hours of classroom theory and 100 hours of hands-on clinical experience. Our guide helps you navigate the CDPH certification process, find state-approved programs from Los Angeles to San Francisco, and prepare for the competency exam to join the California Nurse Aide Registry for a rewarding, high-paying medical career.
How to Become a CNA in California
Complete 160 Training Hours
Enroll in a CDPH-approved program. California requires 60 classroom hours and 100 clinical hours at a skilled nursing facility.
DOJ & FBI Live Scan
Submit fingerprints for background clearance. You must receive clearance before beginning the clinical portion of your training.
Pass the Competency Exam
Schedule your test with your assigned vendor (Credentia, Headmaster, or RTC). You must pass both the written and manual skills sections.
Get Listed on the Registry
Once you pass, the CDPH will process your certificate and add you to the California Nurse Aide Registry as an active CNA.
Maintain Certification
Renew every 2 years by proving 48 hours of continuing education. At least 12 hours must be completed in each year of your cycle.
California State Competency Exam
Approved Testing Providers
California utilizes multiple vendors. Your provider is typically determined by your training program.
Credentia
Manages the NNAAP for many programs statewide. Common for regional testing.
Headmaster
D&S Diversified Technologies provides testing services for specific training routes.
Regional Centers
Includes sites like Golden West College in SoCal for local evaluations.
Exam Overview
- Total Attempts: 3 Attempts
- Eligibility: 2 Years from Training
- Requirement: CDPH 283B Form
- Format: Theory + Manual Skills
Structure
- Knowledge Test: 70 Multiple Choice
- Skills Test: 5 Random Tasks
- Handwashing: Critical (Always)
- Passing Score: Both Parts Required
💡 Pro Tip: Regional differences still exist in California. Southern California students frequently test at RTCs like Golden West College, while many Northern California programs use Credentia's network. Check your "Testing Eligibility" letter from the CDPH for your assigned vendor.
Salaries by Metro Area
Regional pay scales for 2026 based on cost of living and facility demand.
SF / Bay Area
San Jose & Oakland
Los Angeles Metro
Long Beach & Anaheim
San Diego
Chula Vista & Carlsbad
Sacramento
Roseville & Arden
Central Valley
Fresno & Bakersfield
Inland Empire
Riverside & San Bernardino
💡 Note: Specialized acute care hospitals in San Francisco often pay upwards of $32.00 per hour, significantly exceeding the rural state averages.
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CNA Salary Guide
View detailed pay scales, top-paying cities, and benefits for California CNAs.
CNA Exam Info
Everything you need to know about the Credentia and Headmaster state tests.
CNA Skills List
Master the 23 essential clinical skills required to pass the California manual exam.
California CNA Frequently Asked Questions
California mandates 160 total hours: 60 hours of classroom theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical training at a skilled nursing facility.
Costs vary widely. Community colleges may cost $500–$1,000, while private vocational schools can range from $1,500 to $2,500. Many nursing homes offer free training in exchange for a work commitment.
Testing is managed by three main entities: Credentia, Headmaster (D&S), and Regional Testing Centers (RTC) like Golden West College. Your school will assign your vendor.
Only the 60 theory hours can be taken online through CDPH-approved hybrid programs. The 100 clinical hours must always be completed in person.
Renew every 2 years with 48 hours of CEUs. A minimum of 12 hours must be completed in each year of the two-year certification period.
Yes. You must complete a Live Scan (DOJ and FBI) background check and receive clearance before you are allowed to begin the clinical portion of your training.
You must pass the 70-question written test and successfully demonstrate 5 clinical skills. Failing any "critical step" in a skill results in an automatic fail for that attempt.
Federal law allows you to work as a "Nurse Aide in Training" for up to 120 days in a nursing facility while you finish your training and pass the exam.