CNA Classes in Florida
Begin your nursing career in the Sunshine State. Florida mandates that approved training programs consist of at least 120 hours of instruction. Candidates must pass the Prometric competency exam to be listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry. Our guide connects you with top-rated programs in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville to ensure you meet all state board requirements.
*Florida allows the "Challenger" route for testing. Formal 120-hour training is only required if a candidate fails the exam three times.
How to Become a CNA in Florida
Select Training or Challenge
Florida allows candidates to either complete a 120-hour approved program or "challenge" the exam directly without formal schooling if they possess the required skills.
Level 2 Background Check
Submit fingerprints for a Live Scan background screening. You must be cleared through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) before testing.
Pass the Prometric Exam
Register for the Florida Nurse Aide Exam administered by Prometric. You must pass both the 60-question knowledge test and the 5-task clinical skills evaluation.
Registry Activation
Once you pass, the Florida Department of Health adds you to the state registry, and your certification is issued via the MQA portal.
Renewal (24 In-Service Hours)
To renew every 2 years, you must prove paid nursing work and complete 24 hours of in-service education on topics like HIV/AIDS and medical errors.
Florida CNA Salary
Certified Nurse Assistants in Florida earn an average annual salary of $40,540. Pay is generally most competitive in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Tampa-St. Petersburg metros, where demand for long-term care staffing is high.
Exams & Clinical Skills
Florida utilizes the Prometric competency evaluation. You must demonstrate proficiency in 5 randomly selected clinical skills—including mandatory hand hygiene—to be placed on the state registry.
Florida Certification Guide
Reciprocity & Transfers
CNAs from other states can transfer to Florida by applying for reciprocity through the Florida Board of Nursing (MQA) portal. You must have an active, unencumbered license in your home state and pass the mandatory Florida Level 2 background screening.
Level 2 Background Check
Florida requires a Level 2 background screening, which includes a fingerprint-based search of records through the FDLE and FBI. All applicants must be cleared through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Background Screening Clearinghouse before testing or working.
The 3-Attempt Rule
If you choose to "challenge" the exam and fail any portion (written or skills) three times, Florida law requires you to complete a full state-approved 120-hour training program before you are eligible to test again.
Lapsed or Expired Status
If your Florida certification has been expired for more than 24 months, or you did not meet the work requirement (performing nursing services for pay), you must re-test through Prometric to regain active status on the registry.
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Florida CNA Frequently Asked Questions
No. Florida is a "Challenger" state. If you feel confident in your skills, you can apply directly for the state exam without completing a formal 120-hour training program.
If you fail any part of the exam three times, Florida law requires you to then complete a state-approved 120-hour training program before testing again.
The competency evaluation is administered by Prometric. The exam includes a computer-based knowledge test and a 5-task clinical skills demonstration.
The average annual salary for a CNA in Florida is $40,540. Pay is typically higher in the Miami, Tampa, and Orlando metro areas.
You must renew every 24 months. Requirements include performing nursing services for pay and completing 24 hours of in-service training.
Yes. All applicants must undergo a Level 2 background screening, which includes digital fingerprinting (Live Scan) cleared through the AHCA.
Yes, hybrid programs are approved where the classroom portion is online, but clinical hours or "Challenger" prep must be done in person.
Yes. CNAs in good standing from other states can apply for reciprocity through the Florida Board of Nursing MQA portal without retaking the exam.
The total fee for both the written and skills portions of the Florida Nurse Aide exam is approximately $155.
Under the 120-day rule, you can work in a licensed nursing facility for up to 4 months while you finish your testing and registry placement.