CNA Training in Nevada
Nevada requires at least 75 hours of nurse aide training, with at least 60 hours of classroom and lab skills. The Nevada State Board of Nursing approves programs and certifies CNAs, and Headmaster gives the state exam.
If a Nevada nursing facility hires you within 12 months of getting certified, you can get your training costs paid back after 3 months on the job. Below you'll find each step, pay by area, ways to train free, and approved programs statewide.
Training
75+ Hours
Median Pay
$21.87/hr
Exam Cost
$165
The 4 Steps to Certification in Nevada
Pick a State-Approved Program
The Nevada State Board of Nursing approves every nurse aide program. Your options:
- Colleges: including College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows, Western Nevada, and Great Basin.
- Nursing homes and hospitals: some train people they hire, and nursing homes can't charge you for it.
- Private schools: set their own prices and schedules.
Complete at Least 75 Hours
Nevada uses the federal minimum, with most of it in the classroom and lab.
You must schedule your exam within 1 year of finishing training, or train again.
Pass the Headmaster Exam
A knowledge test and a skills test. You get 3 tries at each.
| Knowledge test | $75 |
| Skills test | $90 |
| Retakes | Same price |
| Certification application | $50 |
| Fingerprints | $40 |
Stay Active
Your CNA certificate renews every 2 years.
- Work at least 40 hours as a CNA in the 2 years before renewal.
- Complete 24 hours of CNA-related continuing education every 2 years.
- Renew online through the Nevada Nurse Portal, up to 60 days before your expiration date. The fee is $50. If you haven't worked as a CNA in 2 years, you'll need to retrain or retest.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free in Nevada
Get hired first, get paid back after, or use a grant program.
Nursing Home Training
✨ Free When You're HiredNevada Medicaid Reimbursement
✨ Paid Back After You're HiredEmployNV (WIOA)
✨ Grant-Funded, If You QualifyNevada CNA Pay by Area
Nevada CNAs earn about $1.55 an hour more than the national median. Carson City and Reno pay the most.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City | $22.54 | $46,880 | 340 |
| Reno | $22.48 | $46,760 | 1,430 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas | $21.81 | $45,350 | 5,930 |
| Rest of Nevada (rural) | $20.30 | $42,220 | 390 |
| Nevada (statewide) | $21.87 | $45,490 | 8,100 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials. "Rural" is the BLS Balance of Nevada nonmetropolitan area.
What It Costs to Get Certified
Train through a nursing facility that hires you and the main costs are covered.
Varies
Free through a nursing facility that employs you. Colleges and private schools set their own prices.
$165
$75 knowledge test and $90 skills test, through Headmaster.
$90
$50 application to the Board of Nursing plus $40 for fingerprints.
$50
Every 2 years.
Moving to Nevada?
If you're a CNA in another state, you can apply for Nevada certification by endorsement.
Active CNA in Another State
You need an active certificate in another state, proof of CNA work in a licensed medical facility within the past 2 years (or training finished within the past year), and fingerprints for the Nevada board. The application fee is $50.
Lapsed or Never Tested
If your certification has lapsed or you never passed the exam, expect to train and test in Nevada.
Questions? Call
(888) 590-6726
Nevada State Board of Nursing
CNA Schools in Nevada
Board-approved nurse aide training programs across Nevada that you can enroll in: community colleges, private schools, Job Corps, nursing homes, and hospitals. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by county.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada6375 W. Charleston Blvd., Building K, Room 206, Las Vegas, NVClasses in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Mesquite. Also (702) 651-7553. | Las Vegas | Clark | (702) 651-5690 |
| Gardnerville Health and Rehabilitation Center1573 Muller Parkway, Gardnerville, NV | Gardnerville | Douglas | (775) 782-6620 |
| Great Basin College1500 College Parkway, Elko, NVClasses in Elko, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, Ely, Pahrump, and Caliente. | Elko | Elko | (775) 327-2309 |
| Live Savers Training Center4600 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV | Las Vegas | Clark | (702) 623-8616 |
| Majen1005 Terminal Way, Suite 145, Reno, NV | Reno | Washoe | (775) 762-8039 |
| Mesa View Regional Hospital1299 Bertha Howe Ave, Mesquite, NV | Mesquite | Clark | (702) 346-8040 |
| Perry Foundation Academy of Health2920 N. Green Valley Parkway, Building 7, Suite 712, Henderson, NV | Henderson | Clark | (702) 413-7338 |
| Perry Foundation Academy of Health470 E. Plumb Lane, Suite 310, Reno, NV | Reno | Washoe | (702) 413-7338 |
| PFC Nick Crombie Certified Nursing Assistant Training Academy100 Veterans Memorial Dr., Boulder City, NV | Boulder City | Clark | (702) 332-6784 |
| Saint Therese Learning Institute6600 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 134, Las Vegas, NV | Las Vegas | Clark | (702) 395-1802 |
| Shiloh CNA School5980 S. Durango Dr., Suite 121, Las Vegas, NVAlso (725) 223-3040. | Las Vegas | Clark | (725) 223-3046 |
| Sierra Nevada Job Corps14175 Mt. Charleston St., Reno, NV | Reno | Washoe | (775) 789-0859 |
| Sonder CNA Training2480 Precision Dr., Suite A, Minden, NV | Minden | Douglas | (775) 443-7955 |
| South Lyon Medical Center213 S. Whitacre St., Yerington, NV | Yerington | Lyon | (775) 463-2301 ext. 6533 |
| Standards of Excellence1931 Stella Lake Dr., Las Vegas, NV | Las Vegas | Clark | (702) 367-4348 |
| Truckee Meadows Community College5250 Neil Rd., Meadowood Campus, North Building, Suite 153, Reno, NV | Reno | Washoe | (775) 824-8640 |
| Western Nevada College2201 W. College Parkway, Carson City, NVClasses in Carson City, Minden, and Fallon. | Carson City | Carson City | (775) 445-3000 |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All counties."
Source: Nevada State Board of Nursing, Approved Nursing Assistant Training Programs (January 21, 2026). High school programs are not included. Programs listed under both Northern and Southern Nevada are shown once, with a note. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Nevada CNA Questions, Answered
Who certifies CNAs in Nevada?
The Nevada State Board of Nursing approves training programs and certifies CNAs. Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) gives the state exam.
How long is CNA training in Nevada?
At least 75 hours, with at least 60 hours of classroom and lab skills.
How much does the CNA exam cost in Nevada?
$165: $75 for the knowledge test and $90 for the skills test. Retakes cost the same as the first try. The Board charges another $50 to apply for certification, plus $40 for fingerprints.
How many times can I take the exam?
You get 3 tries at each part. After 3 failed tries, you must retrain. You also have to schedule your exam within 1 year of finishing training.
Can I get CNA training for free in Nevada?
Yes. A nursing facility can't charge you for its program if you work there or have a job offer. If a Nevada nursing facility hires you within 12 months of certification, it pays back your training costs after 3 months of work. EmployNV is another option.
How do I renew my CNA certificate in Nevada?
Every 2 years, online through the Nevada Nurse Portal, for $50. You need 40 hours of CNA work and 24 hours of continuing education in the past 2 years.
Sources
- Nevada State Board of Nursing: Education Programs and Approved CNA Training Programs
- Nevada State Board of Nursing: Nursing Assistant Training Program FAQs
- Nevada State Board of Nursing: Fee Schedule
- Nevada State Board of Nursing: CNA Renewal FAQ
- Headmaster: Nevada CNA Testing and Candidate Handbook
- Nevada DHCFP: Medicaid Reimbursement for CNA Training
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. Test fees can change, so confirm with Headmaster when you register. See something out of date? Report a correction.