Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Cost
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $115
- Issuing body
- State registry (CMS-approved)
- Domain
- Healthcare
- Validity
- 2 years
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam fee charged by the state registry is approximately $115 for a single examination attempt. This fee covers the official exam administration only and does not include preparatory training programs, study materials, or practice tests, which typically range from $500 to $1,700. The fee also does not cover retakes; additional attempt fees apply if recertification is needed. Candidates should confirm the current exam fee directly with their state registry before budgeting or registering, as fees are subject to change.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants earned a median annual wage of $39,530 as of the most recent data. This figure represents the middle point of the occupation's wage distribution and is not a guaranteed salary, a promised increase, or a direct outcome of obtaining certification. Individuals should verify all certification requirements, current fees, renewal schedules, and eligibility criteria with their state's official CNA registry or issuing body.
Related pay (occupation median). The U.S. BLS reports a median annual wage of $39,530 (typically $31,390–$50,140 from the 10th to the 90th percentile) for Nursing Assistants, the occupation this certification most often targets. That is the occupation’s pay, not a guaranteed lift from the certificate — actual pay depends on role, employer, location and experience. Source: BLS OEWS national file.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Certification | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
| Issuing body | State registry (CMS-approved) |
| Base exam fee | $115 |
| Fee notes | exam ~$115; training program $500-1,700 |
| Prerequisites | State-approved CNA training (~75 hrs) |
| Validity / renewal | 2 years |
What this fee does and doesn’t include
The figure here is the official-body exam fee for a single attempt. It does not include third-party training, prep courses, study materials, or retake fees — those are separate and vary by provider. Membership-tiered bodies may offer a lower member rate (noted above). Confirm the live fee on the issuer’s registration page before budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam?
Does this include a prep course?
Exam fee compiled from issuer’s registration page →, verified June 2026. How we compile this. Confirm the current fee before you pay — bodies re-price periodically.
Prerequisites & how to register → · Prep guide → · Compare Healthcare certs →