Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Requirements & Exam Details

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) credential is issued through state registries approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Prerequisites for eligibility typically include completion of a state-approved CNA training program, which generally requires approximately 75 hours of instruction. The single-attempt exam fee is approximately $115 as of June 2026, though this fee is subject to change. Candidates should note that state-approved training programs themselves typically range from $500 to $1,700 in cost and are separate from the certification exam fee.

The CNA credential remains valid for two years from the date of issuance, after which renewal is required to maintain active status. Eligibility requirements, examination fees, renewal procedures, and renewal cycles are established and may be modified by the state registry and CMS-approved issuing body. Because requirements and fees are subject to change, individuals should verify all current prerequisites, fees, and renewal deadlines directly on the official state registry website before registering for the examination.

Register with the issuer. Eligibility, fees and renewal rules are set by State registry (CMS-approved) and can change — confirm on the official page.

Full cost breakdown → · How to prepare →