Preparing for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
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.
Before scheduling the certification exam, candidates must complete a state-approved CNA training program, typically requiring approximately 75 hours of coursework. This prerequisite training covers essential clinical skills, patient care principles, and safety protocols. Completion of an approved program is mandatory before the candidate can register for the official exam administered by the state registry.
Candidates should budget for the exam fee, currently $115 per single attempt as of June 2026, plus any costs associated with their chosen study method. Building an effective study plan involves reviewing the official exam objectives published by the state registry and working through legitimate practice questions that align with those standards. Candidates should verify the current exam fee and format directly on the state registry's official page before booking, as fees are subject to change. It is critical to use only authorized study materials and practice resources; using leaked or unofficial exam content violates certification agreements and may result in credential invalidation. The state registry serves as the authoritative source for all exam requirements, passing standards, and current procedures.
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