What Are the Requirements to Take the CNA Exam? (By State, 2025 Guide)

When I was preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, one of the first things I wanted to know was: “What are the requirements to take the CNA exam in my state?” While the CNA pathway is fairly consistent nationwide, each state sets slightly different rules for training, testing, and eligibility. Here’s a breakdown of the common requirements across the U.S. in 2025 — and how they vary state by state.

General CNA Exam Requirements (2025)

Before diving into state-specific details, here are the standard requirements you’ll find in most states:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

• • Typically 75–150 hours of combined classroom and clinical training.
  • Length varies: 4–12 weeks depending on program type.

1. Minimum Age Requirement

   • Most states require you to be 16–18 years old.

2. Education Requirement

   • A high school diploma or GED is preferred, but many states allow CNA candidates to apply without one.

3. Background Check

   • Must pass a criminal background check and sometimes a drug screening.

4. Health Requirements

   • Physical exam, proof of immunizations, TB test, and sometimes COVID vaccination.

5. Application to State Registry

• • Register through the state’s designated testing vendor (Pearson VUE, Prometric, or Headmaster).

CNA Exam Requirements by State (2025 Snapshot)

Here’s a quick look at how requirements can differ:

• California – 60 classroom hours + 100 clinical hours; must be at least 16 years old.
• Texas – 100 training hours; requires fingerprint background check.
• Florida – Offers “challenger exam” (no training required if you pass the test), but training recommended.
• New York – 100 hours of training, including 30 hours in a clinical setting.
• Illinois – 120 hours of training; must pass background check through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Arizona – 120 training hours; proof of legal residency required.
• Nevada – 75 training hours minimum; high school diploma/GED not required.
• Washington – 85 training hours minimum + HIV/AIDS training module.
• North Carolina – 75 hours minimum; must pass state criminal record check.
• Oregon – 150 training hours (one of the highest in the U.S.); must be 18+.

👉 Since requirements can change, always confirm with your state board of nursing or testing vendor.

Why Requirements Differ by State

CNA certification is regulated at the state level, not federal, which means:

• Training hours vary (from 75 to 150+).
• Some states allow “challenger exams” without formal training.
• Age and education rules differ slightly.
• Clinical hour requirements can be more or less strict.

Pro Study Tip 📘

Meeting state requirements is only step one. The real challenge is passing the CNA exam on your first try.

👉 Check out our CNA Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with full-length practice exams and skills checklists tailored to the CNA exam format used in all 50 states.

CNA Exam Requirements by State (2025)

State	Training Hours	Minimum Age	Notes
California	160 (60 class + 100 clinical)	16	Must complete state-approved program
Texas	100	18	Requires fingerprint background check
Florida	None (challenger exam)	18	Training strongly recommended
New York	100	17	30 hours must be clinical
Illinois	120	16	Background check required
Washington	85	18	HIV/AIDS module required
Oregon	150	18	One of the highest-hour requirements

(Check your state’s candidate handbook for exact details.)

✅ Final Thought: To take the CNA exam, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program, meet age and health requirements, and apply through your state’s testing vendor. While the core requirements are similar nationwide, training hours, age rules, and application steps vary by state — so always double-check your local guidelines.