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Keep your CDPH certification application and your exam booking separate in your planning. CDPH handles the initial CNA application; your training provider gives exam-scheduling instructions. Source: CDPH initial application (checked October 23, 2026).
1. Confirm which vendor you will use
Check the CDPH approved testing-vendor list (checked October 23, 2026) and your program’s instructions. Do not pay through a search advertisement or an unofficial booking service. Open the official vendor site below.
| Vendor | Official starting point | Booking route |
|---|---|---|
| Headmaster | California Headmaster page | Complete the California TMU account, then schedule in TMU. Headmaster candidate instructions (checked October 23, 2026) |
| Credentia | Credentia California page | Create a profile, submit an application with the eligibility documents, then schedule after approval. Credentia application and scheduling (checked October 23, 2026) |
| RTC | Golden West College RTC page | Submit the RTC application and documents. After approval, activate the account and book there. RTC application instructions (checked October 23, 2026) |
2. Budget for the exam option you actually need
Amounts below are testing-vendor charges, not Healthcare Exam Prep subscription prices. Separate training, travel, application or other costs are not included.
| Vendor | Written / knowledge only | Oral / audio only | Skills only | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headmaster | $40 | $45 audio | $100 | Headmaster handbook, printed pp. 9 and 36 (checked October 23, 2026) |
| Credentia | $40 | $55 oral | $80 | Credentia California fee table (checked October 23, 2026) |
| RTC | $40 | $55 audio-English | $80 | RTC standard exam-fee table, printed p. 10 (checked October 23, 2026) |
The RTC handbook lists standard combined fees of $120 for written plus skills and $135 for audio-English plus skills. Its reschedule table is different: written $65, audio-English $80 and skills $105. Ask RTC which category applies before paying for another appointment. Source: RTC fee tables, printed p. 10 (checked October 23, 2026).
3. Review the application before paying
- Compare your first and last names across your vendor account, identification and training or approval documents.
- Confirm the exact exam type, location and date before the final payment screen.
- Ask your school or employer whether it will pay or provide a voucher before paying yourself.
- Request any testing accommodation through the vendor’s official process before choosing an appointment.
- Save the receipt and confirmation somewhere you can find without relying on a phone signal.
For RTC, the online application requires the CDPH 283B or 932 document, Social Security/ITIN documentation and a non-expired government photo ID, with matching names. Source: RTC application requirements (checked October 23, 2026).
4. Check the change policy before your schedule changes
Credentia says paid fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. RTC also treats payments as non-refundable and non-transferable; its handbook describes a one-time credit for cancellation more than 96 hours before the appointment. Read the policy for your booking rather than assuming the same rule applies everywhere. Sources: Credentia payment rules (checked October 23, 2026); RTC cancellation rules, printed pp. 4 and 11 (checked October 23, 2026).
For Headmaster, read the handbook’s Rescheduling Policy and Refund of Testing Fees Paid sections before changing an appointment: Headmaster handbook, printed pp. 24–26 (checked October 23, 2026).
A booking record you can copy
| Item | Your record |
|---|---|
| Vendor and account username | ____________________ |
| Knowledge / oral / audio appointment | Date: ______ Time: ______ Location: ______ |
| Skills appointment | Date: ______ Time: ______ Location: ______ |
| Confirmation and receipt saved | Where: ____________________ |
| Last date to change under my vendor’s policy | ____________________ |
Keep planning your next step
- California exam format, time limits and passing rules
- California CNA exam retakes: what to do next
- California CNA test-day checklist
- 14-day CNA knowledge study plan
- 30-day CNA knowledge study plan
Healthcare Exam Prep is independent. We are not affiliated with the California Department of Public Health or any CNA testing provider. Practice scores do not predict your exam result.