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Use this checklist with the instructions for your booked appointment. Start by writing the vendor at the top: Headmaster, Credentia or Regional Testing Center. California’s approved vendor list is available from CDPH (checked October 23, 2026).
Before the final week: resolve the details that could stop check-in
- Open your confirmation and the current handbook. Check whether your appointment is on site or remote.
- Compare your name, suffix and other booking details with every required document.
- If a document is missing, expired or mismatched, contact the vendor now and ask what it will accept.
- Confirm any approved accommodation appears in the booking instructions.
- Plan transport, parking and care arrangements for anyone who depends on you.
Arrival and documents differ by vendor
| Appointment | Published arrival instruction | Document reminder | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headmaster, on site | Be in the waiting/check-in area 20 minutes early. | Bring an accepted original unexpired photo ID and required CDPH 283B/932 documentation; check the handbook’s ID list and signature exceptions. | Headmaster handbook, printed pp. 18–20 (checked October 23, 2026) |
| Credentia, test center | Arrive 30 minutes early for each component. | Bring 2 original, current signature-bearing IDs, including a photo ID; all required document names must match. | Credentia check-in (checked October 23, 2026); Credentia ID rules (checked October 23, 2026) |
| RTC | Arrive 1 hour early. | Bring physical unexpired signed government photo ID and a printout/copy of the RTC confirmation email. | RTC handbook, printed pp. 23–24 (checked October 23, 2026) |
The evening before: pack from your vendor’s list
- Put the accepted original identification and required approval/training paperwork together.
- Save the appointment address, check-in time and vendor contact details.
- Set out clothing and shoes that meet your vendor’s instructions.
- Use the vendor’s allowed-item list to decide about watches, pencils, dictionaries and other items.
- Plan where to leave your phone, smartwatch, bag and study materials before check-in.
Headmaster’s on-site rules require scrubs and appropriate shoes. RTC requires professional attire without shorts, closed-toed non-skid footwear and socks; scrubs are preferred. These are different instructions, so check your own booking. Sources: Testing Attire, printed p. 19 (checked October 23, 2026); RTC required items, printed p. 23 (checked October 23, 2026).
Credentia’s test-center list includes 3 sharpened No. 2 pencils, an eraser and an analog watch with a sweeping second hand. Follow the instructions for your particular appointment format. Source: Credentia what to bring (checked October 23, 2026).
If your knowledge appointment is remote
Do a technical check before exam day using the exact vendor guide. Do not use the on-site checklist as your complete remote checklist. Open Headmaster’s Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam section or Credentia’s Exam Day Online instructions (checked October 23, 2026).
- Check the required devices, browser, camera views, internet and room setup.
- Check that you can log in and find the meeting or exam link.
- Keep your approved identification and required documents ready to show the proctor.
- Read the remote check-in deadline in the confirmation rather than guessing from the exam start time.
A final check before you leave or sign in
Vendor: ______ · Appointment: ______ · Check-in deadline: ______ · Required originals: ______ · Confirmation saved: ______ · Route/technical setup checked: ______
Use your final study session to revisit your own notes and explanations. This website offers knowledge practice; hands-on skills practice belongs with your training program and vendor checklist.
Keep planning your next step
- California exam format, time limits and passing rules
- California exam registration and fees by vendor
- California CNA exam retakes: what to do next
- 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.