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California certifies nurse assistants through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This guide covers the four steps, the exam and renewal, with a link to the official source for each rule.
The short version
- Be at least 16 and clear a criminal record check (Live Scan fingerprints).
- Finish a CDPH-approved training program: at least 60 classroom hours and 100 hours of supervised clinical training.
- Pass the competency exam: a knowledge test and a hands-on skills test.
- Renew every 2 years with 48 hours of in-service training or continuing education.
Step 1: Check that you are eligible
CDPH lists three basic requirements: you must be at least 16 years old, complete a CDPH-approved training program in California, and clear a criminal record check. The record check uses Live Scan fingerprinting with the Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016). Source: CDPH initial application.
Step 2: Complete an approved training program
California law requires a precertification training program of at least 60 classroom hours and at least 100 hours of supervised clinical training. Source: Health and Safety Code section 1337.1. CDPH keeps lists of approved training programs on its Certified Nurse Assistant page.
Submit the CNA Initial Application (CDPH 283B) when you enroll, either online or by mail, with a copy of your Live Scan form. Your training program tells you how to schedule the exam.
Step 3: Pass the competency exam
CDPH lists three approved testing vendors: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster), Credentia and the Regional Testing Center. Your exam has a knowledge part and a skills part, but the format depends on your vendor, so read your vendor’s current handbook. Source: CDPH testing vendors.
Here is how the exam works with Headmaster, from its October 2026 handbook (Version 9.0):
| Headmaster exam | Details |
|---|---|
| Knowledge test | 75 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, on a computer. An audio version reads the questions aloud. |
| Knowledge passing score | 75% or better |
| Skills test | 3 or 4 tasks in 30 minutes. The first task is one of four mandatory tasks with hand washing, such as perineal care or emptying a urinary drainage bag. |
| Skills passing rule | Every critical step, and at least 80% of the non-key steps, on each task |
| Fees | $40 knowledge test (plus $5 for audio), $100 skills test |
| Attempts | 3 attempts at each part within 2 years of finishing training |
Source: Headmaster California Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook. Credentia and the Regional Testing Center use their own formats and fees.
See the California skills test task list and scoring.
Step 4: Get your certificate
After you pass, the testing vendor sends your results to CDPH. CDPH says to allow at least 30 days for it to receive them. You can check your status with the CDPH certificate verification tool. Source: CDPH initial application.
Renewing your California CNA certificate
- Complete 48 hours of in-service training or continuing education (CEUs) during each 2-year certification period.
- Complete at least 12 of those hours each year.
- Up to 24 hours may come from a CDPH-approved online program.
- Submit the Renewal Application (CDPH 283C) with proof of training (CDPH 283A).
If your certificate expired less than 2 years ago and you did not meet the renewal requirements, CDPH lets you reactivate it by passing the competency exam again. Source: CDPH renewal page.
Read the California CNA renewal guide.
How to prepare for the knowledge test
Practice questions help you find the topics you do not know yet. Start with 10 free CNA practice questions, or study one topic at a time:
- Infection Control practice questions
- Safety and Emergencies practice questions
- Resident Rights practice questions
- Communication practice questions
- Daily Care (ADLs) practice questions
- Observation and Reporting practice questions
- Role and Responsibilities practice questions
- Nutrition and Fluids practice questions
- Mobility and Restorative Care practice questions
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Care practice questions
- End-of-Life Care practice questions
For the skills test, practice every task on your vendor’s skills list with your instructor. We do not offer skills practice yet.
Sources
- CDPH: How to Complete Your Initial CNA Application (checked October 23, 2026)
- CDPH: How to Renew Your CNA Certificate (checked October 23, 2026)
- CDPH: Certified Nurse Assistant Testing Vendors (checked October 23, 2026)
- California Health and Safety Code section 1337.1 (checked October 23, 2026)
- D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster): California Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, October 2026, Version 9.0 (checked October 23, 2026)
Rules and fees can change. Check CDPH and your testing vendor before you apply or schedule. Healthcare Exam Prep is independent. We are not affiliated with the California Department of Public Health or any CNA testing provider.