Nursing Assistant Questions and Answers

I am a third year nursing student outside of California and I want to take my chance in the CNA field. Do I still have to undergo formal training in a CNA course despite of all my hospital exposures, skills and concepts I learned in my schooling? Can I take the state board CNA test right away?
Individuals which have equivalent CNA training are eligible to challenge the nurse aide exam in California without completing a nursing assistant course. If you are currently enrolled in a registered nurse, vocational nurse, or psychiatric technician program AND have completed the nursing fundamentals coursework and clinical, then you qualify to sit for the CNA examination in California. The following documents must be submitted to the California Department of Public Health, Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS): an original school transcript or official letter from your educational institution listing the completed coursework in nursing fundamentals; a copy of the completed Request for Live Scan Service form (Sample Request for Live Scan Service form for Certified Nurse Assistants or Home Health Aides), and the completed Nurse Assistant Initial Application form. Upon receiving and reviewing these documents, ATCS determines your eligibility, and sends you information on challenging the CNA exam. You should contact the California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification Program, Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS) at (916) 327-2445 or (916) 552-8811 to ensure you are following the correct process and to ask any questions you might have on completing the required applications.

I am a registered nurse from the Philippines but unfortunately I failed to pass the California NCLEX-RN exam. Will I be eligible to take the CNA exam in Massachusetts or do I still need to take up CNA classes before I can take the CNA exam?
In general, graduates of U.S. registered nursing programs meet the training requirements to challenge the CNA state exam without having to complete a nursing assistant class. The training you received in nursing school makes you eligible to take the nurse aide examination without further training even if you did not pass the NCLEX-RN exam, but if you completed the nursing program in the Philippines you might want to make sure that this applies in your case. To see if you are eligible to take the test without further training, I encourage you to call the Massachusetts CNA Registry at (617) 753-8143. To obtain information regarding the nurse aide state exam, request an application, and schedule the examination you may call the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Testing Office at (800) 962-4337 or (508) 531-7958 (outside of MA). At least certain states allow you to skip CNA training and only take the CNA exam if you are a foreign trained nurse. For example, in Colorado you must provide documentation that you have completed at least five semester credit hours of nursing fundamentals on an official transcript, which must be sent directly to the Board of Nursing from the nursing education facility for review. If you have completed this and received approval from Board staff, you are eligible to take the CNA exam in Colorado.

Read Answers to Related Questions

I am interested in registering for the CNA course but I would like to know who at your college teaches CNA classes and if you are you accredited by the state?

I want to start taking CNA classes as soon as possible but I do not have my GED. Will I still be able to become a CNA?

I am a bachelor of science in nursing degree holder from the Philippines and I want to take the CNA test before challenging the NCLEX exam to be an RN. Where can I find the requirements for the CNA exam?

Are accelerated CNA courses as good as traditional training classes?

Where can I get a copy of my CNA certification?

Can a person with a misdemeanor become a CNA?

How do I check to see if my CNA license is expired or inactive?

What are the training requirements for certified nursing assistants planning to work in assisted living facilities?

Will a flag on the CNA Registry prevent me from attending nursing school?

My certification expires at the end of this month but I worked as an CNA last year in September. How do I keep my certification active?

I had just received my CNA license about two months ago and was wondering if I could get another one. I had lost it and am unable to find it. I haven't even registered yet.

Is it true that the CNA test is given using a computer?

How do I find schools in my area that offer CNA classes?

How can I get the nursing assistant training videos so that I can use them to teach classes at a small nurse agency?

How long do I have to wait after taking the certified nursing assistant state exam to get the results?

I would like to know if I can recertify my CNA license. I would like to know the costs in doing this. I am interested in recertifying, so I can begin working as a CNA again.

I am curious to when and where I can take the CNA exam?

I am 52 years old female. Am I too old to be accepted for nursing assistant training? Can I take the CNA test?

I worked as a CNA from 1999 to 2008 and I am wondering if I would be able to challenge the exam or if I would have to take the class over again?

How can I get free CNA training videos and CNA practice exams?

My nursing assistant certification expired. Do I have to retake the CNA course all over again or do I just take the CNA exam?

How do I check the status of my nursing assistant certification?

When do CNA licenses expire and how do I keep my nursing assistant certification active?

Can I be registered as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in more than one state at the same time?

I lost my nursing assistant license and I am wondering if it possible to get my CNA license number online?

My CNA license is about to expire. How do I renew it?

Is it possible to renew my nursing assistant license online and how?

Is it typical to use a staffing agency to get job placement after becoming a CNA?

Can I join a CNA training course as a J-2 visa holder? Am I allowed to work as a certified nursing assistant after I finish the training and pass the certification exam?

Could you give some examples of questions I might be asked at a CNA job interview?

Is there an example of the CNA test online I can take?

My girlfriend is already a caregiver who has worked at a facility for over two years, is it possible for her to take the test instead of enrolling in a CNA class or must she enroll beforehand?

What are the requirements for online CNA classes?

Why is it so hard to find a job as a CNA?

How can nursing assistants become registered or practical nurses?

Can a foreign certified nursing assistant challenge the CNA exam without additional training?

How much does it cost to take the test and become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

I have a certificate in Medical Assisting and will be attending nursing school to become a registered nurse. Will I be able to challenge the CNA exam without taking a CNA class?

Is there any way to study from the CNA book on your own and just take the exam? I am sure doing clinicals is required. Is there anyway to sign up for just clinicals and not the class?

How can I renew an expired CNA license?

CNA Resources

What is a Nursing Assistant?

A CNA is an entry level, certified healthcare worker. To obtain CNA certification, a nursing assistant trainee must complete a series of courses which teach the student basic skills needed to assist with patient care. A nurse aide is knowledgeable about client safety and transportation, assisting with activities of daily living, communicating with clients and nursing staff, performing basic procedures such as taking vital signs and weighing, and recording intake and output. A certified nursing assistant spends the majority of their working time at the patient's bedside, providing comfort, hygiene, and support.


State approved CNA training programs teach nurse aide trainees how to become competent care givers. The theoretical section of a nursing assistant program is augmented by the clinical portion, by reinforcing and practicing the knowledge gained in the classroom. The length of a nurse aide course depends on the facility providing the training. Some programs may require as little as three weeks to complete, while others may take two to three months. Fast paced courses are not for everyone, and students have the option to enroll in lengthier programs such as those offered by community colleges. A nurse aide trainee who completes the training is eligible to take the CNA exam. Passing this important examination results in certification and listing on the state nurse aide registry.


Employment opportunities for certified nursing assistants are numerous. The skills of a CNA are needed especially in hospitals, long term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Other nursing assistant job opportunities exist in the community, such as Home Health Aide. Hospitals may offer educational opportunities and financial incentives to nursing assistants who wish to continue their education and become licensed vocational nurses, or registered nurses.

CNA Training Programs

Nurse Aide Registries