CNA exam by state
Every state runs its own nurse aide competency exam within federal rules. Pick your state for the exam format and the official registry and handbook links.
Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.
Pick your state
- CaliforniaCertified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- TexasCertified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- FloridaCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- New YorkCertified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- PennsylvaniaNurse Aide (CNA)
- IllinoisCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- OhioCertified Nurse Aide (CNA; long called STNA)
- GeorgiaCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- North CarolinaNurse Aide I (CNA)
- MichiganCertified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- New JerseyCertified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- VirginiaCertified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- WashingtonNursing Assistant-Certified (NAC)
- ArizonaCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA) / Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
- TennesseeCertified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- MassachusettsCertified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Don't see your state? Every state's nurse aide registry is run by a state agency — search for “[your state] nurse aide registry” and use the .gov result. More states are being added.
Guides
- What is the Illinois CNA exam pass rate?Illinois publishes official CNA competency exam results as cluster score reports with first-time pass rates by training program. Here's where to find them.
- How do I transfer my CNA license to another state?To move your CNA to another state, apply to the new state's nurse aide registry for reciprocity (endorsement). Whether you retest depends on that state.
- My CNA certification expired — do I have to retest?After 24 consecutive months without paid nursing work, federal rules require a new competency evaluation (and maybe training). Details vary by state.
- Can you take the CNA exam without a CNA class? (Challenge exam rules)Some states let nursing students, foreign-educated nurses and others take the CNA exam without a CNA class. Rules vary; here's how to check yours.
- What's the difference between STNA and CNA in Ohio?In Ohio, STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) and CNA refer to the same nurse aide credential. Ohio's official pages now use "Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)".
- What is the passing score for the California CNA exam?California's CNA passing score and format are set in the candidate handbook of the CDPH-approved testing program you use. Here's how to find yours.
- How much does the Pennsylvania CNA test cost?The PA nurse aide exam fee is in Credentia's current PA candidate handbook. If a nursing facility employs you, federal rules bar charging you.
- Can veterans and military medics take the CNA exam without training?Some states let military medics such as Army 68W take the CNA exam based on military training. Rules are state-specific; here's how to check yours.
- How do I check my CNA registry status (in any state)?Every state keeps a nurse aide registry with an online lookup. Find your state's official registry, search your name or number, and check your status.