How does the Florida CNA exam work?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Florida's nurse aide competency exam has two parts you must pass: a knowledge test (written, or oral if you choose — federal rules require that option) and a hands-on skills test. Florida Board of Nursing names Prometric as the testing vendor. Passing gets you listed on the Florida nurse aide registry.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Florida Board of Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant |
| State agency | Florida Board of Nursing (Florida Department of Health) | Official page |
| Testing vendor | Prometric | Florida Board of Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant |
| Knowledge test | 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes; oral or Spanish version on request | Florida Board of Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant |
| Skills test | 5 randomly selected skills | Florida Board of Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant |
| Oral option | Yes — you may choose an oral exam instead of written | 42 CFR 483.154 |
| Attempts | At least three opportunities (state may set further rules) | 42 CFR 483.154 |
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.
Steps to get certified in Florida
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (federal minimum: 75 clock hours including 16 supervised practical hours), unless your state accepts another route.
- Apply and schedule your exam through the testing program described in the Florida candidate handbook.
- Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the skills test.
- Confirm your listing on the Florida nurse aide registry before you start work.
What's specific to Florida
Florida's Board of Nursing page explains eligibility routes, fees and retake rules. Fees and attempt limits change, so check the current values on that page rather than relying on third-party sites.
How to prepare
The knowledge test covers standard nurse aide topics: residents' rights, infection control, safety, personal care, basic nursing skills, communication, mental health, the aide's role, vital signs and nutrition. Take the free 20-question practice test to see your weakest topics, rehearse every skill with our skills checklists, and do a timed full exam the week before.
Quick answers
- Can you take the Florida CNA exam without going to school?
- Florida's Board of Nursing describes its eligibility routes on its CNA page. Check the current requirements there; see also CNA challenge exam requirements.
- How much is the Florida CNA exam and how many tries do you get?
- Fees and attempt rules are listed on the Florida Board of Nursing CNA page and in the Prometric bulletin; check the current values there. Federal rules guarantee at least three opportunities.
- How long do I wait for Florida CNA results?
- The Florida candidate bulletin explains how and when results are released. Check the current bulletin linked from the Board's page.
- Can I take the Florida CNA exam orally?
- Yes. Federal rules require that candidates can choose an oral exam instead of the written one. The candidate handbook explains how to request it.
- How many times can I take the Florida CNA exam?
- Federal rules guarantee at least three opportunities to pass the competency evaluation; check the handbook for retest fees, waiting periods and retraining rules.
What to do next
Find your weak topics before Florida test day — free, no sign-up, about 15 minutes.
Take the free practice testRelated
Other states
Sources
- Florida Board of Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant
- 42 CFR 483.154 — Nurse aide competency evaluation (Cornell LII)
- 42 CFR 483.152 — Nurse aide training requirements (Cornell LII)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.