Program type
CNA (nurse aide) training programs
Certificate of completion, then your state's competency exam and registry listing
Typical length
Federal minimum 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more (California: 160 hours).“Consist of no less than 75 clock hours of training” 42 CFR 483.152 (eCFR)
Who approves it
Approved by your state (usually the state health department or board of nursing). Only state-approved programs qualify you for the competency exam.
Accreditation
CNA programs are approved by the state rather than accredited by a national agency.
What to check before you enroll
- The program is on your state's approved list
- How many classroom and clinical hours it includes
- Whether the exam fee is included
- Where the clinical hours take place
Where it leads
Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Program finder
Searching approved programs by state and city is coming soon. Until then, use the accreditor directories above, your state board's approved list and the Department of Education's College Scorecard.
Sources
- 42 CFR 483.152 (eCFR)
- Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (U.S. Department of Education)
Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.