Step-by-Step Process to Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in California
- LA Skills Academy
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) support patients with daily care and help healthcare teams run smoothly. If you’re thinking about joining the field, California offers a straightforward path to certification, and LA Skills Academy makes the journey easier with flexible training options.
Here’s Exactly How To Become
a CNA in California
Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you start any training, California requires that you meet a few eligibility guidelines.
Requirements Before Registration:
At least 16 years of age or older
Valid Social Security Number or ITIN
Requirements After Registration:
Physical, TB Test, Flu Shot (During Flu Season), Proof of Covid Vaccine + Booster (current season)
Background Check
View the full details of our requirements: Nurse Assistant Training Catalog/Student Handbook
View the system requirements for the online aspects of our program: System Requirements
Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved CNA Training Program
Once you meet the basic requirements, it’s time to start your training. The state requires 160 total hours, 60 in the classroom and 100 in clinical settings. At LA Skills Academy, you’ll get hands-on training from experienced nurses who prepare you for real patient care. You'll learn about:
Infection control
Patient safety
Basic nursing skills
Communication
Legal and ethical standards
Then you’ll practice what you’ve learned in a healthcare setting. You’ll help patients with bathing, dressing, mobility, and more; all under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Step 3: Complete Your CNA Training
You must finish all 160 required hours to be eligible for the exam. LA Skills Academy helps you stay on track with support every step of the way.
During training, you'll gain confidence in:
Taking vital signs
Moving and transferring patients safely
Feeding and dressing patients
Reporting changes in patient condition
Responding to emergencies
Communicating with patients and healthcare teams
The clinical portion is where it all comes together. You’ll work in a facility with real patients, building the skills you’ll use daily as a CNA.
Step 4: Apply for the CNA
Certification Exam
After completing your training, you’ll apply to take the California CNA certification exam. Our team can help you get the paperwork ready. You’ll send in:
Proof that you completed a state-approved training program
Your fingerprint clearance
A valid photo ID and Social Security number
Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your an email from the testing site to schedule your test date and select your testing location.
Step 5: Take and Pass the CNA Exam
The exam has two parts: a written section and a skills test.
The written (or oral) test includes 60 - 70 multiple-choice questions about CNA duties
The skills test requires you to demonstrate five hands-on tasks, such as handwashing, taking blood pressure, or assisting with mobility etc.
A nurse evaluator will score your performance. To pass, you need to complete both sections successfully.
Step 6: Get Listed on the California Nurse Aide Registry
After you pass the exam, your name will be added to the California Nurse Aide Registry. This listing shows employers that you're certified and eligible to work.
You can check your status online through the California Department of Public Health. It may take a few weeks after testing, so check back regularly.
Step 7: Start Your CNA Career
Once you’re listed on the California Nurse Aide Registry, you can begin applying for jobs. Your nurse assistant certification proves that you’ve completed both classroom training and supervised clinical training through a state-approved nurse assistant training program.
CNAs work in a variety of settings, including:
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Assisted living facilities
Home healthcare agencies
Rehab centers
To land your first role, update your resume with your clinical experience, nurse assistant certification, and any additional skills you picked up during training.
In California, CNAs typically earn between $18 and $25 per hour, depending on location, experience, and employer type. As you gain experience, you can explore advanced roles like Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Registered Nurse (RN), or move into healthcare leadership positions.
Step 8: Renew Your Certification Every
Two Years
California requires CNAs to renew their certification every two years. To stay active, you need to:
Work at least one paid day as a CNA during the renewal period
Complete 48 hours of continuing education Units (CEU's) - at least 12 hours each year
Submit your renewal application to the California Department of Public Health
If your certification expires, you might need to retake the exam or even the training program, depending on how long it’s been inactive.
Ready to Get Started?
LA Skills Academy offers flexible CNA training programs that fit your schedule; day, evening, and weekend classes included. Whether you're switching careers or starting fresh out of high school, this is a direct, rewarding path into healthcare.
Start your journey toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant today with LA Skills Academy.
Start Your CNA Career with LA Skills Academy
At LA Skills Academy, we provide a comprehensive CNA training program that gives you the tools to succeed. Our courses are designed to prepare you for a successful nursing assistant career in Los Angeles and beyond. With personalized instruction, job placement assistance, and expert guidance, we help you every step of the way. If you're ready to start your journey toward becoming a certified nursing assistant, LA Skills Academy is the right choice for your training.
Need a BLS certification or start taking CEUs - join Los Angeles Skills Academy! Find an LA Skills Academy class near you. Our instructors with valuable experience and knowledge from the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association will make your education process enjoyable.
Easy enrollment process and unlimited support during and after your classes.
Experience the class and read LA Skills Academy reviews.
Get started now!
For questions, contact us (213)-444-8997 or email us at office@laskillsacademy.com
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