Do you have to take a test to be a CNA?

:) Hi friends

I have a friend who has past nursing aide experience. She lives in Calif. and wants to know if she has to take a special CNA test to be a CNA. Do all states require a CNA test? When you move do you have to take the CNA test in the state you move to ? Any information about CNA would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

California does require an exam. So does my state, and probably most or all of the others. Your friend should check the requirements of the specific state where she wants to go.

Have her check with the nursing homes in her area about free classes and training to get certified. We have a few here in my are that do this. The courses take about 2 - 3 months and prepare you to take the test for certification.

Hugs,

MaryRose

Sure do. The "C" in CNA stands for certified, which means you have to take a certification exam.

If she has past experience after being trained as a nursing assistant and has documentation of her education, she may be able to take the exam without taking another CNA class - but if she's from another country it's preferable to retake the class here because medical treatments vary greatly at times between different countries. Most community colleges and some hospitals offer these courses.

Otherwise, nursing students in this country are often able to sit for the exam without taking a CNA course, but only after they complete their initial nursing classes and clinicals, which cover basically the same material as the CNA course.

In Florida it is possible to get these kinds of positions without having an actual CNA certificate.

In Florida it is possible to get these kinds of positions without having an actual CNA certificate.

Same in PA.

But to work in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you'll most likely need to pass the state test.

:) Thanks everyone for your messages. My friend is very happy now that she has found out exactly what is required. :balloons: