Free CNA Training from the American Red Cross Comes with a Certificate
The American Red Cross offers free training to prospective nursing assistant students throughout the state. This is a great opportunity for students wishing to make a career in the health care industry or for adults interested in a career change. Certification after completing the American Red Cross training program is through the state of California and only at authorized test-taking sites. Additional fees for certification and nurse assistant certification renewal are to be expected. To learn which American Red Cross locations offer nursing assistant training in California, visit their website or a local American Red Cross facility.
Select a state or continue scrolling:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Maryland
New York
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
CNA Certification Information
In the state of California, all individuals seeking to become certified nursing assistants must meet all course requirements prior to sitting for the state certification exam. Prior to working as a certified nursing assistant, there are requirements all potential certified nursing assistants must adhere to:
All student nurse assistant candidates applying to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination in California must have successfully completed a Department of Public Health-approved nurse assistant training program. You are allowed two (2) years from your training program completion date to pass the nursing assistant examination. If you do not pass the NNAAP Examination within a two-year period, you will be required to re-train before you will be allowed to take the examination again. If you have not completed a CNA training program but you have had other training, please contact the California Department of Public Health at (916) 327-2445 to determine your eligibility.
Training programs are a minimum of 150 hours in length and are comprised of lecture, laboratory, and at minimum 100 hours of supervised clinical experience in an approved clinical setting.
A newly trained nurse aide candidate taking the examination for the first time must successfully pass both parts of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination within one (1) year of successfully completing a training program in order to be placed on the California Nurse Aide Registry.
A person transferring from another state must not provide hands-on care in a facility until he or she has been placed on the California Nurse Aide Registry. A nurse aide’s Registry employment eligibility status will be determined by the training provided by that state’s instructional program and must complete the Nurse Aide Registry Out-of-State Application.
How long does it take to become a CNA in California?
Certified Nursing Assistant Training programs in California are about 6 to 12 weeks long depending on your pace. The training program comprises of classroom and clinical work.
How long does CNA certification last?
Your CNA certification typically lasts 2 years and can be renewed using a renewal form and fee as long as you have maintained working as a CNA during this time.
Is CNA a good career path?
Being a Certified Nursing Assistant is a very rewarding healthcare position and can serve as a stepping stone towards other opportunities in healthcare depending on your goals.
Can I transfer my CNA license to California?
Yes, you can transfer your CNA certification via reciprocity. A background check will be conducted before your certification can be transferred to California. The nursing aide registry will ensure that your certification has not expired in your former state.
What is the average pay for a CNA in California?
The typical salary for a CNA in California ranges between $31,000 and $39,000.
How long does it take to get CNA certified?
Most CNA programs take between 4 to 12 weeks. This is divided into classroom and clinical practices.