How to Become a CNA in California
Wondering how to become a CNA in California? Here’s what the state requires, what it pays, and exactly how Bay Area CNA gets you through every step.
What is a CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who supports Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in providing patient care — assisting with essential daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and mobility.
Skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes are the largest employer of CNAs, followed by hospitals — where CNAs may also work in specialty units like cancer centers, children’s hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. CNAs also work at assisted living centers, home health agencies, and residential care facilities.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — California has the highest CNA employment of any state.
How to Become a CNA in California: State Requirements
Becoming a CNA in California comes down to three steps, set by the state.
All candidates are required to submit a Live Scan background check prior to starting training.
- Complete 160 hours of training at a state‑approved facility, including 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical instruction.
- Bay Area CNA School is state-approved. Verify our listing on the CDPH website (type Alameda County in the search bar).
Two parts: a written exam and a clinical skills evaluation. You must pass both within two years of completing training, with up to three attempts allowed. See approved state testing providers.
Tuition
If you’re figuring out how to become a CNA in California, tuition is the same across all three programs — Weekday AM, Weekday PM, and Weekend.
Tuition includes everything listed below:
Tuition does not include Live Scan ($60+) or the state examination fee ($120).
Program schedules
Three formats, same curriculum. Pick whichever fits your week.
| Program | Days | Hours | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday AM | Monday – Friday | 7 AM – 3 PM | 1 month |
| Weekday PM | Monday – Friday | 3 PM – 9 PM* | 6 weeks |
| Weekend | Saturday & Sunday | 7 AM – 3 PM | ~2.5 months |
*Clinical hours for PM classes: 3 PM – 8 PM
Admission procedure
Once you know how to become a CNA in California, four steps stand between you and your first day of class.
Start on the Enrollment page and pay a $400 initial deposit to hold your place.
Required before training starts, as noted above — Live Scan details.
Provide a test report showing TB negative — TB screening details.
See what’s required for your physical.
CNA curriculum
Grading requirements for Theory classes:
To succeed in the program, students must meet the following standards.
| Grade range | Result |
|---|---|
| Module quiz |
Pass ≥ 70% — Continue to next module.
Fail < 70% — Retake quiz.
|
| Final exam |
Pass ≥ 70%
Fail < 70% — Remediation after review.
|
Who can enroll
Still working out how to become a CNA in California? Visit our FAQ page. For exam prep materials and study guides, check out our Learning and Exam Resources page. You can also click the chat icon in the bottom-right corner of this page anytime to ask our AI assistant a question.
Ready to enroll?
Reserve your spot with a $400 deposit and pick your schedule.