CNA Classes in Colorado | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Colorado CDPHE Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Colorado

Launch your healthcare career in the Centennial State with state-approved certification programs. Colorado's growing population and healthcare industry offer excellent opportunities for CNAs.

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Training Hours Required

$130

State Exam Fee

$40,820

Average Annual Salary

3-6

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Colorado

Growing Healthcare Industry in the Mountain West

Colorado offers excellent opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, with a rapidly growing population, strong healthcare industry, and competitive wages. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) oversees CNA certification through its Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, requiring completion of a state-approved training program and successful passage of the competency evaluation administered by Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE).

With major healthcare hubs in the Denver metro area, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Boulder, plus growing communities throughout the state, Colorado provides diverse employment opportunities. The state's quality of life, outdoor recreation, and healthy population make it an attractive place to build a healthcare career. Colorado's commitment to healthcare innovation also means CNAs often have access to modern facilities and technologies.

Lower training hours (75) means faster certification

Above-average wages for CNAs

Programs at community colleges throughout the state

Rapidly growing healthcare job market

Colorado CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 75 hours minimum

Classroom Hours 59 hours

Clinical Hours 16 hours

Exam Format 77 questions + 5 skills

Exam Fee $130 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body Colorado CDPHE

Registry CO Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Colorado

Browse CDPHE-approved nursing assistant training programs throughout Colorado. Programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities across the state.

Browse CNA Schools in Colorado

Explore our directory of CDPHE-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Colorado

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in Colorado.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Colorado requires a minimum of 75 total training hours—59 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. This is one of the lower training requirements nationally. Programs are available through Colorado Community College System institutions including Front Range, Pikes Peak, Community College of Denver, and Red Rocks, as well as numerous private vocational schools and some healthcare facilities that offer employer-sponsored training.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, pass the Colorado Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Credentia. The exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 77 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit, and a clinical skills evaluation where you demonstrate 5 randomly selected competencies. The combined exam fee is approximately $130. Testing is available at multiple sites throughout Colorado, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo. You must pass both portions within three attempts and 12 months of completing training.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a criminal background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as required by state law. This typically involves fingerprinting and costs approximately $40-50. Once you pass the competency exam and clear the background check, your name is placed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry maintained by CDPHE. You'll receive your certification number, and employers can verify your active status online. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. Colorado requires CNAs to maintain a current address with the registry.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Colorado.

Colorado has one of the lower training requirements in the nation at just 75 hours, which means you can complete your certification relatively quickly—typically in 3-6 weeks depending on program format and scheduling. Full-time accelerated programs at community colleges or private vocational schools can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 4-8 weeks to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. After completing your CDPHE-approved training program, you'll schedule your competency exam through Credentia. Both the written and skills portions can often be completed on the same day, and results are typically available within a few business days. The background check process through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation usually takes 1-3 weeks. From enrollment to receiving your certification, most students can become fully certified CNAs in Colorado within 4-8 weeks. Some healthcare facilities may hire you conditionally while your certification is being processed, allowing you to begin working under supervision while completing final requirements.

CNA training costs in Colorado typically range from $600 to $2,000 depending on the institution and program type. Colorado Community College System programs generally cost $600-$1,200 including tuition and fees for state residents—institutions like Front Range Community College, Pikes Peak State College, Community College of Denver, and Pueblo Community College offer affordable options. Private vocational schools may charge $1,200-$2,000+ but often offer more flexible scheduling, smaller class sizes, or accelerated completion times. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $130 for the state competency exam, $40-50 for the CBI background check, plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks ($30-$75), CPR certification if required ($40-60), and any required immunizations or TB testing. Many Colorado healthcare facilities, particularly those experiencing staffing shortages in rural areas or senior care settings, offer free or subsidized CNA training in exchange for a work commitment—typically 6-12 months. Workforce development funding through Colorado Workforce Centers may also be available for qualifying students who meet income guidelines.

Colorado permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours, but fully online programs are not approved for state certification. The classroom/didactic portion of your training—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, documentation, communication, and safety procedures—can often be completed through online coursework at your own pace. However, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulations require that clinical training hours (minimum 16 hours) be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This hands-on component involves practicing essential skills like vital signs measurement, personal care, ambulation, transfers, positioning, and proper infection control procedures with actual patients. Several Colorado programs offer hybrid formats that work well for students balancing work, family, or Colorado's outdoor lifestyle. When searching for programs, look for CDPHE-approved hybrid options that clearly specify their online vs. in-person hour breakdown. Be cautious of any program advertising as completely online, as graduates would not be eligible for Colorado certification.

Colorado uses Credentia (which took over from Pearson VUE) as its testing provider for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. The exam consists of two parts that are typically taken on the same day. The written knowledge test contains 77 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. Questions cover essential CNA topics including patient rights and independence, communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, care of cognitively impaired residents, basic restorative services, and relevant regulations. If you have difficulty reading English, you may request an oral exam format when registering. The clinical skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate competency in 5 randomly selected skills from a standardized list that includes hand hygiene, vital signs measurement, positioning, transfers, ambulation, range of motion, and various personal care tasks. A nurse evaluator observes as you perform each skill on a mannequin or standardized patient. Testing sites are located throughout Colorado in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and other locations. The combined exam fee is approximately $130.

Yes, Colorado accepts CNA certification from other states through reciprocity, but you must apply for endorsement through CDPHE before working in Colorado. To transfer your certification, submit a completed Endorsement Application along with verification of your current certification directly from your previous state's nurse aide registry. Your out-of-state certification must be active and in good standing with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. You'll also need to complete a Colorado Bureau of Investigation background check, including fingerprinting. The endorsement application fee is approximately $25-35, and processing typically takes 2-4 weeks once all documentation is received. While your application is pending, you cannot legally work as a CNA in Colorado—employers are required to verify registry status before hiring. If your previous state required fewer than 75 training hours, you may still qualify for endorsement, as Colorado evaluates applications individually. Once approved, your Colorado certification will follow the state's standard 24-month renewal cycle. If your out-of-state certification has been expired for more than 24 months, you may be required to retest or complete additional training. For questions about the reciprocity process, contact the CDPHE Nurse Aide Program at (303) 692-2930.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Colorado

Colorado CNA certification is valid for 24 months and must be renewed to remain on the Nurse Aide Registry. To renew your certification, you must have performed at least 8 hours of compensated nursing-related services within the 24-month certification period. This employment must occur in a qualifying healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse—acceptable settings include nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living residences, hospice facilities, and similar healthcare environments. Colorado does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CNA renewal, though individual employers may require in-service training as part of their facility requirements. The renewal fee is approximately $20, and you can renew online through the CDPHE Nurse Aide Registry portal. CDPHE sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before your expiration date to the address on file, so keeping your contact information current is important. If your certification expires because you did not meet the work requirement or failed to renew on time, you will need to retake and pass the competency exam to regain active status. If your certification has been expired for more than 24 consecutive months, you may be required to complete a new training program before being allowed to retest. Colorado takes registry compliance seriously—working as a CNA with an expired certification can result in penalties.

Renewal Fee

~$20

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

CEU Requirement

None required

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Colorado

Growing Healthcare Market in a Growing State

Colorado is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and its healthcare industry is expanding rapidly to keep pace. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Colorado earn a median salary of $40,820 per year, or approximately $19.62 per hour—notably higher than the national average. In the Denver metro area, the state's largest healthcare market, experienced CNAs can earn $20-24 per hour, with premium pay available for night shifts, weekends, and specialized care settings like memory care or rehabilitation.

While Colorado's cost of living, particularly in the Denver-Boulder corridor, has risen in recent years, wages have generally kept pace. Many CNAs find that the combination of competitive pay, Colorado's quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation makes the state an attractive place to build a healthcare career. Areas outside the Front Range—including Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo—often offer more affordable living while still providing solid healthcare employment opportunities.

Major Colorado healthcare employers include UCHealth (University of Colorado Health), SCL Health, Centura Health, Denver Health, Children's Hospital Colorado, and numerous skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. The state's aging population and continued growth ensure strong demand for CNAs. Many Colorado CNAs advance their careers by pursuing LPN or RN degrees through the Colorado Community College System's nursing pathways or the University of Colorado's nursing programs.

Average Annual Salary

$40,820

per year

$19.62/hour • Above national avg

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

Looking for CNA programs in neighboring states? Check out these resources.

Resources

Official Colorado CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

Colorado CDPHE Nurse Aide Program

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA certification, training program approval, and nurse aide registry.

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Colorado Nurse Aide Registry

Verify your CNA status and check certification details through the official registry lookup.

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Credentia Testing

Schedule Exam

CBI Background Check

Colorado Bureau of Investigation background check information for healthcare workers.

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CDPHE Nurse Aide Contact

4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246

Call: (303) 692-2930

Email Support

Contact CDPHE Nurse Aide Program for certification questions and assistance.

cdphe.hfnurseaide@state.co.us

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