CNA Classes in Florida | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Florida Board of Nursing Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Florida

Launch your healthcare career in the Sunshine State with state-approved certification programs. Florida has the nation's largest senior population and massive demand for CNAs.

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

120

Training Hours Required

$155

State Exam Fee

$33,770

Average Annual Salary

4-8

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Florida

The Nation's Largest Senior Care Market

Florida offers unparalleled opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, with the largest senior population in the nation and a healthcare industry that continues to expand rapidly. The Florida Board of Nursing oversees CNA certification, while the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) maintains the Certified Nursing Assistant Registry. Florida requires completion of a state-approved training program and successful passage of the competency evaluation administered by Prometric.

From major metropolitan healthcare hubs in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville to retirement communities throughout the state, Florida provides diverse employment opportunities for CNAs. The state's year-round warm climate attracts retirees from across the nation, creating sustained demand for nursing assistants in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, home health agencies, hospitals, and specialized memory care centers. Florida's no-state-income-tax policy means CNAs keep more of their earnings.

Largest senior population in the U.S. (highest demand)

No state income tax—keep more of your earnings

Florida College System programs statewide

Diverse healthcare settings from urban to coastal

Florida CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 120 hours minimum

Classroom Hours 80 hours

Clinical Hours 40 hours

Exam Format 60 questions + 5 skills

Exam Fee $155 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body FL Board of Nursing/AHCA

Registry Florida CNA Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Florida

Browse Florida Board of Nursing approved nursing assistant training programs. Programs are available at state colleges, career technical centers, and private vocational schools throughout Florida.

Browse CNA Schools in Florida

Explore our directory of state-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 Florida

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

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nursing Assistant Training Program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Florida requires a minimum of 120 total training hours—80 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus 40 hours of supervised clinical experience. Training is available through the Florida College System (28 state colleges), career and technical education centers in most Florida counties, the American Red Cross, and numerous private vocational schools. Many Florida nursing homes also offer free employer-sponsored training programs in exchange for a work commitment.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, pass the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant Examination administered by Prometric. The exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 60 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 $155. Testing is available at numerous Prometric sites throughout Florida. You must pass both portions within three attempts and two years of completing your training program.

Background Screening & Registry

Complete a Level 2 background screening as required by Florida law for all healthcare workers. This includes FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) fingerprint-based checks. The background screening is conducted through AHCA's Background Screening Clearinghouse and typically costs $50-75. Once you pass the competency exam and clear the background screening, you apply to be placed on the Florida CNA Registry maintained by AHCA. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Florida.

Florida requires 120 hours of training, which typically takes 4-8 weeks to complete depending on program format and scheduling. Full-time accelerated programs at career technical centers or private vocational schools can be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs through Florida state colleges may take 8-12 weeks to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. After completing your state-approved training program, you'll schedule your competency exam through Prometric. Both the written and skills portions can usually be completed on the same day, and results are typically available within a few business days. The Level 2 background screening through AHCA's Clearinghouse typically takes 3-5 business days for electronic results, though some cases may take longer. Once you pass the exam and background screening, you must apply to AHCA for placement on the CNA Registry, which typically takes 1-2 weeks. From enrollment to receiving your certification, most students can become fully certified CNAs in Florida within 6-10 weeks. Many healthcare facilities offer conditional employment while your certification is being processed.

CNA training costs in Florida typically range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the institution and program type. Florida state college programs generally cost $500-$1,200 including tuition and fees for state residents—institutions like Miami Dade College, Broward College, Valencia College, Hillsborough Community College, and Palm Beach State College offer affordable programs. Career and technical education centers operated by county school districts often offer programs at similar price points. Private vocational schools may charge $1,200-$2,000+ but often offer more flexible scheduling, smaller class sizes, or accelerated timelines. The American Red Cross Florida chapters typically charge $1,000-$1,500. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $155 for the state competency exam, $50-75 for the Level 2 background screening, plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks, and any required immunizations or health screenings. Many Florida nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer free CNA training in exchange for a commitment to work at their facility—typically 6-12 months. This is extremely common in Florida given the high demand for CNAs. CareerSource Florida locations may also have workforce development funding available for qualifying students.

Florida 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 (80 hours)—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, documentation, communication, safety, and Florida-specific regulations—can sometimes be completed through online coursework at your own pace. However, Florida Board of Nursing regulations require that clinical training hours (minimum 40 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 assistance, mobility support, and communication techniques with actual patients or residents. Given Florida's large geographic size, many programs have adapted to offer hybrid formats—you complete theory online and then attend condensed clinical sessions. When searching for programs, look for Florida Board of Nursing 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 Florida certification.

Florida uses Prometric as its testing provider for the Certified Nursing Assistant Examination. The exam consists of two parts that are typically taken on the same day at a Prometric testing site. The written knowledge test contains 60 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 (important given Florida's large Alzheimer's and dementia population), basic restorative services, and relevant regulations. If you have difficulty reading English, you may request an oral exam format (available in English or Spanish) 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 exercises, and various personal care tasks. Testing is available at numerous Prometric sites throughout Florida, including multiple locations in all major metro areas. The combined exam fee is approximately $155.

Yes, Florida accepts CNA certification from other states through endorsement, but you must apply through AHCA before working in the state. To transfer your certification, submit an Application for Certified Nursing Assistant by Endorsement 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 Florida's Level 2 background screening through AHCA's Background Screening Clearinghouse—this is mandatory regardless of any background checks completed in your previous state. The endorsement application fee is approximately $100-125, and processing typically takes 4-6 weeks once all documentation is received. While your application is pending, you cannot legally work as a CNA in Florida—employers are required to verify registry status before hiring. If your previous state required fewer than 120 training hours, Florida may still grant endorsement but evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis. Once approved, your Florida certification will follow the state's standard 24-month renewal cycle. For questions about the endorsement process, contact AHCA's CNA Registry at (850) 412-4375.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Florida

Florida CNA certification is valid for 24 months and must be renewed to remain on the Certified Nursing Assistant Registry. To renew your certification, you must have performed at least 8 hours of compensated nursing-related services within the 24-month certification period AND maintain an active, cleared Level 2 background screening status in AHCA's Background Screening Clearinghouse. 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 facilities, hospice organizations, and similar healthcare environments. Florida also requires completion of 24 hours of in-service training during each two-year certification period, including 2 hours specific to HIV/AIDS education and 1 hour of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia training (reflecting Florida's large senior population). The renewal application must be submitted to AHCA before your certification expires. Florida charges a renewal fee of approximately $50-65, and you can renew online through the AHCA CNA Registry portal. If your certification expires because you did not meet the work, in-service, or background screening requirements, you will need to retake and pass the competency exam to regain active status. Keep your contact information and background screening current to receive renewal notices.

Renewal Fee

~$50-65

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

In-Service Req.

24 hours (incl. HIV/dementia)

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Florida

America's Largest Senior Care Market

Florida offers CNAs the largest senior care job market in the nation. With over 4.5 million residents age 65 and older—more than any other state—Florida's demand for nursing assistants is unmatched. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Florida earn a median salary of $33,770 per year, or approximately $16.24 per hour. While this is slightly below the national average, Florida's lack of state income tax means CNAs keep more of their earnings compared to most other states. Additionally, Florida's relatively lower cost of living outside the major metro areas makes these wages go further.

Florida's healthcare industry is anchored by major systems including AdventHealth (one of the nation's largest faith-based health systems), HCA Florida Healthcare, Baptist Health South Florida, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Orlando Health, and Tampa General Hospital. The state also has thousands of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities (ALFs), and home health agencies. Unique to Florida are massive retirement communities like The Villages in Central Florida, which creates concentrated demand for CNAs in those areas.

Florida's "snowbird" population—seasonal residents who spend winters in Florida—creates additional demand during peak season (October through April). Many CNAs find opportunities for overtime and premium pay during these months. Career advancement opportunities are plentiful, with many Florida colleges offering LPN and RN bridge programs for CNAs looking to advance their healthcare careers.

Average Annual Salary

$33,770

per year

$16.24/hour • No state income tax

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

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

Resources

Official Florida CNA Resources

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

Florida Board of Nursing

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA training program approval and nursing assistant standards.

Visit Website

AHCA CNA Registry

Verify your CNA status and check certification details through the official Florida CNA Registry.

Search Registry

Prometric Testing

Schedule Exam

Background Screening Clearinghouse

Complete your Level 2 background screening required for all Florida healthcare workers.

Start Screening

AHCA CNA Registry Contact

2727 Mahan Drive, MS #30
Tallahassee, FL 32308

Call: (850) 412-4375

Prometric Support

Contact Prometric for exam scheduling, results, and testing accommodations.

Call: (800) 755-2728

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