CNA Classes in Georgia | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Georgia MCHR Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Georgia

Launch your healthcare career in the Peach State with state-approved certification programs. Georgia's rapidly growing population creates strong demand for qualified CNAs across the state.

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

Training Hours Required

$132

State Exam Fee

$33,420

Average Annual Salary

4-6

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Georgia

Growing Healthcare Hub of the Southeast

Georgia offers excellent opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, with a rapidly growing population, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and affordable cost of living. The Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF), under contract with the Georgia Department of Community Health, administers the Certified Nurse Aide competency evaluation and maintains the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. Georgia requires completion of a state-approved training program and successful passage of the competency evaluation.

Metropolitan Atlanta is a major healthcare hub, home to the CDC headquarters and world-class medical centers like Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, and Grady Health System. Beyond Atlanta, cities like Augusta (home to the Medical College of Georgia), Savannah, Columbus, and Macon provide diverse employment opportunities. Georgia's Technical College System offers CNA training at numerous locations statewide, providing accessible and affordable pathways to certification. The state's combination of urban and rural healthcare needs ensures steady demand for nursing assistants across all regions.

Lower training hours (85) for faster certification

Technical College System programs statewide

Affordable cost of living across the state

Major healthcare hub with diverse employers

Georgia CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 85 hours minimum

Classroom Hours 61 hours

Clinical Hours 24 hours

Exam Format 70 questions + 5 skills

Exam Fee $132 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body Georgia DCH/GMCF

Registry GA Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Georgia

Browse Georgia-approved nursing assistant training programs. Programs are available through the Technical College System of Georgia, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities across the Peach State.

Browse CNA Schools in Georgia

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 Georgia

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

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Georgia Department of Community Health. Georgia requires a minimum of 85 total training hours—61 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus 24 hours of supervised clinical experience. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) offers CNA training at 22 colleges statewide, including Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Atlanta Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, and many others. The American Red Cross and numerous private vocational schools also offer approved programs. Some nursing homes provide free employer-sponsored training.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, pass the Georgia Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by the Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF). The exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 70 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 $132. Testing is available at regional testing sites throughout Georgia. You must pass both portions within three attempts and 24 months of completing your training program.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a criminal background check as required by Georgia law for all healthcare workers. Georgia requires a Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) background check, and many employers also require a federal FBI fingerprint check. The background check typically costs $25-50 for the state check, with additional fees if federal checks are required. Once you pass the competency exam and clear the background check, your name is placed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry maintained by GMCF. 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 Georgia.

Georgia requires 85 hours of training—one of the lower requirements in the Southeast—which typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete depending on program format and scheduling. Full-time accelerated programs at technical colleges or private vocational schools can be completed in as little as 2-4 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 6-10 weeks to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. The Technical College System of Georgia offers programs on various schedules throughout the year, with new cohorts starting frequently. After completing your state-approved training program, you'll schedule your competency exam through the Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF). 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 Georgia Crime Information Center usually takes 1-2 weeks. From enrollment to receiving your certification, most students can become fully certified CNAs in Georgia within 5-8 weeks. Georgia's combination of lower training requirements and accessible testing makes it one of the faster states to achieve certification. Some healthcare facilities offer conditional employment while your certification is being processed.

CNA training costs in Georgia typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the institution and program type. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) programs generally offer the most affordable options, typically costing $500-$1,000 including tuition and fees for state residents—institutions like Atlanta Technical College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, and Augusta Technical College provide quality training at competitive prices. Georgia's HOPE Career Grant may cover tuition for CNA programs at technical colleges for qualifying students. The American Red Cross Georgia chapters typically charge $1,000-$1,400 for their programs. Private vocational schools may charge $1,000-$1,500+ but often offer more flexible scheduling or accelerated timelines. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $132 for the state competency exam, $25-50 for background checks, plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks ($30-$75), and any required immunizations or health screenings. Many Georgia nursing homes and healthcare facilities offer free CNA training in exchange for a commitment to work at their facility—typically 6-12 months. Georgia Workforce Development funding through local career centers may also be available for qualifying students.

Georgia 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 (61 hours)—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, documentation, communication, and safety procedures—can sometimes be completed through online coursework at your own pace. However, Georgia Department of Community Health regulations require that clinical training hours (minimum 24 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 with actual patients, including vital signs measurement, personal care assistance, mobility support, and communication techniques. Several Technical College System of Georgia schools and private programs offer hybrid formats that work well for students balancing work or family responsibilities—you complete lectures and theory online, then attend condensed in-person lab and clinical sessions. When searching for programs, look for state-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 Georgia certification.

Georgia uses the Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF) as its testing administrator for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. The exam consists of two parts that are typically taken on the same day at a regional testing site. The written knowledge test contains 70 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit—slightly more questions than some other states. 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 Georgia 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 (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature), positioning, transfers, ambulation, range of motion exercises, and various personal care tasks. Testing is available at regional sites throughout Georgia, including locations in metro Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, and other cities. The combined exam fee is approximately $132.

Yes, Georgia accepts CNA certification from other states through reciprocity, but you must apply for endorsement through the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry before working in the state. To transfer your certification, submit a completed Interstate 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 Georgia criminal background check. The reciprocity application fee is approximately $25, 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 Georgia—employers are required to verify registry status before hiring. If your previous state required fewer than 85 training hours, Georgia may still grant reciprocity based on your exam passage and work experience, as it evaluates applications based on federal OBRA requirements. Once approved, your Georgia certification will follow the state's standard 24-month renewal cycle. For questions about the reciprocity process, contact the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry at GMCF at (678) 527-3010.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Georgia

Georgia 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 facilities, hospice organizations, and similar healthcare environments. Georgia does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CNA renewal beyond federal OBRA requirements, though individual employers typically provide annual in-service training as required by federal regulations. The renewal application must be submitted to the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry before your certification expires. Georgia charges a renewal fee of approximately $25-30, and you can submit your renewal application online through the GMCF registry portal or by mail. GMCF sends renewal notices approximately 60-90 days before your expiration date to the address on file. 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 both portions of 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 retesting. Keep your contact information current with the registry.

Renewal Fee

~$25-30

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

CEU Requirement

None (per employer)

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Georgia

Southeastern Healthcare Hub with Growing Demand

Georgia offers CNAs a growing job market driven by the state's rapidly expanding population and robust healthcare infrastructure. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Georgia earn a median salary of $33,420 per year, or approximately $16.07 per hour. While this is slightly below the national average, Georgia's significantly lower cost of living—particularly outside metro Atlanta—means these wages stretch further than in many other states. In the Atlanta metro area and Augusta's medical district, experienced CNAs can earn $17-20 per hour, with premium pay for night shifts, weekends, and specialized care.

Georgia's healthcare industry is anchored by major systems including Emory Healthcare (one of the Southeast's most comprehensive academic health systems), Piedmont Healthcare, Wellstar Health System, Grady Health System, and Northside Hospital. Augusta is home to the Medical College of Georgia and Augusta University Medical Center, creating a concentrated healthcare employment hub. Savannah's healthcare market continues to grow with Memorial Health and St. Joseph's/Candler, while Columbus, Macon, and other cities provide additional opportunities.

Georgia's Technical College System offers excellent career advancement pathways—many CNAs pursue LPN or RN degrees through TCSG's nursing programs or the state's university system nursing schools. The HOPE Career Grant program can help cover tuition for continuing education, making Georgia an attractive state for CNAs seeking long-term career growth in healthcare.

Average Annual Salary

$33,420

per year

$16.07/hour • Low cost of living

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

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

Resources

Official Georgia CNA Resources

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

Georgia Medical Care Foundation

Administers the Georgia Nurse Aide competency evaluation and maintains the state registry.

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Georgia Nurse Aide Registry

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

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GMCF Testing Information

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Technical College System of Georgia

Find approved CNA training programs at Georgia's 22 technical colleges statewide.

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GMCF Nurse Aide Program

57 Executive Park South NE, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30329

Call: (678) 527-3010

Georgia DCH

Contact the Department of Community Health for regulatory questions.

Call: (404) 651-8560

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