California CNA training directory
Compare certified nursing assistant (CNA) training campuses by city, class options and published tuition. Choose a school to see its available details, then request current dates and costs before you apply.
Compare CNA schools in California
Use the filters to narrow the campus list by city, schedule and learning format. A listing is a starting point for comparison, not proof that a particular location is currently enrolling or state-approved.
Well-reviewed schools to explore
These listed campuses have at least a 4.7 business rating and 100 public reviews. Ratings describe the business, not specifically its CNA course; they are not a ranking of program quality.
Panorama City
St. Jude Nursing School
4.9 rating · 1,804 public reviews
Orange
Allegiance Career Institute
5.0 rating · 756 public reviews
Norwalk
Procareer Academy
4.8 rating · 539 public reviews
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Show all California cities
281 campuses found
Selected filters show campuses with those options listed.
Ventura, California
Ventura College
Ventura College East Campus describes Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) coursework covering feeding and nutrition support and observation and…
Information reviewed August 2026Santa Paula, California
Ventura College East Campus
Ventura College East Campus describes Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) coursework covering feeding and nutrition support and observation and…
Information reviewed August 2026
Camarillo, California
Ventura Training Institute
At Ventura Training Institute, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is presented as a combination of theory, skills…
Information reviewed August 2026
San Marino, California
Veritas Career College
Veritas Career College confirms that it offers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training. Published materials connect the training with…
Information reviewed August 2026Menifee, California
Vigilant Life Support Training Academy
Vigilant Life Support Training Academy presents its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program through a mix of learning activities…
Information reviewed August 2026
San Leandro, California
VIP Nursing School
VIP Nursing School describes Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) coursework covering taking vital signs. The program is framed partly…
Information reviewed August 2026
Visalia, California
Visalia Adult School
Visalia Adult School confirms that it offers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training.
Information reviewed August 2026
Watsonville, California
Watsonville-Aptos Adult School
Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education confirms that it offers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training. Elsewhere on its official site,…
Information reviewed August 2026Watsonville, California
Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education
Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education confirms that it offers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training. Elsewhere on its official site,…
Information reviewed August 2026
Walnut, California
Windsor School of Nursing
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) curriculum published by Windsor School of Nursing spans taking vital signs, personal care…
Information reviewed August 2026
Los Angeles, California
Zero-Max Career Institute
Zero-Max Career Institute describes Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) coursework covering communication. The documented learning model brings together classroom…
Information reviewed August 2026California CNA requirements and certification steps
California requires 160 hours of approved nurse assistant training: at least 60 hours of classroom theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. An accelerated calendar must still cover these required hours. Read California’s official training requirements.
- Choose a CDPH-approved training program and confirm the exact campus or training location.
- Complete the required classroom and clinical training, application and background-check steps.
- Pass the required knowledge and skills testing, then confirm your certification status with the state.
The CDPH approved-program list helps you check a provider before paying. A school appearing in this directory is not a substitute for that verification.
How long does CNA training take in California?
At roughly 20–40 training hours a week, California’s required 160 hours would take about 4–8 weeks. Evening or weekend classes often spread the hours over a longer calendar. Allow additional time for the exam and certification processing. Ask each campus for its complete classroom and clinical schedule, not just an advertised course length.
CNA training costs and ways to pay in California
What do listed programs cost?
Among numeric tuition amounts in our current California listings, roughly four in five are about $1,300–$2,600 after excluding figures under $500 that may represent fees or short courses. Some programs fall outside this range. It is a directory-data comparison, not a statewide price guarantee. Ask for a written total covering registration, books, uniforms, screenings, clinical supplies and exam fees.
Free training, paid-to-train and financing
Some employers or workforce programs may cover training, but availability and eligibility vary. A paid CNA course is different from a paid-to-train job. We also record school-reported payment plans and financial aid where available; these are not offers from this directory and terms must be confirmed with the school.
Examples to ask: Healthcare Science Academy (payment plans)St. Jude Nursing School (financial aid)Los Angeles Career College (financial aid)
Online and flexible CNA classes
Online or hybrid study may cover approved theory lessons, but it does not remove California’s supervised clinical requirement. If you need evening, weekend or fast-track classes, check both the classroom timetable and clinical shifts. Use the directory filters to compare the options schools have reported, then confirm the current schedule directly.
California CNA questions
What if I fail the CNA skills test?
Request your score report, identify the skills to practise and ask the testing provider about retesting, fees and deadlines. Rules can change, so use the instructions from your California testing provider rather than assuming you must repeat the whole course.
Can I work as a CNA before certification?
Do not describe yourself as a certified nursing assistant until your certification is active. If an employer offers a trainee role while you are in an approved program, ask it to explain the permitted duties, supervision and certification deadline under current California rules.
Can I start CNA training while still in high school?
CDPH says applicants for initial CNA certification must be at least 16 years old. A school or employer may have additional admission or hiring requirements, so ask both before enrolling. Check CDPH’s initial application guidance.
Is an entry-level hospital CNA job difficult to get?
Hospital vacancies can be competitive and requirements differ by employer. Include skilled-nursing facilities and other appropriate care settings in your search, then compare hospitals’ experience and shift requirements before applying. We cannot promise placement from a school listing.
What is the hourly pay for a new California CNA?
May 2025 wage estimates for California nursing assistants show about $19.28 an hour at the low end and a $22.90 median across workers with different experience levels. These are not guaranteed starting offers; pay varies by city, employer and shift. See the BLS-based California wage table.
How long does California CNA certification take after training?
After finishing an approved program, you still need to schedule and pass the competency exam and complete your application. CDPH advises allowing at least 30 days for it to receive exam results from the testing vendor; this is not a guaranteed certification date. The total wait depends on exam availability and whether your application is complete. See CDPH’s initial application steps.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to California from another state?
Yes, you can apply for California CNA certification through reciprocity if you hold an out-of-state certificate. CDPH asks for its reciprocity application, fingerprint documentation and proof of your current certification; proof of recent work may also be required. Approval is not automatic, so check the CDPH reciprocity instructions before you apply or start work as a California CNA.
What is on the California CNA certification exam?
The competency evaluation checks nursing-assistant knowledge and hands-on care skills. Your training provider should explain how to schedule it after the course. Ask which testing vendor you will use, what to practise, the current exam fee and the retest rules. See California’s approved testing vendors.
California requirements: California Department of Public Health. School prices, ratings and financing indicators come from reviewed directory records and may have changed. Confirm approval, tuition and class availability before enrolling.