How much does a CNA course cost?

How much are CNA classes?

Tuition is set by the program, not by federal law or the state boards checked, so the honest answer to how much is a CNA course is: ask each approved program for its full price. Compare like with like, because a program’s fee may or may not include textbooks, uniforms, the state exam fee and background screening.

Also compare hours. A program in a state with a 140-hour minimum, such as Virginia, is not comparable with a 75-hour program elsewhere. The CNA program cost per hour of approved training is a fairer comparison than the headline price.

Source: eCFR — 42 CFR 483.152, nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs. Checked 18 October 2026.

When the cost of CNA training is zero

Federal rules protect two groups. If you are employed by a nursing facility, or have an offer of employment from one, on the day you start, neither the training nor the competency evaluation may cost you anything, textbooks and required materials included.

If you pay for training yourself and a facility hires you within 12 months of completing it, the state must provide for pro rata reimbursement of your costs while you work as a nurse aide.

Source: eCFR — 42 CFR 483.152, nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs. Checked 18 October 2026.

CNA exam fees: two state examples

In Virginia, Credentia charges $45 for the written or the oral exam and $95 for the skills evaluation; fees are not refundable.

In Florida, Prometric charges $155 for the clinical skills and written exams together, $120 for skills only, $35 for written only and $35 for the audio written test. Rescheduling costs $30 according to the bulletin, while the application form lists $25. Florida applicants pay exam fees directly to Prometric and fingerprinting fees to the Livescan provider.

• Virginia: written or oral $45, skills $95
• Florida: both parts $155, skills only $120, written only $35, audio written $35

Source: Prometric — Florida Certified Nursing Assistant Candidate Information Bulletin (Rev. 11012025). Checked 18 October 2026.

Practice test costs

Official sample questions in the candidate handbooks cost nothing. Prometric’s paid practice exams are listed at $15 for each 50-question written version, or $35 for all 150 questions, and its clinical skills readiness tests at $10 per skill group or $35 for all skills. Florida’s bulletin lists a different practice exam price, so check at checkout.

Source: Prometric — Nurse Aide Practice Exams. Checked 18 October 2026.

Renewal costs

Renewal fees are state fees. Florida charges $55 if you renew before expiration, $105 after expiration and $160 if you are 120 days notified delinquent, each including a $5 fee to combat unlicensed activity. In Virginia, a certification lapsed more than 90 days requires a reinstatement application and fees; the amount is not stated on the Credentia page checked.

Source: Florida Board of Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Renewal. Checked 18 October 2026.

Spending on preparation wisely

Booking the state exam before you are ready can cost you one of your attempts, and Florida, for example, requires a full training program after three failures. Practise first. Certsqill’s CNA question bank has expert-developed questions, an explanation for every answer option and a readiness score per content area, so you book the state exam when the scores say you are ready.

CNA cost: questions people ask

How much does a CNA class cost?

Each approved program sets its own tuition; the state boards checked publish no statewide price. If a nursing facility employs you or has offered you a job when you start, it must be free. Source: 42 CFR 483.152, checked 18 October 2026.

What is the cost of CNA training if my employer pays?

Nothing. A nurse aide employed by, or with a job offer from, a facility on the start date may not be charged for any part of the program. Source: 42 CFR 483.152, checked 18 October 2026.

How much is the CNA exam?

Virginia: $45 written or oral plus $95 skills. Florida: $155 for both parts. Source: Credentia and Prometric, checked 18 October 2026.

Are CNA exam fees refundable?

Not in Virginia: Credentia states that fees are not refundable. Source: Credentia Virginia exam fees, checked 18 October 2026.

How much does it cost to renew a CNA license?

It depends on the state. Florida: $55 before expiration, $105 after. Source: Florida Board of Nursing, checked 18 October 2026.