California Certified Nursing Assistant License
California Dept of Public Health
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
- State Competency Exam Results — Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $0
How to Apply
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Complete an Approved CNA Training Program ▾Complete a minimum of 160 hours of training in a program approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), including at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training.
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Create a BreEZe Account ▾Register for a new user account on the BreEZe Online Services portal at breeze.ca.gov, if you do not already have one.
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Submit Your Application Online ▾Log in to your BreEZe account and select the appropriate application for 'Certified Nursing Assistant Certification by Examination'. Complete all required sections and upload necessary documents, such as proof of training completion and the 'Request for Live Scan Service' form (CDPH 283B).
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Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting ▾Submit your fingerprints electronically via Live Scan for a criminal background check. You must use the 'Request for Live Scan Service' form (CDPH 283B) provided by your training program or available from the CDPH website.
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Pass the Competency Evaluation Examination ▾Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will be notified of your eligibility to take the competency evaluation examination. Schedule and pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the exam through an approved vendor like Pearson VUE.
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Receive Your CNA Certificate ▾Upon successful completion of all requirements and passing the competency evaluation examination, the CDPH will issue your CNA certificate. You can view and print your certificate directly from your BreEZe account.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the California Dept of Public Health for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the California Dept of Public Health.
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Provide License Verification ▾California requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
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Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
-
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾California requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside California can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 to 6 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization for CNAs during the endorsement process. Contact the state nurse aide registry directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
California Dept of Public Health
Keeping Your License Active
California Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the California Dept of Public Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Questions
How many hours of training do I need to be a CNA in California?
▾
California requires more training than the federal minimum: a total of 150 hours, consisting of 50 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical training.
How much does California CNA endorsement cost?
▾
There is no application fee for CNA endorsement in California. However, background check fees may apply.
Is a background check required?
▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in California.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to California?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 Weeks.
Can I start working in California while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources