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Florida Certified Nursing Assistant License

Florida Board of Nursing

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Proof of Training — Certificate from your state-approved CNA program, or high school diploma/GED if using the Challenger Route.
  • Prometric Exam Results — Official results from your Prometric competency exam.
  • Level II Background Screening — Completed via AHCA Clearinghouse (flclearinghouse.com) using ORI: EDOH0380Z.
  • Fingerprint background check — through AHCA / FDLE
  • Application fee — $50

How to Apply

  1. Review Eligibility and Candidate Handbook ▾
    Before applying, ensure you meet Florida's eligibility requirements for CNA certification (e.g., completion of a state-approved training program). Thoroughly review the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant Candidate Handbook available on the Prometric Florida Nurse Aide website for detailed instructions.
  2. Create a Prometric Online Account ▾
    Navigate to the Prometric Florida Nurse Aide Online Application Portal at https://www.prometric.com/florida/cna/online-application. Click 'New User? Register here' to create your applicant account with your email, password, and personal information.
  3. Submit Application and Pay Examination Fees ▾
    Log in to your Prometric account, complete the online application for initial CNA certification, and pay the required examination fee. You will typically receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) within 24-48 hours via email.
  4. Schedule and Take the CNA Examination ▾
    Once you have your ATT, schedule both the Clinical Skills and Written/Oral portions of the CNA examination through the Prometric Florida Nurse Aide website. Take the examination at your chosen testing center.
  5. Pass the Examination and Be Placed on Registry ▾
    Achieve a passing score on both parts of the CNA examination. Your test results will typically be available online within 24 hours. Upon passing, Prometric will report your results to the Florida Board of Nursing, and your name will be added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry within three business days.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Florida Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the Florida Board of Nursing. The application fee is $50.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    Florida 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.
  3. Provide Proof of Training ▾
    Certificate from your state-approved CNA program, or high school diploma/GED if using the Challenger Route.
  4. Submit Your Prometric Exam Results ▾
    Official results from your Prometric competency exam.
  5. Provide Level II Background Screening ▾
    Completed via AHCA Clearinghouse (flclearinghouse.com) using ORI: EDOH0380Z.
  6. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾
    Florida requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use AHCA Clearinghouse (CHAI) at flclearinghouse.com — ORI: EDOH0380Z. Completing prints outside Florida can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  7. Await Board Processing ▾
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 to 4 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
Florida Board of Nursing

Keeping Your License Active

Florida Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Florida Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

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

Can I challenge the CNA exam in Florida? ▾
Yes, Florida allows individuals 18 or older with a high school diploma to challenge the CNA exam without attending a formal CNA program.
Can I challenge the CNA exam in Florida without training? ▾
Yes. Florida's Challenger Route lets individuals 18 or older with a high school diploma take the CNA exam without completing a formal training program.
Who administers the Florida CNA exam? ▾
The Florida CNA competency exam is administered by Prometric. Register at prometric.com/nurseaide/fl.
How do I verify a Florida CNA license? ▾
Use the FL DOH MQA Provider Search at mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us/MQASearchServices/HealthCareProviders.
How do I transfer my CNA to Florida? ▾
Apply for endorsement through the FL Health Source portal (flhealthsource.gov). You must hold an active out-of-state CNA certificate and pass a Level II background check.
How long does Florida CNA endorsement take? ▾
Most endorsement applications are processed in 2 to 4 weeks once your file is complete.

Board Info

Florida Board of Nursing
Phone(850) 488-0595
Sources