CNA license requirements in Florida (2026)
If you’re looking for a fast, practical way into healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida is one of the smartest moves you can make. You don’t need years of school, a mountain of debt, or prior medical experience to get started. Florida’s certification process is clear and achievable, complete an approved training program, pass a two-part exam, and you’re in. With one of the largest senior populations in the country, the state consistently ranks among the top employers of CNAs nationwide.
This guide covers everything you need to know in 2026, including eligibility requirements, training options, exam details, costs, salary expectations, registry requirements, and the steps to become certified in Florida.
Who regulates CNA certification in Florida?
CNA certification in Florida is administered through the Florida Board of Nursing, which sits under the Florida Department of Health. The exam itself is administered by Prometric, the third-party testing company contracted by the state. Your certification, once earned, is recorded on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry, that registry listing is what makes you legally eligible to work. Employers are required to check it before hiring you.
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Florida Board of Nursing | Establishes CNA certification standards and oversees nurse aide regulation through the Florida Department of Health. |
| Florida Department of Health (DOH) | Administers the CNA certification process, maintains the Florida Nurse Aide Registry, and oversees credential verification. |
| Prometric | Administers Florida’s CNA competency examination, including knowledge and skills testing. |
| AHCA | Regulates healthcare facilities and long-term care providers that employ CNAs throughout Florida. |
| Florida Nurse Aide Registry | Official record of CNA certification status used by employers to verify eligibility for employment. |
Basic requirements to become a CNA in Florida
Before you enroll in a training program or apply to challenge the exam, make sure you meet Florida’s entry requirements. These are set by the Florida Board of Nursing and apply to every applicant regardless of background.
| Requirement | What It Means | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Applicants must meet Florida eligibility requirements. | Required |
| Training Program | Most applicants complete an approved nursing assistant training program, though alternative eligibility pathways may be available. | Usually Required |
| Competency Exam | Pass the Florida CNA competency examination administered by Prometric, including knowledge and skills testing. | Required |
| Level II Background Check | Complete any required fingerprint-based screening under applicable Florida requirements. | May be Required |
| Disqualifying History | Certain findings involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or disqualifying criminal offenses may affect eligibility. | Review Required |
| Challenge Exam Pathway | Certain applicants may qualify to take the exam without completing a training program. | Varies |
If you choose a training program, verify that it meets Florida requirements before enrolling. Applicants should confirm current eligibility and testing requirements through the Florida Board of Nursing and Prometric.
Step-by-step: how to get certified in Florida
The path to CNA certification in Florida follows four core steps. Most candidates can complete the process in several weeks, depending on training schedules, application processing times, and exam availability.
Complete a state-approved CNA training program
Enroll in a Florida Board of Nursing and AHCA-approved Nursing Assistant Training Program. Most approved programs include approximately 120 hours of classroom instruction, skills lab training, and supervised clinical experience. Programs are offered through career and technical schools, community colleges, and licensed healthcare facilities throughout the state. Tuition varies by provider but commonly ranges from about $500 to $1,500.
Submit your Prometric Exam
After completing training, submit your application directly to Prometric along with the $155 exam fee. Applications must be received at least 50 days before your requested test date. Prometric processes applications within three business days and forwards your file to the Florida DOH/Board for approval. You’ll be notified of any deficiencies within 30 days of receipt.
Complete Level II Background Screening with Fingerprinting
Florida requires a Level II criminal background screening with image capture using ORI# EDOH0380Z. This must be completed through an approved LiveScan vendor. The fingerprint fee is typically $63 to $105. Prometric will not schedule your exam date until your background check has been received and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, usually within two weeks of submission.
Pass the two-part Prometric competency exam
Once approved, Prometric assigns your test date and sends an admissions letter. You’ll complete both the written knowledge test and the clinical skills evaluation. Both parts must be passed. If you fail one component, you must wait at least 30 days and resubmit an application with fees before retesting. After three failed attempts, you must complete a new approved training program before retesting.
Get listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry, you’re certified
Prometric transmits your exam results electronically to the Florida Board of Nursing. Within approximately one week of testing, your name is added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry. Your CNA certificate is mailed to you within 30 days. You can now legally work as a CNA in any licensed healthcare setting in Florida.
What’s on the Florida CNA competency exam?
The Florida CNA exam is a two-part test administered by Prometric. You need to pass both components to receive certification. Candidates who completed an approved training program within 6 months of applying may only be required to take the written portion, confirm your eligibility status with the Board before scheduling.
- Multiple-choice format
- Oral (audio) option available
- Patient care basics and safety
- Infection control procedures
- Resident rights and communication
- Up to 3 total attempts allowed
- 5 hands-on skills demonstrated
- Performed at a Prometric test site
- Handwashing and infection control
- Vital signs measurement
- Mobility assistance and transfers
- Basic personal patient care
| Topic Area | What It Covers | Exam Section |
|---|---|---|
| Infection Control | Hand hygiene, PPE usage, isolation precautions, and infection prevention protocols. | Written + Skills |
| Patient Safety | Fall prevention, safe positioning techniques, accident prevention, and emergency response procedures. | Written + Skills |
| Resident / Patient Rights | Privacy, dignity, informed consent, confidentiality, and OBRA regulations. | Written |
| Basic Nursing Care | Vital signs, personal hygiene, feeding assistance, grooming, and routine care tasks. | Written + Skills |
| Mobility & Transfers | Ambulation assistance, wheelchair safety, transfer techniques, and positioning. | Skills |
| Communication | Reporting observations, patient interaction, documentation basics, and communication with the care team. | Written |
How long does it take to become a CNA in Florida?
The full process, training, exam scheduling, background check, and registry listing, typically takes 3 to 8 weeks on a full-time schedule or 4 to 7 months part-time. One thing to plan for: Prometric requires exam applications at least 50 days before your test date, so early submission matters.
| Program Type | Training Duration | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (Daytime) | 3–5 weeks | 6–8 Weeks to become certified |
| Part-Time (Evenings / Weekends) | 8–16 weeks | 4–7 Months to become certified |
| Challenge Exam (Prior Training) | No training program required | 3–4 Weeks in eligible cases |
| Employer-Sponsored Program | Varies by employer and training schedule | 4 Weeks in accelerated programs |
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Florida?
Here’s an important thing most guides miss, the $155 Prometric exam fee and the $63–$105 fingerprinting cost are mandatory for every Florida applicant, on top of whatever training program you choose. Make sure you budget for both. Some employers offer to cover training costs if you commit to working with them after certification, always worth asking before you enroll.
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Program Tuition | $500 | $1,500 | Varies by school, location, and program format. |
| Prometric Exam Fee | $155 | $155 | Fixed Fee Verified 2026 exam cost. |
| Level II Background Check | $63 | $105 | LiveScan fingerprinting and screening fees. |
| Study Materials / Supplies | $0 | ~$75 | Often included by schools or employers. |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$718 | ~$1,835 | Employer Sponsorship Available Some healthcare employers may cover all or part of the cost. |
Some nursing homes, hospitals, and home care agencies in Florida offer free or reimbursed training in exchange for a post-certification work commitment. Ask potential employers about sponsorship before paying out of pocket.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Florida, 2026
Florida has one of the largest elderly populations in the country, which means steady, consistent demand for CNAs across virtually every part of the state. Pay varies depending on your experience level, the type of facility you work in, and your city. Here’s what the data looks like in 2026 across multiple sources.
The spread across sources reflects different data methodologies, Glassdoor and Talent.com draw more from hospital and specialty settings, while ZipRecruiter and Salary.com reflect a broader long-term care base. For most entry-level CNAs in Florida, $15–$17/hr is a realistic starting point, with experienced CNAs in hospital or specialty roles earning $19–$21/hr or more.
| Work Setting | Avg. Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Care / Nursing Home | ~$31,188 | Largest employer of CNAs throughout Florida. |
| Hospital CNA | ~$36,043 | Based on ZipRecruiter estimates (January 2026). |
| Statewide Average | $31,188–$40,852 | Average range reported across major salary sources (April 2026). |
| Miami Metro Area | Above Avg. | One of Florida’s strongest CNA job markets with higher pay potential. |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | $41,474 | Typically achieved through experience, specialty units, or hospital settings. |
Florida has roughly 90,000 CNA jobs and ranks among the top three states nationally for CNA employment. The Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach metro alone accounts for around 23,000 of those positions.
Salary Disclaimer: Salary estimates are based on publicly available wage data, employer job postings, and labor market information. Actual earnings vary by employer, geographic location, specialty, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, certifications, and experience level.
Where CNAs work in Florida
Once you’re listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry, you can work in any licensed healthcare setting in the state. Florida’s combination of a large senior population and a growing healthcare infrastructure creates demand in both major cities and smaller communities.
| Facility Type | Common Settings | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing Facilities | Long-term care, post-acute rehabilitation, and memory care units. | Very High |
| Hospitals | Medical-surgical floors, ICU support units, and emergency departments. | High |
| Assisted Living Facilities | Retirement communities, independent living, and assisted living residences. | High |
| Home Health Agencies | Private home care, hospice care, and palliative care services. | Very High |
| Outpatient / Clinics | Dialysis centers, rehabilitation clinics, and physician offices. | Moderate |
Note: Employment opportunities vary by region, employer, and healthcare setting. Review current job postings in your area to understand local hiring trends and requirements.
CNA license renewal in Florida
Your Florida CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. Florida keeps the renewal process simple, there are no continuing education credits required. You just need to have stayed active in the field. If your certification lapses for more than two years, you’ll need to retake the competency exam before returning to the registry.
Important: Renewal and reinstatement requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the Florida Nurse Aide Registry or Florida Board of Nursing before renewing or reactivating your certification.
Can you transfer a CNA license to Florida?
Yes, Florida offers certification by endorsement (reciprocity) for CNAs licensed in other states. You must hold an active certification in good standing with no disciplinary history. Florida still requires a Level II background screening even if you completed one in your home state, so budget for that cost.
| Step | What’s Required |
|---|---|
| Active Certification | Current, valid CNA license in your home state. The certification cannot be expired, suspended, or inactive. |
| Good Standing | No disciplinary actions, revocations, substantiated complaints, or pending investigations on your certification record. |
| Background Screening | Florida requires a Level II fingerprint-based background check even if you previously completed screening in another state. |
| Application Route | Apply through the Florida Board of Nursing using the CNA endorsement pathway and submit all required supporting documents. |
| Registry Listing | Once approved, your name is added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry and you become eligible to work as a CNA in Florida. |
Ready to start working as a CNA in Florida?
With MyShyft, you can pick up shifts near you, choose your own schedule, and start earning quickly, without waiting weeks for a traditional hiring process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Information Disclaimer: Licensing requirements, fees, examination details, renewal standards, and Nurse Licensure Compact participation may change over time. While we strive to keep this information current and accurate, MyShyft does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Always verify licensing requirements directly with the Florida Board of Nursing before making educational, licensing, employment, or relocation decisions. Reliance on information contained on this page is at the reader’s own risk.