CNA license requirements in Tennessee
A complete, step-by-step guide to getting certified, understanding costs, and finding work across Tennessee.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tennessee is one of the quickest paths into healthcare, no four-year degree, no years of school. If you want stable work, flexible scheduling, and hands-on patient care experience from the start, CNA certification is a smart first step.
Tennessee has a steady and growing need for CNAs across nursing homes, hospitals, and home health settings. The certification process is clear and accessible, even if you’re coming in with zero healthcare background. This guide walks you through every step, from training requirements and exam details to costs, timelines, and what to do once you’re on the registry and ready to work.
Tennessee CNA requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old | State Requirement |
| Training Program | 75-hour state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (classroom + clinical) | Required |
| Competency Exam | Written (or oral) knowledge test plus hands-on skills evaluation | Required |
| Background Check | Criminal background check screening before employment | Required |
| Registry Listing | Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry serves as your official certification record | Required |
| Physical License Card | Not issued in Tennessee | N/A |
Who oversees CNA certification in Tennessee?
CNA certification in Tennessee is regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). The department is responsible for approving all state CNA training programs, overseeing the competency exam process, and maintaining the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, the official record employers use to verify your credentials before hiring you.
| Agency | Abbreviation | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Department of Health | TDH | Approves state-authorized CNA training programs, establishes statewide certification standards, oversees competency examination administration, and maintains the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. |
| Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry | Registry | Official record of all certified CNAs in Tennessee. Serves as your credential in place of a physical license card, is updated after passing the competency exam, and must be verified by employers before hiring. |
How to become a CNA in Tennessee, step by step
1. Complete a state-approved CNA training program
Tennessee requires a minimum of 75 hours of training through a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program, split between classroom instruction and hands-on clinical hours. Programs are offered at community colleges, career and technical centers, and some healthcare facilities across the state. Coursework covers patient care fundamentals, infection control, safety procedures, communication, and resident rights.
2. Pass the Tennessee CNA competency exam
After completing your training, you’ll register for and sit the Tennessee CNA competency exam, a two-part test covering written knowledge and hands-on clinical skills. Both sections must be passed to earn your certification. Full exam details are in the section below.
3. Clear a criminal background check
A background screening is required before working in most Tennessee healthcare settings. This is typically coordinated through your employer or during the hiring process. Certain disqualifying findings may require additional review before you can be cleared for employment.
4: Get listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
After passing both exam sections, your name is added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. This is your official certification, Tennessee does not issue a physical CNA license card. Employers are required to verify your registry status before you can begin working as a CNA in the state.
What’s on the Tennessee CNA competency exam?
The Tennessee CNA competency exam has two components, both must be passed to earn certification. If you fail one section, you only need to retake that portion. Skills are randomly selected on exam day, so you’ll want to practice all common tasks during training, not just your strongest ones.
| Agency | Abbreviation | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Department of Health | TDH | Approves state-authorized CNA training programs, establishes statewide certification standards, oversees competency examination administration, and maintains the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. |
| Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry | Registry | Official record of all certified CNAs in Tennessee. Serves as your credential in place of a physical license card, is updated after passing the competency exam, and must be verified by employers before hiring. |
The oral test option is available for candidates with documented reading difficulties. Request it in advance when scheduling your exam through the approved testing vendor.
| Topic Area | What It Covers | Exam Component |
|---|---|---|
| Infection Control | Hand hygiene, PPE use, isolation precautions | Written + Skills |
| Patient Safety | Fall prevention, restraint protocols, emergency response | Written + Skills |
| Resident Rights | Privacy, dignity, consent, OBRA regulations | Written |
| Basic Nursing Care | Vital signs, repositioning, personal hygiene, feeding assistance | Written + Skills |
| Mobility & Transfers | Assisted ambulation, wheelchair use, bed transfers | Skills |
| Communication | Reporting, documentation basics, patient interaction | Written |
| Exam Detail | Written Test | Skills Test |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Score | 70% or Higher | All Scored Steps Completed Correctly |
| Retakes Allowed? | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Attempts | 3 Attempts Total | 3 Attempts Total |
| After 3 Failures | Full retraining through a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program is required before you can retake the examination. | |
How long does it take to become a CNA in Tennessee?
Most candidates complete the entire process, from the first day of training to being listed on the registry, within 3 to 8 weeks. The main factors are whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time, and how quickly exam slots are available in your area.
| Program Type | Training Duration | Total Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (Days) | 3–5 Weeks | 6–8 weeks to certified | Fastest Path |
| Part-Time (Evenings/Weekends) | 6–10 Weeks | 10–14 weeks to certified | Working Adults |
| Employer-Sponsored | Varies (Often Accelerated) | As few as 4–6 weeks total | Pre-Hired Candidates |
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s total out-of-pocket costs are among the more accessible in the region. Your final number depends on the type of program you choose and whether your employer offers any sponsorship or reimbursement.
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Program Tuition | $500 | $1,200 | Community colleges tend to be lower cost; private vocational schools may charge more. |
| Textbooks & Supplies | $50 | $150 | Scrubs, clinical supplies, and textbooks. Some programs bundle these costs into tuition. |
| Competency Exam | $100 | $120 | Covers written and skills testing. Retakes are typically charged separately per section. |
| Background Check | $30 | $75 | Often covered or reimbursed by the hiring facility after employment. |
| Registry Application | Free | Free | No separate fee to be listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry after passing the exam. |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$680 | ~$1,545 | Lower with community college enrollment and employer reimbursement programs. |
Many Tennessee healthcare facilities, especially skilled nursing facilities, will sponsor your training in full or reimburse costs after a set period of employment. Always ask about this before enrolling and paying out of pocket.
CNA salary and job outlook in Tennessee (2026)
CNA pay in Tennessee is steady and continues to grow alongside increasing healthcare demand. Pay varies by work setting, shift type, and experience level. Urban markets like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville typically pay above the statewide average.
| Role / Setting | Avg. Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CNA, Skilled Nursing Facility | $30,000–$34,000 | Most common entry-level setting statewide. |
| CNA, Hospital / Acute Care | $35,000–$39,000 | Higher-acuity environment; often titled Patient Care Tech (PCT). |
| CNA, Home Health / Hospice | $32,000–$37,000 | Flexible scheduling with one-on-one patient care. |
| CNA, Nashville / Memphis Metro | $17–$20/hr | Urban markets typically pay above the statewide average. |
| CNA, Top 10% Earners (Tennessee) | $43,000+ | Usually experienced CNAs working in hospitals, specialty units, or high-demand healthcare settings. |
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 can you work as a CNA in Tennessee?
Once you’re listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, you’re eligible to work across a wide range of care settings. Each setting has a different pace, patient population, and scheduling structure, here’s what to expect in each:
| Work Setting | What to Expect | Typical Schedule | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) | Daily hands-on resident care including bathing, dressing, vital signs, and mobility assistance. The most common first placement for new CNAs in Tennessee. |
12-Hr Shifts
Rotating days and nights |
New CNAs Building Experience |
| Hospitals & Acute Care | Faster-paced environment with higher-acuity patients. You’ll assist RNs with post-surgical and medical-floor care. Often titled Patient Care Technician (PCT). |
8- or 12-Hr Shifts
All days available |
Career-Focused CNAs |
| Assisted Living Communities | Supportive daily care for residents with lower medical needs. More relationship-focused with a predictable routine and long-term resident interaction. |
Day / Evening
Consistent hours |
Slower-Paced Preference |
| Home Health Agencies | One-on-one care in a patient’s home. Greater independence and flexibility. Tasks range from personal care to companionship and light housekeeping. |
Flexible Schedule
Hourly or shift-based |
Independent Workers |
| Rehabilitation Centers | Support patients recovering from surgery, stroke, or injury. Faster patient turnover than SNFs, with a focus on recovery and discharge goals. |
Day-Heavy Schedule
Some weekends |
Therapy-Adjacent Interest |
| Hospice & Palliative Care | End-of-life comfort care focused on dignity and quality of life. Emotionally demanding but rewarding, often with less physical workload than SNFs. |
Varies
Some on-call availability |
Empathetic & Resilient CNAs |
Demand is strong across Tennessee’s major metro areas, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro, as well as in smaller communities and rural regions where staffing shortages often mean faster hiring and, in some cases, sign-on incentives.
CNA license renewal in Tennessee
Tennessee CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. The requirement is straightforward, you need to have actively worked as a CNA during that period. Here’s what the renewal process looks like in full:
| Renewal Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Renewal Cycle | Every 24 months |
| Work Requirement | At least 8 hours of paid CNA work in a nursing-related setting within the previous 24 months. |
| CEU / Education Requirement | 12 hours of in-service education annually. Most employers provide this training at no cost. |
| Renewal Fee | No Fee No reinstatement fee required through IDOH. |
| Lapsed Less Than 2 Years | Complete a renewal application and submit proof of qualifying work experience or training. |
| Lapsed More Than 2 Years | Retraining Required Must complete a new 105-hour Nurse Aide Training Program and pass the competency exam again. |
Transferring a CNA license to Tennessee
Tennessee allows reciprocity for CNAs who are certified in other states, making it possible to transfer your credentials without starting over. The process is managed through the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.
| Renewal Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal Cycle | Every 24 months from the date of initial certification. |
| Work Requirement | At least 8 hours of paid CNA work must be completed during the 24-month renewal period. Volunteer hours do not count toward this requirement. |
| Continuing Education | No state-mandated CEU hours are required for standard renewal. Tennessee uses a work-activity model rather than a continuing education credit model. |
| Registry Update | Active employment is reported to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry by your employer. Confirm that your registry listing remains current before your renewal date. |
| If You Haven’t Worked 8 Hours | Certification becomes inactive. You may be required to complete retraining through a state-approved program or re-take the competency examination before returning to active status. |
| Tip to Stay Active | Even occasional PRN or per-diem shifts satisfy the 8-hour requirement. Keeping a few shifts on your schedule during a career break is often the easiest way to avoid certification lapse. |
Ready to start working as a CNA in Tennessee?
Once you’re listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, you can start picking up shifts right away. Tennessee’s active healthcare market means faster placement, more scheduling flexibility, and consistent demand for CNAs across the state.
With MyShyft, you can find shifts at facilities near you, work the hours that fit your schedule, and get paid quickly, without waiting through a slow 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 Tennessee 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.