CNA Certification in Florida

The Florida Department of Health uses Prometric to administer the CNA examination, which is a two-part test. The knowledge section tests CNA theory and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 90 minutes or less. This section is usually administered in writing although students can request to take it orally on their applications if they have a documented need. Applicants may also request either an English or a Spanish version of both the written and oral tests.

The second section of the test is the clinical skills section, which tests an individual’s hands-on skills. Individuals will be assigned five tasks to perform on the testing day. One task is always hand washing, and the other is indirect care. The other three tasks will be randomly assigned on test day.

The fee to take both parts of the examination is $140. Those who have failed will only need to retake the section that was failed. Both parts can be taken up to a total of three times before the individual will need to reenroll in a state-approved training program. The fees for retesting are $35 for the written test and $105 for the clinical skills test. There are also additional costs for those who reschedule their tests. Both sections of the examination must be completed within two years; otherwise, individuals will be required to retrain. Individuals will be notified while at the testing facility as to whether or not they have passed the test.

Florida certifies CNAs who are new to the state through reciprocity. To be able to take advantage of this, CNAs must be currently certified in another state, must be an active CNA and must not have been accused of patient abuse, neglect or exploitation. Those who are currently certified will not need to take the CNA examination. However, those who have completed a training course in another state that meets the requirements of Florida’s registry will need to sit for the competency examination. CNAs applying for reciprocity will need to have an FBI background check as well as electronic fingerprinting. Reciprocity is free although applicants will need to pay the fees associated with the Livescan fingerprinting process.

Florida CNA certificates expire every two years. The certificates are placed into one of two groups. The first group expires on May 31 every two years, and the other group ends on December 31 every two years. Therefore, an individual’s first certification may expire before two years have passed completely. To be able to renew, CNAs must have worked for pay performing nursing-related work within the past two years. In addition, CNAs must complete 12 hours of in-service continuing education every year. The cost for renewal is $55. Those who do not renew in time will be charged extra delinquency fees for a total of $105. Those who are more than 120 days delinquent will be charged $170.

Schedule your CNA exam here
Florida Nurses Aide Candidate Handbook
Florida CNA Application

Links
Florida Department of Health
Florida Board of Nursing
More information regarding becoming a CNA in Florida
Validate a Nurses License

Contacts

Department of Health
Board of Nursing
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-02
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
Phone: (850) 488-0595