In order to work as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in California, you must be listed on the California State Nurse Aide Registry.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be at least 16 years old by the time you receive your certification. However, you may begin your training at 15.
- You must undergo a health screening and tuberculosis test to ensure that you will not pose a health risk to patients.
- You must undergo a background check to ensure that you are fit to work with the public.
Training Requirements
Within the State of California, a Nurse Aide Training Program must be a minimum of 150 hours long. Of those 150 hours, 100 hours must be taught in clinical setting (hands-on), and 50 must be taught in a classroom.
Before working with a patient, a CNA in training must complete at least 16 hours of training in the following areas:xa
- communication and interpersonal skills
- infection control
- safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver
- promoting the independence of patients
- respecting the rights of patients
Competency Exam
After you complete your training, you will be required to take an exam to ensure that you are prepared to work as a CNA in California. The exam is offered by Pearson VUE, and must be taken within 2 years of completing your training course, otherwise you will have to be retrained. If you do not pass the exam, it can be taken up to three times.
The exam will consist of both oral and written components, and will test such topics as physical care skills, psychological care skills, and your role as a nurse aide. It will also test a variety of physical skills like bathing and helping patients get in and out of bed. Pearson’s CNA Candidate Handbook goes into greater detail about the exam and what you will be expected to know.
Wages
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for a CNA in California is $27,920, or $13.42 per hour.
Resources
For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health’s website or call them at 916-558-1784.
The Pearson VUE website is a great resource for more information about the competency exam. The site is loaded with useful links, as well as a practice exam and a list of testing centers. If you would prefer to speak with a real person, they can be reached at 1-888-204-6186.
Follow this link for a list of State Approved CNA Training Centers.