CNA Exam Cost by State [2026]

How much does the CNA exam cost?

The cost of the CNA exam varies significantly depending on which state you’re testing in and which testing vendor your state uses. Exam fees are paid directly to the testing vendor (Credentia, Prometric, or Pearson VUE) and are separate from your training program costs.

In 2026, CNA exam fees range from $90 to $200 for both the written and clinical skills portions combined. Most states fall in the $100–$150 range. Some states charge a single combined fee, while others charge separately for the written exam ($30–$65) and skills evaluation ($65–$135).

Important: if you fail one section, you only pay to retake that section — not the entire exam. Written retakes typically cost $30–$50, and skills retakes run $70–$100.

The exam fee is just one part of the total cost to become a CNA. When you add training program costs ($500–$2,500), background checks, immunizations, and other requirements, the total investment typically ranges from $1,300 to $3,100. However, many pathways exist to reduce or eliminate these costs entirely — see our tips below.

Keep in mind that fees can change. Always verify current pricing directly with your state’s testing vendor or Board of Nursing before registering.

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Additional costs to budget for

Beyond the exam fee itself, several additional costs can catch new CNA students off guard. Here’s what to budget for:

Background check & fingerprinting: $50–$100. Required in virtually every state. Some programs include this in their tuition; others charge separately. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Physical exam & immunizations: $100–$300. You’ll need a physical, TB test (or chest X-ray if you’ve had a positive TB test), and proof of immunizations for Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella. If you need any vaccinations, costs add up quickly — ask if your health insurance covers them.

CPR/BLS certification: $30–$60. Many programs and employers require current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Certification is valid for 2 years.

Scrubs: $30–$50. You’ll need clean scrubs for the clinical skills portion of the exam. Most programs specify the color. One set is sufficient for the exam; you’ll likely need 3–5 sets once you start working.

Study materials: $0–$50. Textbooks are usually included in your training program. For additional prep, free resources like ExamKrush practice tests can replace expensive prep courses. If you want a physical book, quality CNA study guides run $20–$40.

State registry application: $20–$50. Some states charge a separate fee to add your name to the Nurse Aide Registry after you pass.

Certification renewal: $25–$75 every 2 years. Most states require proof of active CNA employment and 12–48 hours of continuing education. Factor this into your long-term career budget.

How to reduce your costs

The smartest CNA students find ways to significantly reduce — or completely eliminate — their training and exam costs. Here are the most effective strategies:

Employer-sponsored training: $0. This is the best-kept secret in CNA training. Many nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospitals offer free CNA training programs in exchange for a work commitment (typically 6–12 months after certification). Some even cover the exam fee and provide scrubs. The trade-off: you commit to working at that facility for a set period. Search for “CNA training” on job boards like Indeed to find these programs near you.

Community college programs: $500–$1,500. Public community colleges offer the most affordable formal programs because they’re subsidized by state funding. Many also accept financial aid (FAFSA), Pell Grants, and offer payment plans. Some community colleges in states like California offer CNA programs for under $500.

American Red Cross: ~$1,300. The Red Cross offers CNA training (called Nurse Assistant Training or NAT) in 10 states. The curriculum meets all state requirements and includes clinical rotations, though the cost is mid-range.

State workforce development programs. Many states fund CNA training through workforce development grants, especially in areas with healthcare worker shortages. Check with your state’s Department of Labor or workforce development board — these programs are often fully funded and include job placement assistance.

Scholarships and grants. Healthcare-focused scholarships are available through organizations like the National Healthcare Association, local healthcare foundations, and community organizations. These don’t need to be repaid.

Free study materials. Skip the $200+ prep courses. Our free CNA practice tests and study guides cover the same content and include detailed answer explanations — saving you money you can put toward the actual exam fee.