CNA Certification in Alaska

How to Become a CNA in California

If you want to become a certified CNA or Nurse’s Aide in California, here is a step by step guide that will help you to achieve that. To practice as a CNA in California, you must first complete a CNA training program approved through California Department of Public Health’s Aide and the Technician Certification Section (ATCS). Additionally, you also must sit for a state-issued Nurse Aide Examination. Both the training and the exam must be passed for certification on the California Nursing Assistant Registry.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find an Approved CNA Training Program in California

State school training courses will be based on a range of state-approved subjects like infection control, using equipment in the medical field, preparing patient meals and status reports, communicating among peers and patients, abuse recognition, establishing and promoting independence among the residents, proficiency in the medical language, and monitoring patient vitals, fluid intakes, and mental state.

Step 2

CNA Programs include 150 hours minimum training time. These courses can be taken at any state-approved facility, care center, schools, and establishment within the state. If approved by the state beforehand, you can also take the program at your place of employment.

Make sure that the school you choose offers clinical hours as this is a requirement in order to get your certification in California.

Step 3

Your training hours will be separated into one hundred hours of practical training and fifty hours of in- class coursework. All of this will take place in a licensed facility. When you enroll, you will need to meet physical nursing aide requirements and also pass a criminal background process. There will also be a mandatory CPR class included in your program.  All California certified nursing assistants must have a CPR certification to practice.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

Once you finish your classes, you must apply for the state licensing examination. You should be able to obtain information about fees from staff or at the website of the California Nurse Aide Registry. When you receive your testing date, you should review all of your course materials and make sure to get a good night’s rest the day before the exam.

The exam is contracted by Pro-metric testing services. You can take the exam at any approved testing site as listed on the website of Pro Metric. In order to test, an applicant must pre-pay all related certification fees, bring proof of identity, and bring proof of a completed training program.

Step 2

You should show up to your exam at least 30 minutes early. This will give testing administrators time to check you in and review your ID. It will also give you time to emotionally prepare for your exam. The test is given in two parts: one section involves hands-on practical skills demonstrations while the second part is multiple choice. You must pass both sections to receive your certification and to be added to the California Nurse Aide Registry.

Scoring for the practical portion is calculated by the exam administrator. You must pass all skills perfectly in order to pass. Upon successful completion of this exam you will be issued a CNA certification and a registry ID.

You will need to renew your CNA Certification every two years to maintain employment eligibility. The renewal department is responsible for reminding the CNA of their upcoming renewal nine weeks prior to the renewal deadline. However, you should also keep track of your renewal dates yourself just to be sure.

Step 3

Once you have received your certification you can begin seeking employment. You will have many job opportunities as a CNA. You should create a resume and profile to join our employment database and to begin your job search.  This will make it far easier to market yourself and for employers to find you.

Step 4

We recommend that you continue your education after becoming a CNA as your education is a great jumping off point to become a registered nurse or a LPN or expand into other fields. We encourage you to keep learning. You believe your career will grow more and more fulfilling as you continue to learn and grow. For more information regarding CNA training feel free to contact the state registry.

California Nurse Aid Registry
1615 Capital Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95899
Phone: 916-327-2445

http://www.apps.cdph.ca.gov/cvl/

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=hsc&group=01001-02000&file=1337-1338.5