CNA Certification in Georgia

How to Become a CNA in Georgia

If you want to get a CNA certification in the state of Georgia, start by enrolling in a CNA training program that is approved or accredited by the state’s Board of Nursing. These classes will help you learn skills needed to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Exam (NNAAP). Choose your program carefully as it will make a difference when you take your exam.

Like many other U.S. states, Georgia has a rapidly increasing elderly population. It is among states that are said to need a larger CNA population both currently and in the future. A CNA career is a good path for people who enjoy caring for others, especially the elderly, and to make money doing something that comes naturally to you.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Georgia

Step 1

Find a CNA Training Program in Georgia

The curriculum for CNA training is divided into two parts. The first part consists of 16 hours training during which no contact can be made with residents and patients. Courses taken during this time include: communication and interpersonal skills; infection control; safety and emergency procedures; resident’s independence; and resident’s rights. The second part of training allows contact with residents and covers courses in basic nursing skills; personal care; mental health and social service needs; care of confused residents; basic restorative services; and residents’ rights.

Step 2

Before acceptance into Georgia’s state approved CNA training programs, you must enter the program with a high school diploma or a GED. You must also submit to a background check and provide two fingerprint cards, a photo id,  two photos (passport size), and a negative TB test no older than six months with proof of immunization.

Step 3

CNA classes in Georgia require 85 hours once accepted into a state-approved CNA training institution. These hours include classroom tutorials and clinicals. Some training institutions may offer additional certifications such as CPR, BBP (blood borne pathogens), First Aid or HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Schools that offer additional certifications might charge a higher tuition.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

After you have finished your education, you will be ready to sit for the CNA exam in Georgia. Georgia gives its tests through Pearson Vue. The test can be taken at any Pearson Vue training center. Check out their website for additional information.

Also visit our online CNA Practice Test here to further prepare for the exam.

Step 2

Candidates must apply for the Georgia National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) before receiving their CNA certification which allows them to work in any Georgia healthcare facility. This Pearson VUE (formerly Promissor) exam is a requirement to be placed on the Georgia Medical Care Foundation registry. The exam determines a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in relevant areas. The exam has two parts– a written (or oral) exam and a skills exam. The written exam is given only in English while the oral examination can be given either in English or in Spanish. The written exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions in English. The oral exam is recorded and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 multiple-choice comprehension questions. 

A candidate must pass both the written (or oral) and the skills exam. The skills exam evaluates 5 randomly selected nurse aide’s skills. Successful candidates are registered in the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. After initial licensure, your license will be valid for 24 months. You will receive a letter 3-5 months before you license expires to remind you of expiration. Renewing your license is free in Georgia. When you renew your license, you are only required to take another exam if you have not worked as a CNA for a minimum of 8 hours in the last 2 years.

Step 3

You qualify for employment as a CNA or HHA as soon as you are approved.  Make sure you keep your license up to date. You must renew both your CNA and CPR licenses every two years.

It is important to start marketing yourself to employers once you are approved.  Check out our jobs database,  create a profile and make a resume to make yourself more visible and appealing to employers.

Step 4

After you get your license and land a job, we encourage you to continue your education and to not stop at becoming a CNA.  Though being a CNA can be very rewarding, we suggest moving forward and exploring the possibilities of becoming a Registered Nurse or LPN.For additional information regarding CNA Certification in Georgia, visit:

Georgia Nurse Aide Registry
Georgia Health Partnership – GMCF
1455 Lincoln Parkway East, Suite 750, Atlanta, GA 30346
Phone: (678) 527-3010 or (800) 414-4358
Fax: 678-527-3001