New York CNA Certification Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in New York
Official source: licensing in New York is administered by the New York State Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in New York.
Apply on Official SiteHow do you renew a CNA certification in New York?
New York CNA certification renews every 2 years, and your employer pays the $40 renewal fee, not you. You must have worked at least 7 hours for pay as a health care nurse aide in the previous 24 months, in an Article 28 health care facility per the renewal form. Your current or last facility employer (or staffing agency) submits and pays for recertification, and the operator may not charge you any recertification cost.
Source: 10 NYCRR 415.26(d)(6) (effective 12/16/2020), checked 2026-11-06.
1 Training Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
Additional Requirements
- New York requires 100 hours of training (exceeds federal minimum)
- Must include at least 70 hours of classroom instruction
- Must include at least 30 hours of supervised clinical training
2 Competency Examination
Exam Name
Nurse Aide Competency Exam
Test Provider
Prometric
Exam Components
Written/Oral Test
Multiple choice questions on nursing assistant knowledge and skills
Skills Demonstration
Perform 3-5 randomly selected nursing skills in front of an evaluator
Exam Fee
$125
Tip: You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the exam to be certified. Most states allow multiple retake attempts if needed.
3 Background Check
CNAs work with vulnerable populations, so background checks are required in all states. Cost is typically $75.
4 Fees
Initial Certification
| Training Program | $500-$2,000* |
| Competency Exam | $125 |
| Background Check | $75 |
| Application/Registry Fee | $0 |
*Many employers offer free CNA training programs with work commitment
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $40 (paid by employer) |
| Work Requirement | 7 hours in 24 months |
Certification Renewal
You must have worked at least 7 hours for pay as a health care nurse aide in the previous 24 months, in an Article 28 health care facility per the renewal form. Your current or last facility employer (or staffing agency) submits and pays for recertification, and the operator may not charge you any recertification cost.
Career Advancement
CNAs can advance to LPN or RN with additional education and training
New York CNA Certification FAQs
How much does CNA certification cost in New York?
Expect about $200 in total initial CNA certification costs in New York, including a $125 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the New York State Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry.
How do you renew a CNA certification in New York?
New York CNA certification renews every 2 years, and your employer pays the $40 renewal fee, not you. You must have worked at least 7 hours for pay as a health care nurse aide in the previous 24 months, in an Article 28 health care facility per the renewal form. Your current or last facility employer (or staffing agency) submits and pays for recertification, and the operator may not charge you any recertification cost.
How long does it take to get CNA certification in New York?
Most complete applications are processed in about 6 to 14 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.
Who issues CNA certifications in New York?
The New York State Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (518) 402-1020.
Nurse Aide Registry
Free Tools
Other License Types in New York
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 3 official sources • Last verified: June 2026