CNA guide · updated 2026-09-29

CNA exam fees, registration and retakes

Fees are set per state. In Pennsylvania, the first attempt at the written and skills exams together costs $135, a written-only retake is $50 and a skills retake is $85. If a nursing facility employs you or has offered you a job, federal law says you cannot be charged for the evaluation.

Example fees: Pennsylvania

On your first attempt you pay for both parts together. Fees are not refundable. Other NNAAP states publish their own fee tables in their Credentia handbooks, so check yours; do not assume Pennsylvania prices apply.

Exam	Fee
Written and skills, first attempt	$135
Oral and skills, first attempt	$135
Written retake	$50
Oral retake	$50
Skills retake	$85

Who pays

Under 42 CFR 483.154, a nurse aide who is employed by a nursing facility, or has an offer of employment from one, on the date the competency evaluation begins cannot be charged for any portion of it. Pennsylvania's handbook also notes that nursing homes must cover these costs for their nurse aide employees.

If you pay yourself and then get hired at a facility, ask about reimbursement. Federal rules provide for it in some situations.

Registration in NNAAP states

Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program.
Create an account with Credentia and submit your application with training completion details.
Choose written or oral, and a test center or online delivery if your state offers it.
Pay the fee, or have your employer or program pay.
Schedule the skills evaluation and the written (or oral) exam.

Retakes

Federal rules guarantee at least three opportunities to complete the competency evaluation. If you fail, you must be told which areas you did not pass and that you may retest.

You usually only retest the part you failed. Many states also set a window, measured from the end of training, within which you must pass both parts, or you retrain. Look for it in your state handbook.

Before you book

Check whether your employer pays before you pay yourself.
Confirm your state uses the NNAAP (Credentia). Prometric and Headmaster states have different formats.
Take one full timed mock first. Retake fees add up faster than an extra week of study.

What happens on test day

Arrive early with the identification your state handbook requires. Test centers check ID closely, and a name that does not match your registration can mean you are turned away and lose the fee. Personal items such as phones, notes and bags are not allowed in the testing area.

Most candidates take the skills evaluation and the written or oral exam on the same day. The skills part asks you to perform a set of randomly chosen nurse aide skills in front of an evaluator, with hand hygiene and other critical steps checked. Practice those separately; multiple-choice study does not build the hands-on steps.

After you pass

Once you pass both parts, your name is added to your state's nurse aide registry. Employers check the registry before hiring, so confirm your listing and keep your contact information current. Registry renewal rules, such as working a minimum number of paid hours within a period, differ by state.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the CNA exam cost?

It depends on the state. In Pennsylvania it is $135 for the written and skills exams together on the first attempt.

How many times can I take the CNA exam?

At least three times under federal rules. Your state may allow more and may set a time limit.

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Sources: Credentia NNAAP Handbook: Exam Fees (Pennsylvania) · 42 CFR 483.154 - Nurse aide competency evaluation · Credentia NNAAP Handbook: The NNAAP Written (or Oral) Examination. Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NCSBN or Credentia.