What are the requirements to enroll in CNA courses in New York?

Enrollment requirements are set at the program level, as NYSDOH does not establish a universal minimum age or diploma requirement for CNA certification. Individual programs may require candidates to be at least 16 or 18 years old or hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state nurse aide registry may not be eligible for certification. Always confirm enrollment criteria directly with the program before applying.

Where can I find CNA programs near me in New York?

NYSDOH-approved programs are available across New York State, from New York City and Long Island to Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany. Use our CNA program location search to find a CNA school near you by zip code and compare programs by format, location, and schedule. Whether you are looking for a hybrid program or want to confirm CNA certification near you, our search tool can help you browse options in your area.

How long is New York State CNA certification valid?

New York State CNA certification is valid for two years. Renewal requires documentation of qualifying paid nursing-related work performed under registered nurse supervision during the certification period, along with the applicable renewal fee submitted to Prometric on behalf of NYSDOH. If the work requirement is not met within the two-year period, certification lapses and retesting is required. Always verify current renewal requirements with NYSDOH or Prometric directly.

How many hours are required for CNA programs in New York?

New York State requires a minimum of 100 total program hours, including at least 30 hours of supervised clinical practice completed in person at an approved nursing home or long-term care facility.* Class, course, and program lengths may vary. If you are looking for CNA programs near you that meet the state hour requirement, use our CNA program location search to find options in your area. *Source: New York State Department of Health, Nurse Aide Training Program. https://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/docs/nurse_aide_training_program_and_certification.pdf

CNA Courses in New York

If you are searching for CNA courses in New York, this page covers what you need to know about the certification process in New York State, how programs are structured, and how to find CNA programs near you that align with your schedule and goals. Students across the state can complete portions of their coursework online before completing required in-person clinical hours at an approved facility.

Search for CNA programs in your area and enroll today.

CNA Programs in New York: What to Expect

CNA courses in New York are designed to prepare students for the state competency exam and for the full range of patient care responsibilities they may carry out under nurse supervision. New York State requires a minimum of 100 total program hours, including at least 30 hours of supervised clinical practice completed in person at an approved nursing home or long-term care facility.*

Many programs offer the classroom portion of online CNA classes in New York in a hybrid format, allowing students to complete didactic coursework remotely before arranging their required in-person clinical hours. There is no fully online path to CNA New York certification, so the clinical component and the state competency exam must both be completed in person.

Once you finish the program, candidates apply to take the New York State CNA certification exam through Prometric, which administers the exam on behalf of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Passing both portions of the exam results in your name being listed on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry.

Want to preview what the coursework covers before you commit to a program? Visit our CNA lesson guide for free information on what a state-approved CNA program includes.

*Source: New York State Department of Health, Nurse Aide Training Program. https://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/docs/nurse_aide_training_program_and_certification.pdf

Find CNA Programs Near You in New York

Students throughout New York State can access the online or classroom portion of CNA programs in New York from home, then complete required clinical hours at an approved facility in their area. CNA certification in New York programs is available across the state, including in major service areas such as New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Yonkers, White Plains, and Long Island, as well as in many surrounding communities.

Whether you are in the metro area or located elsewhere in the state, there are CNA programs near you worth exploring. Looking for CNA certification near you? Use our CNA program location search to compare programs by zip code and find options that fit your schedule.

Why Take CNA Courses in New York?

CNA New York programs offer several practical advantages for students who need flexibility in how they pursue certification.

Many programs offering online CNA classes in New York allow students to complete the classroom component on a self-paced or scheduled online basis, making it possible to balance coursework with existing work or family responsibilities. Students can work through foundational material at their own pace before transitioning to the in-person clinical portion of the program.

New York State CNA certification is recognized across patient care settings statewide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 1.4 million nursing assistants nationally in May 2024, with nursing care facilities and hospitals accounting for the largest share of positions.*

Class, course, and program lengths may vary. For guidance on what to expect before your first day of clinical, visit our resource on how to prepare for CNA school.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Economics Daily, Nursing Assistants Week Recognizes the Third-Largest Healthcare Occupation. https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/nursing-assistants-week-recognizes-the-third-largest-healthcare-occupation.htm

New York State CNA Certification Requirements

CNA certification in New York is regulated by the New York State Department of Health, and the exam is administered by Prometric. Here is what candidates need to know about the requirements.

Program Completion

Candidates must complete a NYSDOH-approved nurse aide program consisting of a minimum of 100 total program hours, including at least 30 hours of supervised clinical practice in a nursing home or approved long-term care facility. Programs may be offered through nursing homes, community colleges, technical schools, and other approved providers. The classroom portion of many programs can be completed online. Class, course, and program lengths may vary.

Exam Application

Upon completing a NYSDOH-approved program, your program submits your eligibility to Prometric. Candidates then complete a CNA Examination Application, which can be submitted online or by mail. Candidates must ensure their name matches their government-issued photo ID exactly as it appears on the application.

Competency Exam

The New York State CNA certification exam consists of two parts administered by Prometric: a written or oral knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation. Both portions must be passed to earn certification and be listed on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry. Candidates are given up to three attempts per section. If unsuccessful after three attempts, retraining through a NYSDOH-approved program is required before reapplying.

Registry Listing

Once both portions of the exam are passed, Prometric updates the candidate's record on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry. Employers are required to verify active registry status before allowing a CNA to provide patient care in a licensed facility.

Renewal

CNA certification in New York must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires documentation of qualifying paid nursing-related work performed under the supervision of a registered nurse during the two-year certification period, along with the applicable renewal fee. Always verify current renewal hour requirements and fees directly with NYSDOH or Prometric, as policies are subject to change.**

**Source: Prometric, New York Nurse Aide Registry Renewal. https://www.prometric.com/exams/nurseaide-ny/

How to Get Started

Pursuing CNA courses in New York follows a clear sequence of steps.

Find a state-approved program. Use our CNA program location search to find CNA programs in New York by zip code. Confirm that any program you consider carries NYSDOH approval before enrolling.
Complete your program. Finish the required 100 hours, including at least 30 hours of supervised clinical practice at an approved nursing home. The classroom portion may be available online or in person depending on the program. Class, course, and program lengths may vary.
Submit your exam application. After your program submits your eligibility to Prometric, complete the CNA Examination Application online or by mail. Confirm your name matches your government-issued ID.
Pass the competency exam. Complete both the written or oral knowledge section and the clinical skills evaluation administered by Prometric. Both portions must be passed within the timeframe specified by NYSDOH. Candidates have up to three attempts per section. Always verify the current exam completion window with Prometric before applying.
Become listed on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry. Once Prometric processes your results, your certification is issued, and your name is listed as active on the registry. Employers verify registry status before hire.
Renew every two years. Submit your renewal form, employer verification of qualifying paid nursing-related work, and the applicable renewal fee to Prometric on behalf of NYSDOH. Verify current renewal requirements and work hour minimums directly with NYSDOH or Prometric before submitting.

FAQs

Enrollment requirements are set at the program level, as NYSDOH does not establish a universal minimum age or diploma requirement for CNA certification. Individual programs may require candidates to be at least 16 or 18 years old or hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state nurse aide registry may not be eligible for certification. Always confirm enrollment criteria directly with the program before applying.
NYSDOH-approved programs are available across New York State, from New York City and Long Island to Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany. Use our CNA program location search to find a CNA school near you by zip code and compare programs by format, location, and schedule. Whether you are looking for a hybrid program or want to confirm CNA certification near you, our search tool can help you browse options in your area.
Candidates have up to three attempts to pass each section of the New York State CNA competency exam. If a candidate does not pass a section within three attempts, completing a NYSDOH-approved program is required before reapplying. Always verify current exam policies with Prometric before scheduling.*
*Source: Prometric, New York Nurse Aide Program. https://www.prometric.com/exams/nurseaide-ny/
New York State CNA certification is valid for two years. Renewal requires documentation of qualifying paid nursing-related work performed under registered nurse supervision during the certification period, along with the applicable renewal fee submitted to Prometric on behalf of NYSDOH. If the work requirement is not met within the two-year period, certification lapses and retesting is required. Always verify current renewal requirements with NYSDOH or Prometric directly.
New York State requires a minimum of 100 total program hours, including at least 30 hours of supervised clinical practice completed in person at an approved nursing home or long-term care facility.* Class, course, and program lengths may vary. If you are looking for CNA programs near you that meet the state hour requirement, use our CNA program location search to find options in your area.
*Source: New York State Department of Health, Nurse Aide Training Program. https://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/docs/nurse_aide_training_program_and_certification.pdf

Disclaimer: The program information presented on this page is provided for informational purposes only. According to Campus Explorer's algorithm and methodology, results are based on aggregated data including program availability, student reviews, and other publicly available metrics. CNA certification requirements, program structures, clinical hour requirements, exam policies, and renewal fees are governed by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Prometric and are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with NYSDOH and Prometric before enrolling in a program. Employment data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and is provided for reference only. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify; eligibility requirements vary and no financial aid is guaranteed. Class, course, and program lengths may vary. Completing a CNA program does not guarantee any specific outcome.