Can I take CNA classes online in Texas?

The 60-hour classroom portion of a Texas CNA certification online program can be completed through HHSC's no-cost Computer-Based Education platform at your own pace. However, the 40-hour clinical component must be completed in person at an approved facility, and the competency exam is also in-person. There is no fully online path to CNA certification in Texas. For a preview of what the online coursework covers, visit our CNA lesson guide.

How much does CNA certification cost in Texas?

Program costs vary depending on the provider and format. Community college and facility-based NATCEPs in Texas typically range from approximately $400 to $1,200 in tuition. HHSC's Computer-Based Education platform covers the 60-hour classroom requirement at no cost, which can reduce overall program expenses for students who use it. Competency exam fees through Prometric are approximately $35 for the written portion and $83 for the clinical skills portion. Additional costs may include background check fees, health documentation, and program-specific materials. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Eligibility requirements vary and no financial aid is guaranteed. Source: Program cost ranges are based on publicly available Texas NATCEP provider information. Actual costs vary by program and provider.

How many hours are required to earn CNA certification in Texas?

Texas HHSC requires a minimum of 100 total program hours, consisting of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice in an approved facility. Class, course, and program lengths may vary. Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Texas: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/business/licensing-credentialing-regulation/long-term-care-credentialing/nurse-aide-registry/become-a-certified-nurse-aide-texas

How long does a CNA program take in Texas?

Most candidates complete the full process, including the program, exam, and registry listing, in approximately 4 to 8 weeks, depending on schedule and program format. Class, course, and program lengths may vary. Additional time may be needed to schedule and pass the competency exam and receive registry confirmation.

How to Get CNA Certification in Texas

Pursuing CNA certification in Texas is a direct pathway into healthcare. The process is regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which sets program requirements, oversees approved providers, administers the nurse aide registry, and contracts with Prometric to handle competency exam scheduling and testing.

This page covers everything you need to know about earning your Texas CNA license, from eligibility and program options to the exam, renewal, and how to find CNA programs near you.

Ready to explore your options? Search for CNA programs in your area and request information today.

What Does CNA Certification in Texas Involve?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Texas provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). CNAs work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, long-term care centers, assisted living communities, and home health settings throughout the state.

To earn Texas CNA certification, candidates must complete an HHSC-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), pass a two-part competency exam administered by Prometric, and be listed as active on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. Until your registry status reads "Active," you are not authorized to provide patient care in a licensed Texas facility.

How Do I Get My Texas CNA License?

HHSC outlines a clear process for earning CNA certification in Texas. Here is each step in order.

Meet Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must be at least 16 years old, pass a criminal history check through the Texas Department of Public Safety, and not be listed as unemployable on the Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR). Candidates must also not have a disqualifying conviction under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 250.006. A high school diploma or GED is not required by HHSC to enroll in a NATCEP, though some individual programs and employers may prefer it. If you have prior convictions and want clarity on your eligibility before committing to a program, HHSC offers a Criminal History Evaluation Letter process that can provide early guidance.

Complete an HHSC-Approved NATCEP

Texas requires candidates to complete a minimum of 100 hours through a state-approved NATCEP, consisting of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice at an approved facility.* The classroom portion can be completed in person or online. HHSC offers a no-cost 60-hour Computer-Based Education (CBE) course through its Learning Tree platform that satisfies the classroom requirement and must be accepted by all approved NATCEPs in Texas.** The 40-hour clinical component must be completed in person.

Use our CNA program location search to find CNA schools near you in Texas. Not sure what the coursework covers? Explore our CNA lesson guide for information before you enroll.

*Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Texas. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/business/licensing-credentialing-regulation/long-term-care-credentialing/nurse-aide-registry/become-a-certified-nurse-aide-texas

**Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Long-Term Care Regulation Launches Free Nurse Aide Education Course, May 2024. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2024/05/long-term-care-regulation-launches-free-nurse-aide-training-course

Submit Your Application Through TULIP

After completing your NATCEP or the HHSC CBE, your program director confirms your hours in the Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP). You then submit a New Nurse Aide by Examination Application through TULIP. HHSC reviews your application and, once approved, sends you instructions to schedule your competency exam.

Pass the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Exam

The competency exam is administered by Prometric on behalf of HHSC. The written portion includes 70 questions, with 60 multiple-choice questions covering nursing assistant knowledge domains and 10 reading comprehension questions, and a two-hour time limit. An oral exam option is available for candidates with documented reading difficulties or limited English proficiency. The clinical skills portion is an in-person, performance-based evaluation in which candidates demonstrate specific hands-on skills before a trained evaluator. Both portions must be passed to earn certification. Candidates have up to three attempts per section within 24 months of completing their program.

Receive Your Certificate and Registry Listing

Once both portions are passed, Prometric transmits your results to HHSC electronically. HHSC issues your certificate and updates your application status to "Approved" in TULIP. Your certificate can be downloaded directly from your TULIP account. Employers are required to verify registry status before allowing a CNA to provide patient care.

Maintain Your Certification

Texas CNA certification must be renewed every two years. To maintain active status, you must complete 24 hours of approved in-service continuing education, including mandatory components in geriatrics, dementia and Alzheimer's care, infection control, and proper PPE use, and document a minimum of 8 hours of paid nursing-related work during the certification period. Renewal is processed through TULIP. If your certification lapses, reactivation typically requires retesting through Prometric.

*Based on Texas HHSC NATCEP guidelines. Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with HHSC before enrolling.

Texas CNA Certification Online: What's Possible

Many students searching for Texas CNA certification online want to know how much of the process can be completed remotely. The 60-hour classroom portion can be completed entirely online through HHSC's no-cost Computer-Based Education platform, which is self-paced and accessible at any time. The 40-hour clinical component must be completed in person at an HHSC-approved facility and cannot be satisfied online. The competency exam must also be completed in person.

So while CNA certification in Texas online is partially possible for the classroom portion, the full credential requires in-person clinical hours and an in-person exam. When comparing CNA certification near you, confirm that a program's clinical sites are located in your area before enrolling. Explore our guide to preparing for CNA school before your first clinical day.

How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Texas?

Wage figures for CNAs in Texas vary based on work setting, employer, geographic location, and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest 10 percent nationally earned more than $50,140 as of May 2024.* These figures are provided for general reference only and are not a guarantee of earnings upon completing a CNA program. Completing a Texas CNA certification program does not guarantee any specific compensation or outcome.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Nursing Assistants, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-5

Find CNA Certification Near You in Texas

Texas is home to HHSC-approved NATCEP programs across the state, from major metro areas to smaller communities. Whether you are looking for a CNA school near you in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, or a surrounding area, comparing programs by location and format early gives you the most flexibility. Use our CNA program location search to find CNA programs near you by zip code and get information on programs that match your schedule and goals.

FAQs

The 60-hour classroom portion of a Texas CNA certification online program can be completed through HHSC's no-cost Computer-Based Education platform at your own pace. However, the 40-hour clinical component must be completed in person at an approved facility, and the competency exam is also in-person. There is no fully online path to CNA certification in Texas. For a preview of what the online coursework covers, visit our CNA lesson guide.
Program costs vary depending on the provider and format. Community college and facility-based NATCEPs in Texas typically range from approximately $400 to $1,200 in tuition.* HHSC's Computer-Based Education platform covers the 60-hour classroom requirement at no cost, which can reduce overall program expenses for students who use it. Competency exam fees through Prometric are approximately $35 for the written portion and $83 for the clinical skills portion. Additional costs may include background check fees, health documentation, and program-specific materials. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Eligibility requirements vary and no financial aid is guaranteed.
*Source: Program cost ranges based on publicly available Texas NATCEP provider information. Actual costs vary by program and provider.
Texas HHSC requires a minimum of 100 total program hours, consisting of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice in an approved facility.* Class, course, and program lengths may vary.
*Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Texas.https://www.hhs.texas.gov/business/licensing-credentialing-regulation/long-term-care-credentialing/nurse-aide-registry/become-a-certified-nurse-aide-texas
Most candidates complete the full process, including the program, exam, and registry listing, in approximately 4 to 8 weeks, depending on schedule and program format. Class, course, and program lengths may vary. Additional time may be needed to schedule and pass the competency exam and receive registry confirmation.
Complete an HHSC-approved NATCEP, submit your application through TULIP, pass both portions of the Prometric competency exam, and receive your certificate and active registry listing. The step-by-step section above covers the full process. To find approved CNA programs near you in Texas, use our program location search.

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. Wage data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and is provided for reference only. Completing a CNA program does not guarantee any specific wage or outcome. Program cost ranges are provided for general reference and vary by provider and location. 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. CNA certification requirements are governed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with HHSC before enrolling.