Start Your Certified Nursing Assistant Journey Today!
Build the knowledge and confidence to pass your state Certified Nursing Assistant certification with NCOOA’s online CNA training. 80 hours of instruction, 125+ lessons, practice tests, and the 21 essential nursing skills you’ll be tested on — all self-paced, all online.
Course overview
Everything you need to pass your state CNA exam
Built around the same competency areas tested on state CNA certification exams — designed for first-time test takers, exam refreshers, and aspiring nursing assistants.
80+ hrs
Of CNA education & practice
Mapped to the topics and skills tested on most US state CNA certification exams.
21skills
Essential nursing skills covered
Every nursing skill tested on the CNA clinical exam, covered in detail — with unlimited practice tests.
100%
Online · available 24/7
Self-paced and accessible from any device — phone, tablet, or laptop — whenever your schedule allows.
Who it's for
Is this course right for you?
Our CNA online classes serve students at different stages of their healthcare journey — from first-time learners to professionals formalizing years of caregiving experience.
Aspiring CNAs
Individuals beginning a meaningful career in nursing assistance and direct patient care — no prior experience required.
High school graduates
A fast, affordable entry into healthcare without a four-year degree — start your nursing career right after graduation.
Career changers
Professionals transitioning into the stable, high-demand healthcare industry. The CNA credential opens doors across facilities nationwide.
Family caregivers
Family members building professional caregiving skills and gaining formal training to better support a loved one at home.
Pre-nursing students
Pre-nursing and pre-med students building real-world patient care experience that complements classroom learning.
Volunteers & community caregivers
Hospital, clinic, and senior home volunteers seeking formal certification to expand the care they can provide.
Also great for
Existing CNAs — renewal & refresher
Already certified? This course is equally effective as a comprehensive refresher for CNAs returning to active practice, preparing to re-challenge the state exam after a credential lapse, or renewing their knowledge before recertification.
Course syllabus
What you'll learn in our CNA online classes
The course curriculum follows the core competency areas tested on most US state CNA certification exams — including all 21 nursing skills evaluated during the clinical skills test.
21
Nursing skills
10+
Practice tests
80+
Hours of content
80%
Min. passing grade
Introduction to nursing assistance
Medical terminology & abbreviations
Infection control & standard precautions
Vital signs measurement
Patient hygiene & grooming
Mobility, transfers & positioning
Nutrition & feeding assistance
Patient safety & emergency response
Communication & documentation
Resident rights & ethics
Mental health & end of life care
CNA practice exams & review
Free CPR training
FreeFree Basic First Aid training
FreeHow it works
Your path to CNA certification
Most students complete the online portion in 2 to 4 weeks of focused study, then sit for their state CNA exam.
Enroll & start today
Register in minutes via secure PayPal checkout. Get instant access to all lessons, practice tests, and CPR training.
Complete the curriculum
Work through all CNA topics and 21 nursing skills at your own pace. Unlimited retakes — no pressure.
Pass the final exam
Score 80% or higher. Your results are delivered immediately. Your certificate of completion is emailed within 2 business days.
Challenge the state exam
Receive your FL CNA exam instructions. Register as a Challenger with the Florida State Nurse Aide Registry and sit for your official CNA exam.
CNA vs HHA vs PCA
Which caregiver credential is right for you?
CNAs, HHAs, and PCAs all provide compassionate care — but in different settings, with different scopes, and different certification paths. Here's how they compare.
| CNA — Certified Nursing Assistant | HHA — Home Health Aide | PCA — Personal Care Assistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work setting | Nursing homes, hospitals, rehab facilities, clinics | Client's home | Private home or family setting |
| Patient ratio | Multiple patients simultaneously | One-on-one | One-on-one |
| Medical tasks | Broader clinical tasks under nurse supervision | Limited (vitals, medication reminders) | Very limited (ADL support only) |
| State exam required | Yes — mandatory state certification exam | Required at Medicare agencies; not for private roles | Generally no |
| Training length | 4–12 weeks (75+ hours min.) | 75–120 hours | 40–120 hours |
| Avg. hourly pay | $16–$20/hr | $14–$18/hr | $13–$17/hr |
| Career advancement | CNA → LPN → RN pathway | HHA → CNA → LPN pathway | PCA → HHA → CNA pathway |
| NCOOA course |
CNA Exam Prep — $119.99
Enroll now |
HHA Online Course — $99.99
View HHA course |
PCA Online Course — $64.99
View all courses |
Want to work in a clinical facility with a direct path to LPN and RN? The CNA credential is the right starting point.
Prefer one-on-one home-based caregiving? Explore our HHA Online Course or browse all caregiver courses.
Salary & career advancement
What CNAs earn — and where the career can take you
The CNA credential is one of the most direct entry points into a long-term nursing career. Here's what you can expect to earn and how far you can go.
Average CNA hourly pay (US)
$16–$20
per hour · median annual wage ~$38,200
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023. Pay varies by state, facility type, and experience. Specialty unit CNAs and hospital-based roles typically earn more.
20%+
Job growth projected through 2032
BLS — one of the fastest-growing occupations in the US
Your CNA career ladder
| Role | Path | Avg. pay |
|---|---|---|
| CNA ← Start here | State certification exam | $16–$20/hr |
| LPN | 12–18 mo. program + NCLEX-PN | $24–$32/hr |
| RN | LPN → RN bridge + NCLEX-RN | $35–$50+/hr |
| Specialized CNA | Dementia, hospice, pediatric | Varies |
Trustpilot Reviews
See what students are saying about NCOOA
Read verified reviews and student feedback on Trustpilot before enrolling.
View NCOOA on Trustpilot →CNA exam prep — frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about our CNA exam prep course
Answers about the course, the Florida CNA state exam, what CNAs do, how much they earn, renewal requirements, and how to advance your nursing career — all in one place.
What is included in the CNA exam prep course?
The CNA Exam Prep Online Course from National Caregiver Organization of America (NCOOA) includes detailed lessons, multiple full-length practice tests, and the 21 essential nursing skills required for state CNA exams. Topics covered include:
- Introduction to infection control
- Managing safety and household hazards
- Nutrition and meal planning
- Body systems and associated health conditions
- Client dynamics and effective communication
- Measuring client vitals (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration)
- Assisting with client hygiene
- Assisting a disabled client
- Introduction to mental health disorders
- End of life care
The course also includes free CPR training and free Basic First Aid training at no additional cost. Upon passing the final exam, students receive their results immediately and are emailed instructions for challenging the official Florida State CNA Certification Exam.
How much does the CNA exam prep course cost?
The CNA Exam Prep Online Course is a one-time payment of $119.99. That includes all CNA skills and procedures, all practice tests, free CPR course, free Basic First Aid training, and one full year of access — giving you the foundational knowledge to prepare for the Florida State CNA Certification Exam, or to refresh and renew your existing CNA credentials.
Because NCOOA operates entirely online with no building rent, no electric bill, and no instructors, those savings are passed directly to you.
How long does CNA exam prep training take to complete?
The CNA Exam Prep Course is entirely self-paced. The time it takes to complete depends on how many hours per day you dedicate to studying. Students with a nursing or caregiving background often progress faster. Students new to healthcare typically take a few weeks to a few months.
You have one full year of access from your enrollment date — study on any schedule that works for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any device.
Do I need prior experience to enroll in the CNA prep course?
No prior medical experience or educational background is required to enroll. The curriculum is designed for beginners and starts with foundational caregiving concepts before building toward the clinical skills tested on the CNA exam. Students must be at least 18 years of age to enroll.
The course is equally effective as a refresher for existing CNAs who need to renew their credentials or brush up on specific skills before recertification.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. Upon completing all course modules and passing the final exam with a minimum score of 80%, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from National Caregiver Organization. Your final exam results are delivered immediately upon completion, and your certificate is emailed within 2 business days.
For students pursuing Florida CNA state certification, instructions for challenging the official Florida State CNA Exam are emailed to you after course completion. Your NCOOA certificate of completion is a separate document from the state credential, which is issued by Florida after you pass the state exam.
Is the CNA course available in other languages?
Yes. The entire NCOOA website and all course content are available in over 100 languages. Simply click the grey box in the bottom right corner of the website and select your preferred language.
Multilingual access makes CNA exam prep more inclusive and accessible for learners from diverse backgrounds, allowing you to study in the language you are most comfortable with.
What does the CNA certification exam consist of?
The CNA state certification exam has two parts — both of which must be passed to earn your CNA credential:
- Written (knowledge) test — multiple-choice questions covering nursing procedures, patient care protocols, infection control, safety, communication, and how to respond to specific clinical situations.
- Clinical skills test — a live in-person demonstration where you will be asked to perform 3 randomly selected nursing skills from a set of 21. You must demonstrate each skill correctly in front of a state evaluator.
It is very important to master all 21 nursing skills before challenging the state exam. The clinical skills test is where many candidates struggle — thorough preparation is essential. Our CNA Exam Prep Course covers every topic tested on the written portion in detail.
What are the 21 nursing skills tested on the CNA exam?
The clinical skills portion of the CNA exam requires you to demonstrate 3 randomly chosen skills from the full list of 21. Common skills tested include handwashing, measuring vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, repositioning a client, and applying protective devices. Because you cannot predict which 3 skills will be selected, it is critical to study and practice all 21 thoroughly before your exam date.
Our CNA Exam Prep Course walks through each of these skills in detail, ensuring you are fully prepared for whichever combination you are given on exam day.
How do I study effectively for the CNA exam?
Effective CNA exam preparation combines thorough knowledge study with consistent skills practice. A strong study approach includes:
- Work through all course modules systematically — don't skip topics
- Take the quizzes seriously and review any questions you miss
- Focus extra time on body systems, infection control, and safety — these are heavily tested on the written exam
- Practice all 21 clinical skills until each one feels automatic, not just familiar
- Use the unlimited test retakes to reinforce weak areas before moving forward
- If possible, practice clinical skills with a partner or in front of a mirror
Students who master all 21 nursing skills and complete the full written curriculum are in a strong position to pass both portions of the state exam.
How does the Florida CNA state exam pathway work after completing this course?
NCOOA's CNA Exam Prep Course is the only course in our catalog that leads directly to a Florida State CNA Certification Exam challenge. Here is how the pathway works:
- Complete the course — work through all course topics and lessons at your own pace.
- Pass the final exam — score 80% or higher. Your results are delivered immediately.
- Receive your instructions — within 2 business days, you will be emailed your certificate of completion and instructions for challenging the official Florida State CNA Certification Exam.
- Register as a Challenger — in Florida, students who feel prepared may register with the state as a Challenger to sit for the certification exam.
- Pass the state exam — the Florida CNA state exam consists of a written knowledge test and an in-person clinical skills demonstration. Passing both earns you your official Florida CNA credential.
Is this course only for Florida residents?
No. The CNA Exam Prep Course is available to students across all 50 states and internationally. However, the direct state exam challenge pathway that NCOOA supports upon course completion is specifically designed for the Florida State CNA Certification Exam.
Students in other states may still benefit from this course as knowledge preparation, but should contact their State Nurse Aide Registry before enrolling to confirm whether it meets their state's specific prerequisites for sitting the CNA exam.
What is the CNA Challenger pathway in Florida?
In Florida, the Challenger pathway allows individuals who have completed an approved training program and feel ready to sit for the state CNA certification exam without going through a traditional employer-sponsored or school-based training route. After completing NCOOA's CNA Exam Prep Course, eligible students can register with the Florida State Nurse Aide Registry as a Challenger to schedule their written and clinical skills exams.
We strongly recommend contacting the Florida State Nurse Aide Registry directly to verify current Challenger eligibility requirements before purchasing the course, as requirements may be updated.
How much do certified nursing assistants make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was approximately $38,200 in 2023 — roughly $16–$20 per hour. Pay varies significantly by state, employer type, facility setting, and years of experience. CNAs working in hospitals and specialty care facilities typically earn more than those in home health or assisted living settings.
The BLS projects strong and consistent demand for CNAs through 2032 as the U.S. population ages and the need for direct patient care continues to grow.
What does a certified nursing assistant do day to day?
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a trained healthcare professional who provides direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse (LPN or RN). CNAs work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities. Day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, and oral hygiene
- Helping patients with mobility, transfers, and repositioning
- Measuring and recording vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration)
- Feeding patients or assisting with meals
- Monitoring and reporting changes in patient condition to the supervising nurse
- Providing emotional support and companionship to patients
- Assisting with toileting and incontinence care
- Documenting patient care activities accurately
What are the career advancement opportunities for a CNA?
Earning your CNA credential is one of the most practical entry points into a long-term nursing career. The clinical experience and foundational knowledge you gain as a CNA directly supports advancement into more advanced nursing roles. Common career paths from CNA include:
| Role | Next step from CNA | Additional training required | Avg. hourly pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | Starting point | State certification exam | $16–$20/hr |
| LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) | CNA → LPN | 12–18 month state-approved program + NCLEX-PN | $24–$32/hr |
| RN (Registered Nurse) | LPN → RN via bridge program | 2–4 year nursing program + NCLEX-RN | $35–$50+/hr |
| Specialized CNA | CNA → specialty role | On-the-job or additional certification | Varies |
Many healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement for CNAs pursuing LPN or RN programs — making continued advancement more financially accessible. Specialization options include dementia and Alzheimer's care, pediatric home health, hospice care, and rehabilitation.
Can this course help me renew or refresh my existing CNA certification?
Yes. NCOOA's CNA Exam Prep Course serves two distinct audiences: aspiring CNAs preparing for the state exam for the first time, and existing CNAs who need to refresh their knowledge, review clinical skills, or prepare to re-challenge the state exam after a lapse in employment or certification.
The full curriculum — including all topics, the 21 nursing skills, and the clinical procedures covered on the state exam — provides a thorough refresher for CNAs returning to active practice or renewing their credentials. We recommend checking your state's specific renewal requirements before enrolling to confirm our course meets your needs.
What is the CNA registry and how do I check my status?
The CNA registry (also called the Nurse Aide Registry or State Nurse Aide Registry) is the official government database maintained by each state that lists all individuals who have earned and maintained a valid CNA certification. Employers use the registry to verify that a CNA's credential is current and in good standing before hiring.
To check your CNA registry status, visit your state's official Department of Health or Nurse Aide Registry website and search by your name or license number. Each state manages its own registry independently. In Florida, the registry is maintained by the Florida Department of Health.
How often does a CNA need to renew their certification?
CNA renewal requirements vary by state. Most states require CNAs to renew their certification every one to two years. Renewal typically requires proof of active employment — meaning you worked as a CNA for a minimum number of hours during the certification period. Some states also require completion of continuing education hours.
If a CNA's certification lapses due to inactivity or missed renewal, they may be required to re-take the state competency exam to reinstate their credential. Our CNA Exam Prep Course is an effective tool for preparing to re-challenge the state exam in this scenario. Always verify your specific state's renewal rules with your State Nurse Aide Registry.
What is the difference between a CNA, HHA, and PCA?
These three roles cover different care settings, involve different clinical responsibilities, and carry different certification requirements. Here is a clear comparison:
| Feature | CNA | HHA | PCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work setting | Nursing home, hospital, clinic, rehab facility | Client's home | Private home or family setting |
| Patient ratio | Multiple patients | One-on-one | One-on-one |
| Medical tasks | Yes — broader clinical tasks under nurse supervision | Limited (vitals, medication reminders) | Very limited (ADL support only) |
| State exam required | Yes — mandatory state certification exam | Required at Medicare agencies; not for private roles | Generally no |
| Training length | 4–12 weeks (75+ hours min.) | 75–120 hours | 40–120 hours |
| Avg. hourly pay | $16–$20/hr | $14–$18/hr | $13–$17/hr |
| Available at NCOOA | ✓ CNA Prep — $119.99 | ✓ HHA Course — $99.99 | ✓ PCA Course — $64.99 |
If you want to work in a clinical facility setting with a clear path toward LPN and RN advancement, the CNA credential is the right starting point. If you prefer one-on-one home-based care, explore our HHA Online Course.
What is the difference between a CNA and an LPN?
A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) provides foundational direct patient care — assisting with hygiene, mobility, vitals, and daily living tasks — under the supervision of a licensed nurse. CNAs are an essential part of the care team but work within a defined clinical scope.
An LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) can perform a broader range of clinical tasks, including administering medications, inserting catheters, changing wound dressings, and providing a wider range of treatments — also under the supervision of an RN or physician. Becoming an LPN requires completing a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12–18 months) and passing the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. Many CNAs use their patient care experience as a foundation to pursue LPN training.
Can a CNA become a registered nurse?
Yes — and many CNAs do exactly this. The most common path is CNA → LPN → RN, using bridge programs that allow candidates to build on existing credentials rather than starting from scratch. Some hospitals and healthcare systems offer CNA-to-RN bridge scholarship programs for employees committed to advancing their nursing careers.
Starting as a CNA gives you real hands-on patient care experience that makes the clinical components of nursing school more intuitive. It is one of the most direct, practical, and affordable entry points into a registered nursing career.
Ready to start your CNA journey?
For a one-time payment of $119.99, get full-year access to the CNA Exam Prep Online Course + free CPR & First Aid training — study at your own pace, on any device.
Syllabus
To download the complete Certified Nursing Assistant Exam Prep Online Course Syllabus, please click the button below and fill out the form. The Complete syllabus will be sent directly to your email.