The California State exam for Certified Nursing Assistants consists of two parts: the written (knowledge) test, and the skills (practical) test. The location of the written test may be taken onsite at the testing center or online, depending on the version of the test you take. The skills test is always taken in person with a test instructor present.

You must take your State exam within 2 years after completing your CNA training. If you're part of The Gateway-In Project©, it's best to schedule your exam right after finishing your course and book any re-take exams as soon as possible, if necessary. You have 3 attempts to pass the State exam. If you don't pass within these 3 attempts, you'll need to retake the entire CNA course before being eligible for any further examination retakes.

After passing the exam, your certification will be valid until the 2nd birthday after you receive it. For instance, if you become certified on January 1, 2025, and your birthday is on June 1, your certification will expire on June 1, 2027, and then every 2 years on your subsequent birthdays. To ensure your license doesn't lapse, it's essential to stay updated with California's Continuing Education requirements. Learn more about how The Gateway-In Project© can support your Continuing Education. 

You can check your certification information and status after the examination by searching for your name on the CDPH website. Employers also use this to verify your certification.