How many training hours does a CNA need in California?
California requires 160 hours of CNA training: at least 60 hours of classroom theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. That is more than double the federal minimum of 75 hours. On your resume, name your state-approved program, its hours and the year, and say your certification is active.
What California requires
- California CNA training is 160 hours: at least 60 hours of classroom theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. Source
- The federal minimum for nurse aide training is 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Source
- Nursing homes may not use a nurse aide for more than 4 months unless the aide is trained and has passed a competency evaluation, and they must check the state registry first. Source
- A registry listing lapses after 24 months in a row without paid nursing work, unless you retrain or retest. Source
How to list it on your resume
Put these lines under a Certifications and licenses heading near the top, with dates. The employer looks for them first.
CNA
Certified Nurse Assistant, California (active, certified 2024)
Took a CNA class
CNA training program, 160 hours (60 classroom, 100 clinical), Valley Health Careers, 2024
Common questions
My CNA training was in another state. What do I list?
List your certification state, program and hours. California has its own process for nurse aides certified elsewhere, so check with CDPH before you apply.
Should I list clinical hours separately?
Yes. 100 hours of supervised clinical work is real experience. Name the setting, such as a skilled nursing facility.
Does a home health aide need the same 160 hours?
Home health aide rules are separate. Federal rules require at least 75 hours for aides at Medicare home health agencies. List whichever training you have.
What if I have not worked as a CNA in two years?
A registry listing lapses after 24 months in a row without paid nursing work. If yours has, say you are renewing it.
Pay for CNAs and home health aides in California
See the California minimum wage and work out your take-home pay with the California paycheck calculator.
The full CNA checklist
The rules above are only for California. For everything else a CNA resume needs, with a full example, see the CNA resume checklist.
Sources
Last updated November 15, 2026. Rules change, so check the source before you rely on it.
- California Department of Public Health: Nurse assistant training programs (checked November 15, 2026)
- 42 CFR 483.152: Nurse aide training programs (75 hours) (page dated November 12, 2026, checked November 15, 2026)
- 42 CFR 483.35(d): Nurse aides in nursing facilities (page dated November 12, 2026, checked November 15, 2026)
- 42 CFR 483.156: State nurse aide registry (page dated November 12, 2026, checked November 15, 2026)