CNA Classes in Florida (Top Schools)

Compared to other states, Florida has a unique process for the certification of nursing assistants.

For one, you can take the Florida Nurse Aide Competency Exam (FL-NACE) without CNA training if you believe you can pass the exam.

(More on this information below.)

But usually, the Florida Board of Nursing’s (FBoN) minimum requirements for certification are as follows:

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program
• Pass the FL-NACE
• Pass the criminal background check

Once you’ve satisfied these, you will be added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry (NAR).

FBoN has approved Prometric to manage both the FL-NACE and NAR.

Taking on a CNA Training Program in Florida

Although not a mandatory requirement in Florida, you can enroll in a state-approved CNA training program.

You will undergo 120 hours of training, with 40 hours of supervised clinical skills training.

Also, if you are to participate in the clinical training, you must first complete at least 16 hours of classroom instructions.

After training completion, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide direct patient care to residents.

There are plenty of CNA training facilities in Florida that you can enroll in, some of which are listed below.

For the complete list, please visit FBoN’s website.

Evaluating a CNA Candidate

There are two ways for you to be a CNA in Florida.

• Certification by examination
• Certification by endorsement

Let’s take a look at each certification path below.

Certification by Examination

In this certification path, you’ll take the FL-NACE from the testing vendor Prometric.

The FL-NACE will have two assessments: a knowledge test and a clinical skills test.

Here are the details for each test:

Knowledge test

• Usually a written test and in English
• Has 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes
• Can be an oral test upon request, submitting an ESL Authorization Request letter with your application
• Oral test will have a duration of 150% of the 90 minute exam time

Clinical skills test

• Demonstrate competency in five nursing assistant skills/tasks
• Three out of five will be randomly selected by a computer
• Two of the five will be handwashing and indirect care
• Exam time depends on the skills/tasks assigned

CNA Candidates Eligible to Apply for Certification by Examination

You can take the FL-NACE if you fall in any of these eligibility route options:

Newly-trained nurse aide

• Completed the state-approved CNA training program
• Have yet to work as a nursing assistant in Florida or any other state

Nurse aide undergoing training

• Currently enrolled in a state-approved CNA training program
• Have yet to work as a nursing assistant in Florida or any other state

Challenger

• Believe you can pass the FL-NACE without any nursing training and experience
• Required to be at least 18 years with a high school diploma or equivalent

With nursing services training or experience

• Acquired training or experience without undergoing a state-approved CNA training program
• Applicable also to FL-NACE retesters of one of the tests within 24 months of training completion

CNA with lapsed certification

• CNA in Florida or any other state who needs recertification

Exam Fees

You will pay the following exam fees:

• Clinical skills and knowledge (in written or oral, in English or Spanish) tests – $155
• Written test only (English or Spanish) – $35
• Oral test only (English and Spanish) – $35
• Clinical skills test only (English only) – $120
• Rescheduling fee (up to five business days before the test/s) – $30

Exam Results

You will receive the official exam scores shortly after your test/s at the testing site.

These will also be available online by logging in at https://tcnet.prometric.com/flcna within 48 hours.

If you pass both tests, Prometric will send your results to FBoN who’ll then:

• Issue your certificate
• Add you to NAR

If you fail, then you must retake the failed test/s within 24 months of training completion.

You can apply for a test retake after 30 days.

Should you still fail after three attempts, you must re-enroll in a training program to be allowed to take FL-NACE.

Certification by Endorsement

This certification path is usually for out-of-state CNAs within the U.S.

You can only apply for endorsement if you satisfy the following requirements:

• Has active status on another state’s NAR
• Has good standing in that state
• Pass the criminal background check

Upon receipt of your application, the FBoN will verify your information at that state.

If they approve, you will directly become a CNA in Florida with the certificate and registry accomplished.

Fingerprint-Based Background Screening

Florida state law requires all CNA applicants to submit themselves for background checks.

Its purpose is to ensure the safety of the patients and other residents under the care of CNAs.

Here are the things you need to know about the fingerprint-based background screening:

• FBoN only accepts electronic fingerprinting from an approved Livescan service provider
• Submit the CNA Exam Electronic Fingerprinting Form and other requirements to the Livescan service provider
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI will conduct the background screening
• Provide the correct Originating Agency Identification when submitting your fingerprints for FBoN to receive the results

Potential Salary

On average, a CNA in Florida can receive an annual salary of around $30,000.

Of course, this can go higher as long you:

• Invest in more advanced skills
• Acquire more experience
• Take on additional work

Below, you’ll find the salary information across the state.

CNA Schools by City

• Daytona Beach3 Schools
• Fort Lauderdale5 Schools
• Gainesville2 Schools
• Hialeah2 Schools
• Jacksonville7 Schools
• Lakeland2 Schools
• Miami3 Schools
• Ocala2 Schools
• Orlando2 Schools
• Sarasota2 Schools
• Tallahassee3 Schools
• Tampa3 Schools
• West Palm Beach2 Schools