CNA License in Florida

How to Get a CNA License in Florida

The CNA certification process in Florida is regulated by FBON and administered by Prometric. Follow these steps to earn your CNA license in Florida.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

Enroll in a 120-hour Nursing Assistant Training Program approved by FBON. This includes 80 hours of classroom and lab instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Your training provider must electronically verify completion with FBON before you can schedule the exam.

Step 2: Apply for the CNA Competency Examination

Submit your application to Prometric online or by mail using the Florida Nurse Aide Exam Application. Applications must be received at least 50 days before your preferred test date.

All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment may be made by card, prepaid card, certified check, or money order. If an employer or agency prepays your exam, an Other Payer Code Registration Form must be on file with Prometric.

Step 3: Complete the Level II Background Screening

After receiving Prometric’s confirmation, schedule electronic fingerprinting with an FDLE-approved Livescan provider. Provide FBON ORI: EDOH4420Z so results are sent directly to the Board. Most results are available within 24–72 hours. Out-of-state candidates must follow special Livescan instructions.

Step 4: Take and Pass the Florida Nurse Aide Competency Exam

The Florida Nurse Aide Competency Exam has two parts:

Knowledge Exam

• 60 multiple-choice questions
• Time limit: 90 minutes
• Written or oral format (must request oral when applying)
• Available in English and Spanish

Clinical Skills Evaluation

• Five assigned skills, including mandatory hand hygiene and indirect care, plus three randomly selected from 20 approved tasks
• May include vital signs, transfers, feeding, toileting, or catheter care
• Time limit: 31–40 minutes

What to Bring

• Admission to Test letter
• Two valid IDs (one must be a government-issued photo ID matching your application exactly)
• Flat, nonskid, closed-toe shoes (scrubs recommended)
• Watch with a second hand

Step 5: Get Listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry

Exam results are posted to your Prometric account within 48 hours. After passing both parts, Prometric sends your scores to FBON. Once approved, your certificate is issued and your name is added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry. Registry updates usually take 3–5 weeks after approval.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Florida

The following CNA programs are approved by FBON. When selecting a program, consider tuition, location, schedule flexibility, clinical site partnerships, and job placement support.

1. Miami-Dade College

   950 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33127
   (305) 237-4126

2. Daytona State College

   1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
   (386) 506-3000

3. Santa Fe College

   3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL 32606
   (352) 395-5000

4. St Johns River State College

   283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32065
   (904) 276-6800

5. Gulf Coast State College

   5230 US-98, Panama City, FL 32401
   (850) 769-1551

6. Chipola College

   3094 Indian Cir, Marianna, FL 32446
   (850) 526-2761

7. Cape Coral Technical College

   360 Santa Barbara Blvd N, Cape Coral, FL 33993
   (239) 574-4440

8. Fort Myers Technical College

   3800 Michigan Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916
   (239) 334-4544

9. Manatee Technical College

   6305 E State Rd 70, Bradenton, FL 34203
   (941) 751-7900

10. Sheridan Technical College

    5400 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021
    (754) 321-5400

11. Suncoast Technical College

    4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
    (352) 797-7091

12. South Florida State College

    600 W College Dr, Avon Park, FL 33825
    (863) 453-6661

How to Verify a CNA License in Florida

Use the official license lookup tool from the Florida Department of Health (DOH), Division of Medical Quality Assurance to confirm status, expiration, and any disciplinary actions.

Step 1: Access the License Verification Portal

Go to the Florida License Verification page.

Step 2: Select Licensing Board

• Under Board/Council, choose Board of Nursing.

Step 3: Select Profession

• Under Profession, choose Certified Nursing Assistant.

Step 4: Enter Search Criteria

• License Number — enter CNA license number; or
• Name — enter first and last name. Optional filters: city, county, or ZIP code.

Step 5: Submit Search

Click Search to display results.

Step 6: Review Search Results

If multiple records appear, the results list shows:

• License number
• Name
• Profession
• City
• License status

If a single record appears, the profile shows:

• Full name
• Profession
• License number
• Status — must show Clear/Active for employment eligibility
• Expiration date
• Original issue date
• Address of record
• Disciplinary history (if any)

Step 7: View Detailed Record

For multiple results, select the matching license number to open the profile. This may include secondary practice locations, emergency action history, and links to scanned public records if available.

How to Renew a CNA License in Florida

CNA certification must be renewed every two years through the Florida Board of Nursing. Renewal can be completed online or by mail up to 90 days before expiration.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may renew if you meet all the following requirements:

• Worked for pay performing nursing-related services during the two-year certification period
• Completed 24 hours of FBON-approved in-service training within the renewal cycle, including:
  • Bloodborne pathogens and infection control
  • Domestic violence
  • Medical record documentation and legal aspects
  • Resident rights
  • Communication with cognitively impaired clients
  • CPR
  • Medical error prevention and patient safety

Step 2: Submit Renewal Application

• Online: Log in to the MQA Online Services Portal, verify your contact details, and select Renew My License.
• By mail: Complete the renewal form and send it with payment to the address in Step 3.

Step 3: Pay the Renewal Fee

The renewal fee is $55 if submitted on time. Pay online by card, or mail a check or money order payable to Florida Department of Health to:

Step 4: Await Processing

• Most renewals process in 7–10 business days
• Once approved, certification is valid for two years
• Verify status using the MQA License Verification tool

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Florida

If your Florida CNA license has expired, reinstatement depends on how long it has been inactive. FBON classifies expired licenses as Delinquent (less than two years) or Null and Void (two or more years).

Step 1: Determine Your Status

• Delinquent (less than 2 years): You may renew if you meet CNA work or training requirements and pay renewal and delinquency fees.
• Null and Void (2+ years): Renewal not permitted. You must reapply for certification and retake both exams through Prometric.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

If Delinquent:

• Log in to the MQA Online Services Portal.
• Verify/update contact information, then select Renew My License (available within 90 days before expiration).
• Complete the renewal form, attest to eligibility, and submit payment.

If Null and Void:

• Apply as a new candidate using the Florida Nurse Aide Application or Prometric’s online application.
• Complete Level II Livescan fingerprinting using ORI EDOH4420Z.
• Once approved, register with Prometric to retake both exams.

Step 3: Pay Required Fees

• $105 – Expired less than 120 days
• $160 – Expired more than 120 days (includes delinquency penalty)

Fees are paid online with renewal or reapplication. Additional testing and fingerprinting fees apply for null and void reapplications.

Step 4: Await Processing

• Renewal applications process in 7–10 business days
• Null and void reapplications require more time

Step 5: Confirm Reinstatement

After renewal or retesting, verify status using the Florida License Verification tool. You may not work until status shows Clear/Active.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Florida

If you hold an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, you may apply for Florida certification through the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement (MOBILE) Act. You may not work in Florida until your certificate is issued and your status is listed as Active in the Florida CNA Registry.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Active CNA certification in good standing from another state
• At least 3 years of CNA employment in the past 4 years
• Successful completion of a national CNA exam or national certification
• No disciplinary actions, investigations, or suspensions
• Not listed in the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)

Step 2: Complete Level II Background Screening

• Schedule fingerprinting with an FDLE-approved LiveScan provider
• Provide FBON ORI: EDOH4420Z
• Pay the LiveScan provider fee ($80–$100)
• Keep your Transaction Control Number (TCN) for records

Step 3: Submit the MOBILE Endorsement Application

• Log in to the MQA Online Services Portal
• Select Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) from “Choose a Board/Council”
• Select MOBILE Act Endorsement from “Choose an Application”
• Complete all sections, including:
  • Personal and contact information
  • Out-of-state CNA certification details
  • Three years of work history
  • Proof of national exam or certification
  • Health, disciplinary, and criminal history disclosures
  • Fingerprint confirmation
  • Required attachments (license copy, verification documents)
• Review and submit

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees

• No separate endorsement fee
• LiveScan fees paid directly to provider

Step 5: Wait for Processing

• FBON reviews your application, background results, and work history
• Processing takes 10–30 business days
• Once approved, your Florida CNA certification will be issued and your registry status updated to Active

Florida Nurse Aide Registry

The Florida Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Florida Department of Health (DOH), Board of Nursing, is the official record of CNAs eligible to work in Florida. The registry maintains certification status, training verification, and disciplinary records; processes renewals and updates; and provides verification for employers, agencies, and the public.

Contact Information

• Address: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C-02, Tallahassee, FL 32399
• Phone: (850) 245-4125
• Fax: (850) 617-6460
• Email: MQA.CNA@flhealth.gov
• Registry Search: Florida CNA Registry Search
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CNA certification pathways in Florida?

• E1 – State-Approved Training Program: Complete a 120-hour FBON-approved program (80 classroom/lab, 40 clinical).
• E2 – Currently Enrolled: Apply while enrolled in an approved program.
• E3 – Challenger: Take the exam without training if 18+ or holding a diploma/GED.
• E4 – Other Nursing Training: Qualify through prior LPN, RN, or similar nursing education.
• E5 – Lapsed CNA: Retake the exam if prior Florida certification expired.

Are ADA testing accommodations available?

Yes. Submit the Testing Accommodations Request Packet with documentation when applying. Allow at least 30 days for processing.

What are the CNA exam day requirements in Florida?

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early
• Bring two valid IDs (one government-issued photo ID matching your application exactly)
• Wear closed-toe, nonskid shoes
• Bring a watch with a second hand for the skills test

Can I reschedule my CNA exam?

Yes. Contact Prometric at least five business days before your exam to reschedule without penalty. Late changes or missed appointments require full payment.

How do I update my name or address on the Florida CNA Registry?

Submit changes to FBON. Address changes can be made online via the MQA Online Services Portal. Name changes require legal documentation (marriage certificate or court order) submitted by mail or through the portal.

How can I request a duplicate Florida CNA certificate?

Send a written request to FBON with your name, certificate number, and a $25 fee. Pay by check or money order to the Florida Department of Health.

Key Takeaways

• Qualify through an eligibility route: Complete an FBON-approved program, be currently enrolled, use the challenger route, present prior nursing education, or retest if lapsed.
• Pass required exams: Complete the knowledge and clinical skills tests through Prometric and Level II background screening to appear on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry.
• Renew every two years: Complete 24 hours of FBON-approved in-service training and paid CNA work.
• Reinstate if expired: Renew delinquent certificates (under two years) or reapply and retest if null and void (two years+).
• Transfer by endorsement: Out-of-state CNAs with qualifying work history and no disciplinary actions may apply under the MOBILE Act.