Individuals with equivalent CNA training are eligible to challenge the nurse aide exam in California without completing a nursing assistant course. If you are currently enrolled in a registered nurse, vocational nurse, or psychiatric technician program AND have completed the nursing fundamentals coursework and clinical, then you qualify to sit for the CNA examination in California.
The following documents must be submitted to the California Department of Public Health, Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS): an original school transcript or official letter from your educational institution listing the completed coursework in nursing fundamentals; a copy of the completed Request for Live Scan Service form, and the completed Nurse Assistant Initial Application form which you can find here.
Upon receiving and reviewing these documents, ATCS determines your eligibility, and sends you information on challenging the CNA exam. You should contact the California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification Program, Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS) at (916) 327-2445 or (916) 552-8811 to ensure you are following the correct process and to ask any questions you might have on completing the required applications.