Certified Nursing Assistant in Alabama
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.
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route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Alabama
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alabama, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical training. After completing the program, candidates must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Credentia, which costs $135. The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains the Nurse Aide Registry, and a criminal background check is required. For reciprocity, out-of-state CNAs must be hired by an Alabama nursing facility, which then facilitates their placement on the state's registry.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Alabama requirements
| Licensing body | Alabama Department of Public Health |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 75-hour state-approved training program |
| Experience | 16.0 hours |
| Exam | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($135) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 48.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Alabama CNAs certified elsewhere are added to the registry after being hired and verified by a facility.Reciprocal states: Alabama does not have a direct reciprocity application process. CNAs certified in other states must be hired by an Alabama nursing facility, which then verifies their active certification and submits their name to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. There is no fee for this process. |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required. Renewal requires 48 hours of in-service education or continuing education every two years. Candidates must pass the exam within 3 attempts and 24 months of completing the training program, or retraining is required. High school diploma or GED is required to enroll in a CNA program. CPR certification, current immunizations, TB skin test, and Hepatitis B series are recommended before clinical training. |
Source: Alabama Department of Public Health
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Alabama? See whether Alabama recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Certified Nursing Assistant license reciprocity guide.
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- check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
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