Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$36,850

trending_down -6.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.

engineering

91,280

Jobs (FL)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$205

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (4-8 weeks for training, plus application/testing time)

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Florida

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Florida, individuals must meet the requirements set by the Florida Board of Nursing. This typically involves completing a 120-hour state-approved training program, which includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience. Alternatively, candidates who are at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED may challenge the Prometric CNA Exam without prior training. All applicants must pass the Prometric CNA Exam, which consists of a written and a skills portion, and undergo a Level 2 background screening with electronic fingerprinting. Florida offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided they meet specific criteria and pass a background check.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $32,690

25th percentile $35,360

50th (median) $36,850

75th percentile $41,030

90th (experienced) $46,080

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Florida. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Florida requirements

Licensing body	Florida Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	120-hour state-approved training program (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical), OR challenge exam without training if 18 years or older with a high school diploma/GED. If challenging and failing three times, a training program is required.
Exam	Prometric CNA Exam ($155)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age for training is 16. To challenge the exam, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. A Level 2 background screening with electronic fingerprinting is required. If an applicant fails the exam three times, they must complete an approved training program before re-examination.

Source: Florida Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleFlorida license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Florida? expand_more

In Florida, becoming a certified nursing assistant requires you to complete the required education (120-hour state-approved training program (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical), OR challenge exam without training if 18 years or older with a high school diploma/GED. If challenging and failing three times, a training program is required.), pass the Prometric CNA Exam, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is a certified nursing assistant license required in Florida? expand_more

Florida mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Florida Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the Prometric CNA Exam.

How much does a certified nursing assistant make in Florida? expand_more

The median certified nursing assistant salary in Florida is $36,850 per year. — 7% under the $39,530 national average. New certified nursing assistants start around $32,690; seasoned professionals can reach $46,080.

What are the fees to become a certified nursing assistant in Florida? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($155) and application fee ($50). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Florida? expand_more

Expect to spend Varies (4-8 weeks for training, plus application/testing time) from start to finish in Florida — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What's required to renew a certified nursing assistant license in Florida? expand_more

License renewal in Florida requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.