CNA Classes in Mesa, AZ

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Mesa?

Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee (Varies; check Headmaster's Arizona fee schedule (typically $90–$130 total for both portions)), the application/registry fee ($0 for the standard CNA application; LNAs pay a $50 background check fee plus $50 initial application fee for the additional credential), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Arizona typically falls around $0 (employer-sponsored) to $2,000 (private 120-hour program plus Fingerprint Clearance Card).

How to Become a CNA in Mesa, AZ

1. 1

   Confirm you meet the prerequisites

   You must be at least 16, free of disqualifying convictions under Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-1758.07, and able to read and write English. The Arizona State Board of Nursing does not require a high school diploma or GED, though most training programs do.

2. 2

   Apply for a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card

   Submit fingerprints to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card. This is required before you can complete clinical hours and for most healthcare employment in Arizona. The application fee is approximately $67 and processing typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Disqualifying offenses are defined in ARS § 41-1758.07 and include violent felonies, theft, fraud, sexual offenses, and vulnerable-adult abuse.

3. 3

   Find an AZBN-approved 120-hour Nurse Aide Training Program

   Look for an Arizona State Board of Nursing-approved program meeting the 120-hour requirement under R4-19-802 (40 classroom + 20 skills lab + 40 clinical + 20 additional). Approved programs are run by Arizona's community college system (especially Maricopa Community Colleges, Pima Community College, Mohave Community College), the American Red Cross, nursing facilities, and private career schools.

4. 4

   Complete the 120-hour training program

   Pass all 120 hours of training. The clinical hours must include at least 20 hours of direct resident care in a long-term care facility licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Your program registers you with Headmaster for the competency exam.

5. 5

   Schedule and pass the Headmaster competency exam

   Schedule the two-part exam (written/oral knowledge test plus hands-on skills evaluation) through Headmaster's Arizona portal at hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/arizona. Headmaster's candidate support line is 800-393-8664. Both portions must be passed to be placed on the Arizona Nursing Assistant Registry.

6. 6

   Get listed on the Arizona Nursing Assistant Registry as a CNA

   Once you pass both exam portions and AZBN confirms your Fingerprint Clearance Card is active, AZBN adds you to the Arizona Nursing Assistant Registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). You can verify your status at azbn.gov. From that point you are authorized to work as a CNA in any Arizona licensed healthcare facility.

7. 7

   Consider upgrading to LNA (optional)

   After CNA certification, you can apply for the Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) credential, which requires the same training and exam but adds a $50 application fee plus a $50 background check fee. LNA places you under AZBN's broader disciplinary jurisdiction and is preferred by some Arizona employers. LNA renewal costs $50 every 2 years (CNA renewal is free).

Becoming a CNA in Arizona

Becoming a CNA in Arizona is more time-intensive than in most states because Arizona requires 120 hours of training — 45 hours above the federal minimum of 75. Under Arizona Administrative Code R4-19-802, that 120-hour curriculum must include at least 40 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of supervised skills laboratory practice, 40 hours of supervised clinical experience (with at least 20 of those clinical hours providing direct resident care in a long-term care facility licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services), plus 20 additional program-allocated hours. Most full-time programs take 6 to 10 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Mesa