CNA Classes in Tampa, FL

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Tampa?

Tuition at Tampa programs runs $1,195 (about $1,195 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($155 total ($35 written + $120 skills)), the application/registry fee (Florida Board of Nursing CNA application fee (approximately $40–$50)), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Florida typically falls around $250–$1,500 (challenge exam pathway is the cheapest; full training adds $400–$1,200).

How to Become a CNA in Tampa, FL

1. 1

   Confirm you meet the prerequisites

   You must be at least 18 years old (or 16+ with a high school diploma or GED), able to communicate in English, and pass a Level II background screening (Livescan fingerprinting through ORI# EDOH0380Z). The Florida Board of Nursing does not require any formal training, but most candidates benefit from at least some preparation.

2. 2

   Decide whether to challenge the exam directly or complete a training program

   Florida's challenge exam pathway (sometimes called E3 Challenger) lets you sit for the Prometric Nurse Aide exam without formal training. You have up to three attempts within a two-year window. If you fail three times, you must complete a state-approved 120-hour training program before testing again. Most no-experience candidates choose a short prep course or training program to maximize their pass rate.

3. 3

   Apply to the Florida Board of Nursing

   Submit your CNA application to the Florida Board of Nursing through the floridasnursing.gov portal, including the application fee, Level II background screening, and a Prometric application packet (if testing). Allow several weeks for processing.

4. 4

   Complete Level II background screening

   Schedule Livescan fingerprinting through a Florida Department of Law Enforcement-approved vendor using ORI# EDOH0380Z. Results are sent electronically to the Board of Nursing. Certain felony convictions involving violence, theft, fraud, sexual offenses, or vulnerable-adult abuse are disqualifying under Florida Statutes 435.04 and 408.809.

5. 5

   Schedule and pass the Prometric exam

   Apply through prometric.com/exams/nurseaide-fl/ and pay the $155 total exam fee ($35 written + $120 skills). The written portion is multiple-choice (or oral by request). The skills evaluation requires demonstrating randomly assigned nurse aide skills under observer scoring. Both portions must be passed to be added to the registry.

6. 6

   Get listed on the Florida CNA Registry

   Once your background check clears and you pass both portions of the exam, the Florida Board of Nursing adds you to the CNA Registry. You can verify your status at the FL DOH MQA Search Portal. From that point, you are authorized to work as a CNA in any Florida licensed healthcare facility.

Becoming a CNA in Florida

Florida is unusual in giving you two distinct paths to becoming a CNA, and the choice matters more than most candidates realize. If you have any prior healthcare experience — medical assistant, home health aide, EMT, military medic, or internationally trained nurse — the challenge-exam pathway can put you on the registry in as little as 2 to 4 weeks for around $250 total. If you are starting from zero, a 120-hour training program is the lower-risk choice even though it is not legally required, because first-time challengers without healthcare experience have a much lower pass rate on the skills portion of the Prometric exam than program graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Tampa