CNA Classes in Honolulu, HI

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Honolulu?

Tuition at Honolulu programs runs $786 (about $786 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($216 total ($25 initial application processing + $200 written/skills evaluation; oral evaluation is $210)), the application/registry fee ($25 initial application processing fee paid to Prometric), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Hawaii typically falls around $1,200-$2,800 including tuition and exam.

How to Become a CNA in Honolulu, HI

1. 1

   Meet the basic eligibility requirements

   Confirm you are at least 18 years old, can read and write English, and have no disqualifying criminal history. Many employers also expect a high school diploma or GED before placing graduates, so secure those documents before you enroll. If English is your second language, schedule placement testing with your prospective program early because Hawaii's exam offers a written and an oral version, and your program will help you choose the right one.

2. 2

   Complete a 100-hour state-approved training program

   Hawaii requires 70 hours of classroom and lab instruction plus 30 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Programs are offered through Kapiolani Community College, Hawaii Community College, the University of Hawaii Maui College, the Healthcare School of Hawaii, and Professional Healthcare Educators (PHE). Most programs cost between $800 and $1,800 and run from four to twelve weeks.

3. 3

   Apply for the Prometric Nurse Aide exam

   Submit the Hawaii Nurse Aide Application packet, including the $25 initial application processing fee, your training completion form, and identity documents to Prometric. Once eligibility is confirmed, you receive scheduling instructions and an applicant ID. Exam testing is offered on Oahu (Honolulu), Maui (Kahului), Hawaii Island (Hilo and Kona), and Kauai (Lihue), so plan inter-island travel if your home island is not currently hosting the next exam date.

4. 4

   Pass the Hawaii written and skills evaluation

   The written test contains 60 multiple-choice questions over 90 minutes; you must score at least 70 percent to pass. Oral versions are available for $210 if English fluency is a challenge. The skills test asks you to perform five randomly chosen skills plus a mandatory handwashing demonstration in front of a Prometric examiner. Each section can be retaken up to three times within the eligibility window.

5. 5

   Listed on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry by Prometric

   Once both sections are passed, Prometric reports the results to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and adds your name to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry within five business days. Your CNA certificate and wallet card are mailed to your address on file, and you can verify your status immediately at the Prometric public registry portal for Hawaii.

6. 6

   Start working and maintain your certification

   Once on the registry, you can accept paid positions across the islands. You must work at least eight paid hours providing nursing or nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse within each 24-month renewal cycle. CNAs in non-Medicare/Medicaid settings (Group 2) must also submit 24 hours of continuing education and a $27 renewal fee, while Group 1 CNAs typically renew without a fee.

Becoming a CNA in Hawaii

Hawaii structures its CNA pathway differently from most of the country. Instead of a Board of Nursing, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) contracts directly with Prometric to administer the exam, manage the public registry, and handle recertification mailings. That means almost every interaction a candidate has after training - from filing the application to receiving the certificate - goes through Prometric rather than a state agency in Honolulu.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Honolulu