CNA Classes in Providence, RI

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Providence?

Tuition at Providence programs runs Free to $2,000 (about $1,700 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($165 total for the combined written + skills NNAAP exam through Credentia), the application/registry fee ($35 RIDOH initial certification fee), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Rhode Island typically falls around $1,000-$2,500 including tuition, BCI fee (~$5), Credentia exam ($165), and RIDOH application ($35). Note that 1 Providence program offers free training — see the highlighted options above.

How to Become a CNA in Providence, RI

1. 1

   Confirm you meet Rhode Island's basic eligibility

   You must be at least 16 years old and able to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level sufficient to perform the duties of a nursing assistant. RIDOH does not require a high school diploma at the state level, but virtually every approved training program does.

2. 2

   Enroll in a RIDOH-approved 100-hour training program

   Rhode Island mandates 100 hours of training, exceeding the federal 75-hour minimum. Programs are offered at the Community College of Rhode Island, Lincoln Technical Institute, hospital systems such as Care New England, and several proprietary schools. Curriculum must include at least 20 hours of supervised clinical practice in a licensed long-term care facility.

3. 3

   Complete the BCI criminal background check

   Apply for a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) check through the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. The fee is approximately $5 for state-only; multistate checks cost more. Your BCI result must be dated within 4 months of submitting your application to RIDOH.

4. 4

   Register for the Credentia NNAAP exam

   Create an account on the Credentia Platform and schedule the written (or oral) examination and the clinical skills evaluation. The written test includes 60 nursing-assistant content items plus 10 reading-comprehension questions; you must pass both portions within one year of completing training.

5. 5

   Submit your RIDOH Nursing Assistant application

   Complete the application at health.ri.gov/licensing/, attach your training completion certificate, Credentia score reports, BCI letter, and $35 fee. RIDOH typically processes complete applications within 4 to 6 weeks and issues a certification number used by employers.

6. 6

   Get listed on the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry

   Once RIDOH approves your application, your name and certification number are added to the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry, which is publicly searchable through the healthri.mylicense.com verification portal. You may not be hired by a long-term care facility until you appear on the registry.

7. 7

   Renew your certification every two years

   Rhode Island certifications expire on a fixed two-year cycle. To renew, you must document at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the prior 24 months and pay the $35 renewal fee online through RIDOH. If you fall short of the work requirement, you must retake the Credentia NNAAP exam.

Becoming a CNA in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's CNA pathway is regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), specifically the Center for Health Facilities Regulation in the Division of Healthcare Quality, Regulation and Licensure. RIDOH is the CMS-designated state survey agency and maintains both the Nurse Aide Registry and the approval list of training programs across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Providence