CNA Classes in Houston, TX

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Houston?

Tuition at Houston programs runs $745 to $1,200 (about $986 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($118 total ($35 knowledge test + $83 skills test, with retake pricing the same per part)), the application/registry fee ($25 non-refundable HHSC application fee), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Texas typically falls around $0–$1,500 depending on whether training is employer-paid, community college, or private.

How to Become a CNA in Houston, TX

1. 1

   Confirm you meet the prerequisites

   You must be at least 16, free of disqualifying convictions, and physically able to perform basic patient-care tasks. A high school diploma or GED is not strictly required by HHSC but is preferred by many programs and employers.

2. 2

   Enroll in an HHSC-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP)

   Find a training program approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Many community colleges, nursing facilities, and the American Red Cross run NATCEPs in Texas. The program must include at least 75 hours total, with at least 16 hours of supervised clinical work in a nursing facility.

3. 3

   Complete training and obtain the program completion documentation

   Pass all classroom modules, demonstrate the required skills competencies, and obtain your CNA101 program completion form from your training program. This form is your authorization to test through Credentia.

4. 4

   Apply to test through Credentia and pay testing fees

   Create a CNA365 account at credentia.com/texas, submit your application, and pay the $35 knowledge fee and $83 skills fee. Schedule both portions of your exam (most candidates test both on the same day).

5. 5

   Pass both portions of the state competency exam

   The knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions you must complete within 90 minutes; passing is around 80%. The skills test asks you to perform 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills under observation; you must demonstrate them correctly using the printed checklist criteria.

6. 6

   Apply for certification and registry listing with HHSC

   Once you have passed both portions, your scores are sent automatically from Credentia to HHSC. Pay the $25 HHSC application fee and submit any additional documentation. Your name typically appears on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry within 2–4 weeks.

7. 7

   Start applying for CNA positions

   You may begin working immediately under Texas's 'pending certification' rule if you have completed training and are awaiting registry listing — but most facilities require you to be on the active registry before your first shift. Verify your status anytime at the HHSC NAR search page.

Becoming a CNA in Texas

Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Texas is one of the fastest healthcare credentials to obtain — a motivated candidate can go from no training to working in 6 to 8 weeks. The pathway is regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which approves Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs (NATCEPs), contracts with Credentia to administer the competency exam, and maintains the Texas Nurse Aide Registry that every employer must check before hiring. Texas requires the federal minimum of 75 training hours rather than the higher state-specific totals seen in California (160), New York (100), or Virginia (120).

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Houston