If you are considering a career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Florida is one of the fastest and most rewarding paths into the industry. CNAs are the backbone of patient care, working directly with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health settings across the state.
Florida's aging population and growing healthcare sector mean that CNA demand is higher than ever. Whether you are in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, there are opportunities waiting for qualified CNAs. Here is everything you need to know to get started. (Tambien disponible en espanol — llamenos al (786) 422-9780.)
What Does a CNA Do?
Certified Nursing Assistants provide essential hands-on care to patients under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Daily responsibilities typically include:
- Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
- Taking and recording vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)
- Helping patients with mobility and transfers
- Serving meals and assisting with feeding
- Monitoring and reporting changes in patient condition
- Providing companionship and emotional support
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before enrolling in a CNA training program in Florida, you must meet these prerequisites:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old (some programs accept 16 with parental consent)
- Education: Hold a high school diploma or GED (some programs may waive this)
- Background check: Pass an AHCA Level 2 background screening
- Health: Be in good physical health; a medical exam and TB test are typically required
- Language: Functional English proficiency (bilingual English/Spanish is a major advantage in South Florida)
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program
Florida requires CNA candidates to complete a training program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities throughout South Florida.
A typical CNA training program in Florida includes:
- 120 hours minimum of combined classroom and clinical instruction
- Classroom topics: anatomy, infection control, patient rights, communication, nutrition
- Clinical training: hands-on patient care in a supervised healthcare setting
- Duration: 4 to 12 weeks depending on the program schedule
Cost: CNA training programs in Florida typically cost between $500 and $1,500. Some community colleges and workforce programs offer financial aid or scholarships. Check with CareerSource South Florida for possible funding.
Step 3: Pass the Florida CNA Competency Exam
After completing your training, you must pass the Florida CNA competency exam administered by Prometric. The exam has two parts:
- Written (or oral) exam: Multiple-choice questions covering nursing assistant knowledge
- Skills evaluation: You must correctly demonstrate selected clinical skills in front of an evaluator
Exam fee: Approximately $155. You can schedule your exam through Prometric's website. You have three attempts to pass. If you do not pass within three attempts or two years, you must retake a training program.
Step 4: Apply for Your Florida CNA Certification
Once you pass the exam, apply for certification through the Florida Department of Health, Board of Nursing. You will need to submit your exam results and pay the application fee (approximately $75). Your name will be added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry, which employers verify before hiring.
Step 5: Maintain Your Certification
Florida CNA certifications must be renewed every two years. To renew, you must:
- Complete at least 24 hours of in-service training during the renewal period
- Have performed nursing-related duties for compensation during the renewal period
- Pay the renewal fee
CNA Job Outlook and Pay in Florida (2026)
Florida is one of the top states for CNA employment. Here is what you can expect:
- Average hourly pay: $15 to $20 per hour, depending on experience and setting
- Registry/per diem CNAs: Often earn $17 to $23+ per hour with schedule flexibility
- Job growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for nursing assistants nationwide, with Florida's demand among the highest due to its senior population
- Work settings: Hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, home health, rehabilitation centers
Tips for Passing the Florida CNA Exam on Your First Try
The Florida CNA competency exam has a pass rate of roughly 70-80%, which means a significant number of candidates fail on the first attempt. Here are practical tips to improve your chances:
- Practice the clinical skills in order. During the skills evaluation, you must perform each step in the correct sequence. Practice hand washing, vital signs, and patient transfers until the order is automatic.
- Don't skip hand hygiene. Forgetting to wash your hands before and after patient contact is the most common reason candidates fail the skills portion. The evaluator will mark it as a critical error.
- Use practice exams for the written test. Free CNA practice tests are available online from Prometric and third-party sites. Take at least 3-4 full practice tests before your exam date.
- Review your training program notes. Most of the written exam questions come directly from the topics covered in your state-approved training program.
- Arrive early and rested. Fatigue leads to simple mistakes. Get a full night of sleep and arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
Timeline Summary
- Training: 4 to 12 weeks
- Exam scheduling: 1 to 3 weeks after training
- Certification processing: 2 to 4 weeks
- Total time to working as a CNA: Approximately 2 to 4 months
Start Your CNA Career with AJE Nursing Services
At AJE Nursing Services Inc. (AHCA License #30212642), we are always looking for dedicated CNAs to join our registry. As an AHCA-licensed nursing registry based in Miami Gardens, we offer:
- Flexible scheduling — pick shifts that fit your life
- Competitive per diem pay rates
- Placements in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health throughout South Florida
- A bilingual, supportive team (hablamos espanol)
- Fast onboarding for certified CNAs
Whether you just earned your CNA certification or you are an experienced nursing assistant looking for better opportunities, AJE Nursing Services can connect you with the right positions.
AJE Nursing Services Inc. is an AHCA-licensed nursing registry (License #30212642) serving hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities throughout South Florida. We provide RN, LPN, CNA, and HHA staffing solutions. Learn more about our services.