How to Get Your CNA Certification in Colorado (CO): 2026 Guide
Colorado uses Credentia (NNAAP) for CNA testing. Expect 75 hours of training and a total exam cost near $135.
If you want to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Colorado, the path is straightforward: graduate from a state-approved training program, pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam through Credentia, and get listed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry. This guide breaks down each step, the real costs, and where to test across Colorado.
Colorado CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Credentia (NNAAP)
- Training hours: 75 total (40 theory, 28 lab, 16 clinical)
- Exam questions: 70 multiple-choice questions on the written/oral exam
- Skills test: 5 randomly assigned hands-on skills
- Passing score: 70% or higher on the written/oral portion
- Exam fee: approximately $135 for both parts; $50 written, $85 skills
- Online testing: written/oral exam can be taken online through CNA365 with remote proctoring
- Registry: Colorado Board of Nursing / Colorado Nurse Aide Registry
Who oversees CNA certification in Colorado
The Colorado Board of Nursing, part of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), approves CNA training programs and maintains the registry. Candidates must complete a Board-approved program before testing unless they qualify for a challenge pathway. You can check your program's approval status on the DORA website.
Training programs in Colorado
Colorado requires at least 75 hours of training, split into classroom instruction, lab practice, and supervised clinical hours. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (Front Range CC, Arapahoe CC, Red Rocks CC, Pikes Peak State College, Community College of Aurora, Colorado Mountain College, Pueblo CC, Morgan CC, Lamar CC, Otero CC, Trinidad State CC)
- Private training schools (Centura Health, Colorado Training Connection, Pima Medical Institute, and others)
- Long-term care facilities with in-house training programs
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most community college programs run 4–8 weeks and cost $800 to $1,500, not including textbooks, uniforms, or exam fees. Private programs often run faster (2–4 weeks) at higher cost.
The Colorado CNA exam: Credentia details
Colorado uses the NNAAP exam administered by Credentia. The exam has two parts:
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Written or Oral Exam — 70 multiple-choice questions covering safety, infection control, resident rights, personal care, and basic nursing skills.
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Skills Evaluation — You perform 5 randomly selected skills in front of a nurse evaluator. Handwashing is always tested and embedded in other tasks.
You can register for the written/oral portion through CNA365, Credentia's online platform, and schedule your skills test at an approved Colorado test site.
How much does the Colorado CNA exam cost?
- Written exam — ~$50
- Skills exam — ~$85
- Both parts together — ~$135
- Online proctoring — included with CNA365 written/oral
Training programs sometimes include the exam fee in their tuition; always ask before enrolling.
Where to take the test in Colorado
- Denver — multiple test sites with frequent scheduling through CNA365 and partner sites
- Colorado Springs — regular monthly sessions; Pikes Peak State College area
- Aurora — training-program sites and regional testing centers
- Fort Collins — periodic testing through approved facilities
- Pueblo — limited dates; book early
- Grand Junction — limited dates; book early in western Colorado
- Greeley — limited dates; book early
Exact site addresses change, so use Credentia's scheduling portal to find the closest location. Colorado's testing footprint concentrates along the Front Range (Denver to Fort Collins); mountain and western slope candidates may travel 2–4 hours.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID with your signature, your test authorization, and comfortable scrubs for the skills exam. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The written/oral and skills portions may be scheduled separately, so confirm both appointments.
After you pass: Colorado certification and renewal
Once you pass both parts, Credentia sends your results to the Colorado Board of Nursing, and your name is added to the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, you must work at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related duties during that period and complete any required continuing education.
Common pitfalls specific to Colorado
- Online oral exam: The oral exam is available through CNA365, but you must still take the skills test in person.
- Separate scheduling: Written/oral and skills are not always on the same day — plan for two visits if needed.
- Mountain communities: Western Slope (Grand Junction, Montrose) and mountain communities (Glenwood Springs, Vail) have fewer test sites; plan for travel.
- Board of Nursing lookup: Verify your registry listing at dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing — not through Credentia.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Colorado? Most students finish a 4–8 week program, take the exam within 2–4 weeks, and get listed on the registry shortly after.
Can I take the Colorado CNA exam without training? Only if you qualify for the challenge pathway. Most applicants must graduate from a Board-approved program first.
How much does CNA school cost in Colorado? Expect $800–$1,500 for tuition, plus $100–$200 for books, uniforms, and the exam fee.
Does Colorado offer reciprocity with other states? Yes. Apply through the Colorado Board of Nursing's reciprocity program. Candidates from states with shorter training programs may need Colorado-approved supplementary coursework.
Practice for the Colorado CNA exam with our questions at /exam and hands-on skill guides at /skills.
