How to Get Your CNA Certification in Louisiana (LA): 2026 Guide
Louisiana uses Prometric for CNA testing. Training is 80 hours split evenly, and the combined exam fee is about $96.
Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Louisiana means completing a state-approved 80-hour program, passing the Prometric nurse aide competency exam, and getting listed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. Louisiana's training requirement splits hours evenly between classroom and clinical work, which is slightly different from the federal minimum's typical division.
This guide walks you through the program, costs, exam structure, and where to test in Louisiana.
Louisiana CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Prometric
- Training hours: 80 total (40 classroom + 40 clinical)
- Exam format: 60-question written or oral exam + 5-skill hands-on evaluation
- Passing score: contact Prometric for current passing thresholds
- Exam fee: approximately $96 combined
- Registry: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) approves training programs and maintains the registry. Prometric administers the competency exam under contract.
Training programs in Louisiana
Louisiana requires an 80-hour state-approved program, split evenly between classroom and supervised clinical practice. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College, Northwest Louisiana Technical College, SOWELA Technical Community College, Acadiana Technical College, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Nunez Community College)
- Private training academies
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most programs run 4–6 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $800 to $1,600, plus $100–$200 for uniforms, textbooks, BLS certification, and the Louisiana State Police background check.
The Louisiana CNA exam: Prometric details
The Prometric nurse aide exam has two parts:
-
Written or Oral Exam — 60 multiple-choice questions on resident rights, basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, and safety. The oral version is available for an extra fee.
-
Skills Evaluation — 5 randomly selected skills demonstrated in front of a Prometric nurse evaluator. Handwashing is always tested.
LDH requires candidates to pass both parts within 3 attempts and within 24 months of completing training, or restart training.
How much does the Louisiana CNA exam cost?
- Written + skills combined — ~$96
- Oral upgrade — ~$20
- Skills retake — ~$70
- Written retake — ~$40
- Louisiana State Police background check — ~$25
- State registry listing — included
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $800–$1,600.
Where to take the test in Louisiana
- New Orleans — frequent testing through Prometric partner sites
- Baton Rouge — regular sessions; multiple sites
- Lafayette — periodic testing; scheduled through partner programs
- Shreveport — limited dates; Bossier Parish CC-area dates
- Alexandria — limited dates; book early
- Lake Charles — limited dates; book early
- Monroe — limited dates; book early
Louisiana's testing footprint is concentrated in the I-10 and I-20 corridors. Rural northern and central Louisiana candidates may travel 60–120 minutes to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID, your Prometric test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The skills portion may be scheduled on a separate day from the written/oral portion. Arrive 15 minutes early for ID verification.
After you pass: Louisiana certification and renewal
Prometric reports passing scores to LDH, which lists you on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the public registry at ldh.la.gov. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, complete at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work during the certification period under the supervision of an RN.
Common pitfalls specific to Louisiana
- 80-hour balanced split: Louisiana requires exactly 40 classroom + 40 clinical — uncommon for nurse aide programs.
- Hurricane season: Late summer and early fall dates in coastal Louisiana may be canceled; build in buffer time.
- Background check delay: Louisiana State Police background checks take 2–4 weeks; submit fingerprints during training.
- Limited rural sites: Monroe and Lake Charles have fewer dates; travel may be necessary.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Louisiana? Most students finish training in 4–6 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
Can I bring an out-of-state CNA license to Louisiana? Yes. Apply through LDH's reciprocity program. Some candidates with licenses from training programs under 80 hours may need additional coursework.
How much is Louisiana CNA training? Plan $800–$1,600 for tuition plus $150–$200 for supplies, the state background check, and the exam fee.
Does Louisiana offer reciprocity with Texas or Mississippi? LDH has reciprocal agreements with several bordering states. Verify reciprocity eligibility on the LDH website before relocating.
Practice for the Louisiana CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
