How to Get Your CNA Certification in Nevada (NV): 2026 Guide
Nevada uses Credentia (NNAAP). Training is 75 hours and the combined exam fee is about $125. Nevada is the only state where the Board of Nursing directly regulates CNAs.
Nevada is the only state in the U.S. where the Board of Nursing directly regulates Certified Nursing Assistants, rather than a Department of Health. Candidates complete a 75-hour approved program, pass the Credentia NNAAP exam, and get listed on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry.
This guide explains Nevada's structure, costs, exam details, and where to test across the state.
Nevada CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Credentia (NNAAP)
- Training hours: 75 total
- Exam format: 70-question written or oral exam + 5-skill hands-on evaluation
- Oral exam format: 60 questions + 10 reading comprehension items
- Exam fee: approximately $125 combined
- Registry: Nevada State Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in Nevada
The Nevada State Board of Nursing directly oversees CNAs in Nevada — a uniquely strict regulatory structure compared to other states. The Board approves training programs, sets curriculum standards, and maintains the registry. Credentia administers the NNAAP exam under contract.
Training programs in Nevada
Nevada requires a 75-hour Board-approved program. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College)
- Private training academies
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
Most programs run 4–8 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $700 to $1,500, plus $100–$200 for uniforms, textbooks, BLS certification, and the Nevada Board of Nursing fingerprint background check.
The Nevada CNA exam: Credentia details
The NNAAP exam has two parts:
- Written or Oral Exam — 70 multiple-choice questions on resident rights, basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, and safety.
Nevada-specific oral format: The oral exam in Nevada has a unique structure — 60 standard oral questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions that test English comprehension rather than nursing content. Candidates who struggle with reading should opt for the written exam.
- Skills Evaluation — 5 randomly selected skills demonstrated in front of a Credentia nurse evaluator. Handwashing is always tested.
How much does the Nevada CNA exam cost?
- Written + skills combined — ~$125
- Oral upgrade — ~$20
- Skills retake — ~$80
- Written retake — ~$50
- Board fingerprint background check — $40–$60
- State registry listing — included
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $700–$1,500.
Where to take the test in Nevada
- Las Vegas — frequent testing through Credentia partner sites
- Reno — regular sessions; Truckee Meadows CC-area dates
- Henderson — periodic testing; CSN-area dates
- Carson City — scheduled through partner programs; limited dates
- Elko — limited dates; book early
- Fallon — limited dates; book early in rural Nevada
Nevada's testing footprint covers Las Vegas and Reno well. Rural Nevada (Winnemucca, Ely, Tonopah) candidates may travel 1–3 hours to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID, your Credentia test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The skills portion may be scheduled on a separate day from the written/oral portion. Arrival 15 minutes early is required for ID verification.
After you pass: Nevada certification and renewal
Credentia reports passing scores to the Nevada Board of Nursing, which lists you on the registry within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the Nevada Board of Nursing's public lookup. A paper certificate is mailed to the address on file. 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 Nevada
- Board of Nursing: Register and renew through the Nevada Board of Nursing, not a department of health.
- Reading comprehension section: The oral exam has 10 reading comprehension items; consider the written version if reading is a strength for you.
- Fingerprint background check: Required before licensing; budget $40–$60 for the fingerprint vendor.
- Rural travel: Some rural Nevada candidates travel to Las Vegas or Reno for testing; build in overnight stays.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Nevada? Most students finish training in 4–8 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and licensing.
Can I bring an out-of-state CNA license to Nevada? Yes. Apply through the Nevada Board of Nursing's reciprocity program. Most candidates still need to take the Nevada Board-approved exam.
How much is Nevada CNA training? Plan $700–$1,500 for tuition plus $200–$300 for supplies, the fingerprint check, and the exam fee.
Why does Nevada's Board of Nursing regulate CNAs? Nevada treats all nursing-related credentials, including CNA, as falling under the Board of Nursing's regulatory scope. This gives the Board unified oversight of nursing assistants, LPNs, and RNs.
Practice for the Nevada CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
