How to Get Your CNA Certification in New York (NY): 2026 Guide
New York uses Prometric. Training is 100 hours (70 classroom + 30 clinical) and the combined exam fee is about $115. The $40 recertification is usually paid by employers.
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in New York, complete a 100-hour state-approved program, pass the Prometric nurse aide competency exam, and get listed on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry. This guide covers the program requirements, costs, exam structure, testing cities, and renewal mechanics across New York State.
New York CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Prometric
- Training hours: 100 total (70 classroom + 30 clinical)
- Exam format: 60-question written or oral exam + 5-skill hands-on evaluation
- Exam fee: approximately $115 combined
- Recertification fee: $40 (paid by employer in most cases)
- Registry: New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in New York
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) approves training programs and maintains the Nurse Aide Registry. Prometric administers the competency exam under contract.
Training programs in New York
New York requires a 100-hour state-approved program, with at least 70 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of supervised clinical practice. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (CUNY system: BMCC, Hostos, Kingsborough, LaGuardia, Medgar Evers, Queensborough — and SUNY community colleges throughout the state)
- Private training academies (Pima Medical Institute, Allen School, ABC Training Center, and many others)
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most programs run 6–10 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $900 to $2,000, plus $100–$200 for uniforms, textbooks, BLS certification, and the NYS Department of Health background check.
The New York CNA exam: Prometric details
The Prometric nurse aide exam has two parts:
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Written or Oral Exam — 60 multiple-choice questions on resident rights, basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, and safety.
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Skills Evaluation — 5 randomly selected skills demonstrated in front of a Prometric nurse evaluator. Handwashing is always tested.
International nurses and candidates with foreign credentials must get NYSDOH pre-approval before scheduling. NYSDOH reviews each foreign-trained candidate's documentation individually and may require additional coursework.
How much does the New York CNA exam cost?
- Written + skills combined — ~$115
- Oral upgrade — ~$20
- Skills retake — ~$75
- Written retake — ~$45
- NYS recertification (every 24 months) — $40 (usually employer-paid)
- State background check — varies
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $900–$2,000. New York's training is among the most expensive in the country.
Where to take the test in New York
- New York City — frequent testing; multiple Prometric partner sites across all five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island)
- Buffalo — regular sessions; multiple sites
- Rochester — periodic testing; limited sites
- Albany — scheduled through partner programs; limited dates
- Syracuse — limited dates; book early
- Binghamton — limited dates; book early
New York's testing footprint is heavy in NYC and the major upstate metros. Rural upstate and the Adirondack region candidates may travel 1–2 hours to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your Prometric test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The skills portion may be scheduled on a separate day from the written/oral portion. NYC-area sites are in high demand; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
After you pass: New York certification and renewal
Prometric reports passing scores to NYSDOH, which lists you on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the public registry. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, document at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work during the certification period. Your employer typically pays the $40 recertification fee.
Common pitfalls specific to New York
- NYC booking lead time: NYC-area sites fill 2–4 weeks ahead; plan accordingly.
- 100-hour requirement: Slightly above the federal 75-hour minimum.
- Foreign credentials: International nurses need NYSDOH pre-approval — don't skip this step.
- NYSDOH vs. employer: Use NYSDOH to verify certification status; use the employer to track work hours for recertification.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in New York? Most students finish training in 6–10 weeks and add 2–6 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
Can I bring an out-of-state CNA license to New York? Yes. Apply through NYSDOH's reciprocity program. Some candidates may need to take the New York-specific written exam.
How much is New York CNA training? Plan $900–$2,000 for tuition plus $150–$200 for supplies, the state background check, and the exam fee.
Where can I find out if my foreign nursing education will transfer to a New York CNA? NYSDOH's office of professional credentialing handles evaluations. Submit your transcripts and credential evaluation before scheduling the exam.
Practice for the New York CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
