The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) profession in Florida is a significant entry point into the healthcare field, providing hands-on patient care. While aspiring CNAs typically complete a state-approved training program, Florida offers an alternative known as “challenging the test.” This option allows qualified individuals to bypass mandatory training hours based on prior education, experience, or military service. Challenging the exam means demonstrating competency by passing the state-required examination directly, fast-tracking the path to certification.
Understanding the CNA Test Challenge Pathway
The challenge pathway recognizes that not all individuals require the full curriculum to acquire the necessary skills. This route is designed for those who have already gained equivalent knowledge and experience through other means. The core concept is the waiver of the formal training requirement, which saves time and money for the applicant. Successfully challenging the test proves competence through a rigorous state assessment rather than classroom attendance. The challenge only waives the training component; the actual state competency examination, consisting of both written and clinical sections, remains a requirement for all candidates.
Who Is Eligible to Challenge the Florida CNA Test?
Florida provides specific pathways for individuals with existing healthcare knowledge to apply for the exam, primarily under the E4—Other Nursing Training or Endorsement categories. Each route requires distinct documentation to prove eligibility before the testing vendor approves the application. Common eligibility criteria for the challenge route include being at least 18 years of age or possessing a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Current Nursing Students
Students currently enrolled in or who have recently completed a professional or practical nursing program may be eligible to challenge the exam under the E4 pathway. To qualify, applicants must submit official transcripts and course descriptions for review by the Florida Board of Nursing. The documentation must prove successful completion of coursework, typically with a grade of “C” or better, that included both theory and clinical instruction in core areas. These areas include medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing, ensuring the student has covered the fundamental skills expected of a CNA.
Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses
Individuals who hold an active or lapsed license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) often qualify for the challenge exam. They apply under the E4—Other Nursing Training option, submitting official documentation of their license status and educational background. Submitting a copy of their nursing license and verification of its good standing demonstrates a knowledge base that exceeds the CNA curriculum. These licensed professionals are only required to pass the state competency examination, as their existing credentials replace the need for the formal CNA program.
Out-of-State Certified CNAs Seeking Reciprocity
Certified Nursing Assistants who hold a current, active CNA certification in another U.S. state should apply for certification by Endorsement directly through the Florida Board of Nursing, not through the Prometric challenge exam. Reciprocity is granted provided the out-of-state certification is in good standing and the applicant has not committed abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The applicant must complete an application, pay the required fee, and submit to the mandatory Level II background screening.
Military Personnel and Veterans
Military service members and veterans with medical training, such as corpsmen or medics, can use their experience to challenge the Florida CNA exam. These applicants must submit official military documentation, such as their DD-214 or training records, to prove completion of medical training equivalent to the state’s CNA curriculum. This documentation is reviewed under the E4—Other Nursing Training pathway to confirm the applicant’s experience provides a sufficient foundation for direct examination. Florida also offers the Veterans Application for Licensure Online Response (VALOR) program, which may waive certain application fees for eligible service members.
Applying to Challenge the Test: The Official Vendor
The initial step for most challenge candidates is to apply for the examination through the official Florida testing vendor, Prometric. Candidates must visit the Prometric website dedicated to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry and select the online application process. The application requires applicants to create an account and choose the appropriate Certification Option, typically selecting the E3—Challenger or E4—Other Nursing Training pathway.
The examination fee, approximately $155 for both the written and clinical portions, must be paid upon submission. All applicants are required to complete a Level II criminal background screening, which involves electronic fingerprinting through a state-approved LiveScan provider. Once eligibility is confirmed by the Board of Nursing, the candidate will receive an admission letter to schedule their exam date, time, and location.
Preparing for and Taking the Florida CNA Exam
Once eligibility is approved, the focus shifts to preparation for the state competency examination. The Florida CNA exam consists of two components: a written knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration. The written section is a 90-minute, 60-question multiple-choice test available in both English and Spanish formats.
The clinical skills test is a performance-based assessment where candidates must demonstrate proficiency in five randomly selected nursing assistant tasks. All candidates are evaluated on hand washing and indirect care, with three other skills drawn from a list of approximately 22 core competencies. Preparation is important, as the clinical portion is standardized with specific steps that must be followed precisely. Candidates are allowed three attempts to pass both sections of the exam within a two-year period. If they fail all three attempts, they must complete a full, state-approved training program before being allowed to retest.
What Happens After You Pass?
Upon successfully passing both the written and clinical components of the state competency exam, the final administrative steps begin. The Florida Board of Nursing will place the applicant’s name on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry. Certification is valid for two years, after which it must be renewed.
Renewal requires the Certified Nursing Assistant to verify employment with at least one day of paid work during the preceding 24 months. They must also complete a minimum of 24 hours of in-service training, or Continuing Education Units (CEUs), to maintain active status.