How to Become a CNA in Florida – A Simple Guide

If you are interested in becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in Florida, you’ve come to the right place!

We’re here to give you a simple guide on how to become a CNA in Florida.

To make it easier for you, we’ve broken down the whole process into 5 simple steps. 

Plus, we we’ll also answer some of the more frequently asked questions like: 

• What is the difference between a CNA, LPN, ADN, and BSN?
• What is the average annual salary of a CNA in Florida?
• What happens if I do not renew my CNA certificate before the expiry date?
• How long are my exam scores valid?

Becoming a CNA is a worthy pursuit! 

You will be able to help registered nurses take care of patients in different settings, such as in hospitals and nursing homes. 

If you have the heart to provide basic care for others, but can’t pursue an ADN or BSN, then this is the right track for you.

So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

How to Become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Florida: A Simple 5-Step Guide

We’ve simplified the process into these 5 main steps:

1. Choose the Right CNA Program and School for You (Optional) 
2. Take the Prometric CNA Exam in Florida
3. Obtain Your CNA Certification
4. Find Your First CNA Job
5. Purse In-Service Training and Continuing Education

How to Become a CNA in Florida Step #1: Choose the Right CNA Program and School for You (Optional)

For most nursing courses, this is really where we begin. 

However, for CNAs in Florida, this is an optional step.

Why Enrolling in a CNA Program is Optional in Florida

Enrolling in a CNA program prepares you with the knowledge and skills to become a CNA, but it is not a requirement to get certified in Florida. 

You can “challenge” the CNA exam.

This means that you can try to take the exam without enrolling or graduating from a program.

However, enrolling in a program would increase your chances of passing the exam, since you will be trained in the theory and skills needed for the exam.

How to Choose the Right CNA Program for You

The things you should consider when choosing the right CNA program for you are:

• whether or not it is approved by the Florida Board of nursing
• the program length
• the program cost
• the location
• the schedules
• whether or not there are online course offerings or not (if you need a more flexible schedule)

If you choose to enroll in a program, then you should consider enrolling in a program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

This would give you further assurance that you are getting the training you need to become a CNA.

Some vocational schools, community colleges, and medical facilities offer CNA programs. 

The Red Cross also offers training sessions across the country.

Here is a list of accredited CNA programs from the Florida Board of Nursing.

Depending on the program and school you enroll in, the training program can last a few days or weeks. 

The typical length is about 4-12 weeks and the time is divided into theoretical and practical (or clinical) training. 

Practical training usually includes basic nursing care services, such as bathing, feeding, first aid, CPR, and taking vital signs of patients.

The program fee varies greatly depending on the school and program length, but usually ranges from $400-$1500. Some facilities offer free CNA training. 

Some of these schools also offer online courses to allow for more flexibility.

Requirements for Enrollment in a CNA Program in Florida 

Requirements vary from school to school, but the most basic requirements include:

• minimum age of 18
• high school diploma or GED score
• criminal background check
• physical examination and TB test

Some other requirements may also include:

• basic reading and comprehension skills
• complete immunization records
• testing for drug use
• ability to lift to 40 pounds unaided

How to Become a CNA in Florida Step #2: Take the Prometric CNA Exam in Florida

Enrolling in a CNA program is optional, but taking the Prometric CNA Exam is not.

You need to take and pass this exam to be able to practice as a CNA. 

Unlike the NCLEX exams which are nationwide, the CNA exams can differ from state to state. 

In Florida, Prometric is the exam provider.  

The Two Parts of the CNA Prometric Exam

The exam is divided into 2 parts: written and practical. 

Both are administered on the same day.

The written exam has 60 multiple choice questions, which you need to complete in 90 minutes.

If English is not your first language, you can opt to take this exam orally. 

You can also request to take the written exam in Spanish.

The practical exam tests your clinical skills and takes about 30-40 minutes to complete (depending on which skills you are tested in). 

Some possible skills you will be tested for are:

• Handwashing
• Indirect care
• Ambulate the resident using a transfer/gait belt
• Assist the resident needing to use a bedpan 
• Change bed linen while the resident remains in bed
• Change the resident’s position to a supported side-lying position
• Dress a resident who has a weak arm 
• Empty contents of the resident’s urinary drainage bag, and measure and record urine output on an Intake and Output (I&O) form 
• Feed a resident who is sitting in a chair
• Measure and record a resident’s radial pulse
• Measure and record a resident’s respirations
• Provide catheter care to a female resident who has an indwelling urinary catheter
• Provide foot care to a resident who is sitting in a chair 
• Provide mouth care to a resident who has a denture 
• Provide mouth care to a resident who has teeth
• Provide perineal care to a female resident who is incontinent of urine
• Provide the resident hand and nail care
• Provide the resident a partial bed bath and back rub
• Provide the resident with passive range of motion (ROM) exercises to one elbow and wrist
• Provide the resident with passive range of motion (ROM) exercises to one shoulder
• Provide the resident with passive range of motion (ROM) exercises to one hip, knee, and ankle 
• Transfer the resident from the bed into a wheelchair using a pivot technique and a transfer/gait belt 

Although there are a lot of skills you should know, you will only be tested for 5 of these skills, which you need to perform in 30-40 minutes. 

All are required to perform hand washing and indirect care, but the other 3 skills you need to perform are randomly selected by a computer. 

Requirements to Take the CNA Prometric Exam

All those who want to take the exam have to comply with a criminal background screening.  

Aside from the background screening, you must qualify through one of these 3 options: 

1. Examination after completing training from an approved CNA program

• This is for those who graduated from an approved CNA program in Florida. 
• Although you can start the application process before your actual graduation, your program coordinator will need to send verification to the Florida Board of Nursing. 

2. Examination after completing the curriculum developed under the Enterprise Florida Jobs and Education Partnership Grant

• This is another training option for you. 
• Your program coordinator should also submit verification of your completion of this program.

3. Examination without graduation from a CNA program

• This is for those who wish to challenge the exam without prior formal training.
• To qualify for this, you must be at least 18 years of age and you must submit your high school diploma or its equivalent. 

Application Process for the CNA Prometric Exam

To apply for the exam:

1. Fill up the application form and pay the testing fee at least 50 days before the requested testing date.

• Online or paper application forms are available on the Prometric website.
• The application form will have some questions about criminal history.
• If there is a problem with your criminal history, you will usually be asked to send 3-5 letters of recommendation from your employers or other people you have worked with. You will also need to explain the reasons for your conviction.
• Other legal requirements may be requested by Prometric. 

2. Once you receive verification from Prometric that your application was received, complete a Level II Background Screening with image capture.

• This is usually done through LiveScan. 
• Use the “fingerprint authorization” letter emailed to you from Prometric. 

3. Wait for your “admission ticket” and schedule for the exam.

4. Take the exam.

• If you pass both the written and practical exam, you will be put on the Florida Nursing Assistant Registry within 14 days.
• If you do not pass one part or both parts of the exam, start again from step 1.

Processing Fees for the CNA Prometric Exam

Here is a breakdown of the processing fees: 

• $155 – Complete Written & Clinical Exam
• $35 – Written Exam only
• $120 – Clinical Exam only
• $35 – Rescheduling Fee
• $25 – Exam Review

If you have never taken the exam before or if you fail both exams, you will need to take the complete written and clinical exam.

However, if you fail only one exam, you can apply for a retest for that specific part within 2 years.

If you fail any part of the exam 3 times, then you will not be able to retake the exam anymore, unless you undergo training in an approved CNA program. 

To reschedule your test date, you need to contact Prometric and pay the rescheduling fee at least 5 business days before your scheduled test date. 

If you fail to do so, you will not be reimbursed. 

How to Become a CNA in Florida Step #3: Obtain Your CNA Certification or License 

Once you have passed the exam, Prometric will send your official results to the Florida Board of Nursing in about 1 week.

The Florida Board of Nursing will then mail you your CNA Certification, usually in about 4 weeks.

However, aside from obtaining a license by passing the Prometric exam, there is another way to obtain a CNA license in Florida.

Obtaining a Florida CNA License by Endorsement 

This is only applicable to those who have an existing active CNA license in another state. 

If your license is active, then you no longer have to take the Prometric exam in Florida.

You can file for licensure by endorsement by filling up the application form found on the Florida Board of Nursing website. 

You will still need to comply with the criminal background screening requirements. 

However, if your CNA license is no longer active, you will need to take the Prometric exam, by selecting ‘E5: Lapsed Nursing Assistant’.

How to Become a CNA in Florida Step #4: Find Your First CNA Job

The great thing about becoming a CNA in Florida is that there are a lot of job opportunities. 

Overall, the healthcare industry in Florida is booming, because of the high population of people. 

There are also a lot of people who choose to retire in Florida.

Because of this, there are many nursing homes, retirement communities, and assisted living facilities in the area.

You can also seek to apply in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. 

Florida is the third state with the highest employment of CNAs. 

And this is still projected to grow by 11% by 2026!

Working as a CNA can also open up opportunities for you to keep upgrading your nursing license by taking bride courses. 

So, send in your applications and put your best foot forward!

How to Become a CNA in Florida Step #5: Purse In-Service Training or Upgrade Your License

Just like all other nursing courses, you need to keep your license or certificate alive and you should continue updating yourself.

CNA In-Service Training Hours for Recertification

In Florida, you are required to have 24 hours of training within 2 years for you to be able to re-certify.

Florida also specifies the in-service training hours that are required for your recertification. 

Mandatory In-Service Hours for CNAs in Florida

In-service hours should include: 

• Blood-borne Pathogens
• Infection Control
• Domestic Violence
• Documentation & Legal Aspects for CNAs
• Resident Rights
• Communication with impaired clients
• CPR skills
• and Medical Error Prevention/Safety. 

The company where you work may also require other specific in-service hours for you. 

Upgrading Your License

Aside from in-service training, you can also opt to upgrade your license by taking an LPN or RN course. 

There are course offerings that can bridge you from CNA to LPN or CNA to RN. 

Some of your CNA units will already be credited (if you enrolled in an approved CNA program). 

You also have the added advantage of clinical experience. 

Starting as a CNA can help you decide whether nursing is your passion and can also open many doors for you to go even further in your career. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a CNA in Florida

Now that we’ve walked you through the process of becoming a CNA in Florida, let’s answer some of the questions you might have in mind.

We’ll answer the following questions

• What is the difference between a CNA, LPN, ADN, and BSN?
• What is the average annual salary of a CNA in Florida?
• What happens if I do not renew my CNA certificate before the expiry date?
• How long are my exam scores valid?

What is the difference between a CNA, LPN, ADN, and BSN?

There are so many different terms in the nursing field, and they can get really confusing.

So, here is a simple breakdown of the terms CNA, LPN, ADN, and BSN:

What is the average annual salary of a CNA in Florida?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of CNAs in Florida is $29,840. 

You can see this table on their website:

Not only does Florida have a high employment rate for CNAs, but they also offer a rewarding pay. 

What happens if I do not renew my CNA certificate before the expiry date?

You are required to apply for recertification every two years by having 24 in-service hours. 

But what happens if you fail to renew your certificate by the two-year mark?

If you do not recertify by midnight of the expiry date, then your certificate expires and you are no longer qualified to work as a CNA until you can renew your certificate.

To renew an expired certificate, you have to make sure that you have 24 in-service hours. You will also need to pay the renewal fee + a delinquency fee. 

If you fail to renew your certificate two years after it expired, then you will need to take the Prometric exam all over again to become certified.

How long are my exam scores valid?

Your Prometric exam scores are valid for 2 years. 

If you failed one part of the exam (either written or practical), you can still take the other part within 2 years. 

If you fail to take the other part within 2 years, then you will need to retake both parts of the exam to get certified. 

Conclusion

That’s it!

Now that you know the 5-step guide on how to become a CNA in Florida, and have had all your important questions answered…

You can become a CNA in Florida within a few months! 

It doesn’t have to be a long and tedious process.

And it’s already very rewarding!

We hope this article has helped you understand the process more, and has encouraged you to start pursuing your dream to become a CNA!

If you have any other questions, just leave us a message.