How to Become a CNAin Texas (2026)

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is one of the fastest, most direct paths into the Texas healthcare workforce. In as little as 4 to 8 weeks, you can complete a state-approved CNA program, pass the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, and be listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry — ready to work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, and home health across Houston and greater Texas.

This guide walks you through every step of the process — what CNA classes involve, what the state exam covers, how much certification costs, and how to find approved CNA programs near you.

The 5 Steps to CNA Certification in Texas

1. 1. Enroll in a State-Approved CNA Program

   Texas requires all CNA candidates to complete a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). Look for programs listed in the official HHSC Approved NATCEPs directory. Searching “CNA classes near me” in Houston will surface both community colleges and private training institutions — verify each one is state-approved before enrolling.

2. 2. Complete 100 Hours of CNA Training

   Texas mandates a minimum of 100 clock hours: 60 hours of classroom instruction covering infection control, patient rights, communication, anatomy, safety, and daily living skills, plus 40 hours of hands-on clinical training in a licensed long-term care facility under a licensed nurse instructor. Hybrid and online-classroom CNA programs are permitted, but clinical hours must be completed in person.

3. 3. Pass a Background Check and TB Test

   Before your first clinical day, Texas requires a Department of Public Safety criminal background check and a current TB screening. Certain felony convictions may disqualify you from placement on the Nurse Aide Registry — check the HHSC Employability Status Check before enrolling if you have concerns.

4. 4. Pass the Texas CNA State Exam

   The Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) is administered in Texas by Pearson VUE / Prometric. It has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test — 60 multiple-choice questions on 90 minutes — and a manual skills evaluation where you perform 5 randomly selected nurse-aide skills in front of an evaluator. You must pass both parts within 24 months of finishing your training.

5. 5. Get Listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry

   When you pass, your name is automatically added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry maintained by HHSC. Employers verify your active registry status before hiring. To stay active, you must work at least 8 hours as a paid nurse aide within every 24-month period.

How Much Does a CNA Program Cost in Houston?

CNA program tuition in the Houston area typically runs between $1,200 and $2,800 depending on the school, program length, and what's included. Community-college programs often list a lower sticker price but exclude uniforms, textbooks, background checks, and the state exam fee. Private institutional programs like McWill Institute usually bundle these into one flat tuition so there are no surprise costs before your first clinical day.

Beyond tuition, plan for approximately $115 for the Texas CNA state exam, $40–$80 for a background check and TB test, and $30–$60 for scrubs. Many students qualify for workforce sponsorships through the Workforce Opportunity for Institutional Careers (WOIC) pathway or employer tuition partnerships.

How to Choose a CNA Program Near You

• Verify the program is on the HHSC-approved NATCEP list — non-approved programs cannot register you for the state exam.
• Ask about clinical placement — where do students train, and does the school arrange it for you?
• Look for programs that include textbooks, uniform, background check, and state exam fee in tuition.
• Check the school's state exam pass rate. Reputable Texas programs publish first-attempt pass rates.
• Ask about job placement support and employer partnerships after graduation.
• Confirm the program's schedule works for you — day, evening, weekend, and hybrid options are available in Houston.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in Texas?

Most Texas CNA programs take 4–8 weeks. The state requires a minimum of 100 hours of training — 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice at a long-term care facility.

How much does CNA certification cost in Houston?

Tuition at accredited Houston CNA programs typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,800, plus the state exam fee (~$115). McWill Institute tuition is $2,250 and includes textbooks, uniform, and clinical placement.

What is on the Texas CNA state exam?

The Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP), administered by Pearson VUE / Prometric, has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test of 60 multiple-choice questions and a manual skills evaluation where you perform 5 randomly selected nurse-aide skills.

How do I get on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry?

After passing both parts of the state exam, your name is automatically added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You must renew every 24 months by working at least 8 hours as a paid CNA.

Can I take CNA classes online in Texas?

Texas allows the 60 classroom hours to be delivered online or hybrid, but the 40 clinical hours must be completed in person at an approved long-term care facility under a licensed nurse instructor.

Do I need a high school diploma to become a CNA in Texas?

No. Texas does not require a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a CNA program or take the state exam. You must be at least 16 years old and pass a criminal background check.