Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training & certification requirements vary considerably across the U.S. In some states, the requirements go beyond the federal minimum while in other states requirements are nearly identical to the federal standards.

This page displays Pennsylvania CNA Requirements as of February 2023.

To see requirements in other states, visit nursinghome411.org/cna-reqs.

Pennsylvania CNA Requirements

  • Education & Training Requirement
    • Individuals must complete a state approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program.
  • Testing Requirement
    • Individuals must pass both a written and skills test.
  • Renewal & In-Service Requirements
    • In-service requirements are the same as federal.
      • The resident abuse prevention training shall be extended to be part of the regular in-service education of the nurse aide.
    • Renewal requires 8 hours of nursing or nursing-related duties every 24 months.
  • Hours
    • 75 hours
  • Curriculum
    • The State-approved nurse aide training programs shall in curriculum pertaining to residents’ rights include, but not be limited to, specific training regarding the following:
      • (1) Identification and prevention of abuse.
      • (2) Identification and prevention of exploitation.
      • (3) Identification and prevention of neglect.
      • (4) Identification and prevention of improper use of physical or chemical restraints.
      • (5) Procedures for reporting abuse, exploitation, neglect, or improper use of physical or chemical restraints to appropriate supervisory, law enforcement or governmental authorities.
      • (6) Options and strategies for responsiveness to abusive behavior directed toward nurse aides by residents.
    • SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE
      • Unit 1 Role and Function
      • Unit 2 Communication Skills
      • Unit 3 Infection Control
      • Unit 4 Safety/Emergency
      • Unit 5 Client’s Rights
      • Unit 6 Client’s Independence
    • SECTION 2 BASIC NURSING AND PERSONAL CARE SKILLS
      • Unit 1 Nutrition
      • Unit 2 Identify and Report Conditions of Body Systems
      • Unit 3 Client’s Environment
      • Unit 4 Personal Care Skills
      • Unit 5 Caring for the Client when Death is Imminent
    • SECTION 3 RESTORATIVE CARE
      • Unit 1 Assists client with basic restorative services
    • SECTION 4 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS
      • Unit 1 Assists the client with behavioral health and social service needs
    • SECTION 5 CARE OF COGNITIVELY IMPAIRED CLIENTS
      • Unit 1 Provides Appropriate Care of the Cognitively Impaired Client