Become a
Certified Nurse Aide in Georgia

Choose a Georgia-approved Nurse Aide Training Program that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals. Programs are offered through technical colleges, healthcare employers, nursing homes, vocational schools, and other approved training providers. Before enrolling, compare program length, tuition costs, financial assistance opportunities, class schedules, and clinical training locations to find the program that's right for you.

Successfully complete all required classroom instruction, skills laboratory practice, and supervised clinical training. During your training, you'll learn essential skills such as infection prevention, patient safety, communication, personal care, measuring vital signs, and assisting patients with daily activities. These experiences prepare you to provide compassionate, high-quality care while building the knowledge and confidence needed to earn your certification.

After completing your training, you'll take the Georgia Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The exam includes both a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation that demonstrates your ability to safely perform essential Certified Nurse Aide responsibilities. Successfully passing both portions of the exam is required to become certified in Georgia.

After successfully meeting all certification requirements, your name is added to the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. The registry allows employers to verify that you're certified and eligible to work as a Certified Nurse Aide in Georgia. Keeping your certification information up to date helps employers easily verify your credentials.

Once you're certified, you can begin working in a variety of healthcare settings throughout Georgia, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, hospice organizations, physician offices, and personal care homes. Many healthcare professionals begin their careers as CNAs before advancing to roles such as Medication Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Registered Nurse (RN).

To keep your certification active, you'll need to meet Georgia's renewal requirements, including maintaining qualifying employment and completing any required renewal documentation. Staying current with renewal requirements helps ensure you remain eligible to work as a Certified Nurse Aide while continuing to build your healthcare career.