How to Become a CNA in Florida: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking to start a career in healthcare without spending years in school, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is one of the best ways to begin. CNAs play a critical role in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health settings across Florida, and demand for new CNAs continues to grow.
The process to become a CNA in Florida is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements and pass the Prometric CNA exam to earn your certification. This step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know about how to become a CNA in Florida, from eligibility to registering on the Florida CNA Registry.
Step 1: Understand the CNA Role
Before jumping in, it’s important to know what a CNA actually does. Certified Nursing Assistants provide hands-on patient care and assist with daily living tasks. Duties may include:
Helping patients with bathing, dressing, and meals
Taking vital signs
Assisting nurses with basic medical procedures
Providing comfort and support to patients and families
For many, CNA work is more than just a job; it’s a calling. It also serves as a stepping stone to more advanced healthcare roles, such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
Step 2: Meet Florida’s Eligibility Requirements
To apply for CNA certification in Florida, you must meet a few basic eligibility requirements:
Age/Education: At least 18 years old OR have a high school diploma/GED
Background Screening: Must pass a Level II background check with fingerprinting
Application Approval: All candidates must be approved through the Florida Board of Nursing before testing
These requirements ensure that only qualified candidates can move forward to the CNA exam process.
Step 3: Enroll in a CNA Training Program
While Florida does allow candidates to “challenge” the Prometric exam without taking formal classes, most people who skip training end up struggling. CNA training gives you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pass on the first attempt.
At Medical Plus Training Center in Fort Pierce, the CNA Exam Prep program includes:
A CNA skills workbook
CPR/BLS certification (required by many healthcare employers)
Bloodborne Pathogens training
Practice sessions with real equipment - just like you’ll use on exam day
Classes are $650, with both a two-week daytime option and flexible evening classes available. Special promotions, like our current 15% discount for the first 10 students, make it even more affordable to start your CNA career.
Use promo code FIRST10 when booking to claim your discount.
Step 4: Prepare for the Prometric CNA Exam
The Prometric CNA exam in Florida has two parts:
Written/Oral Test – Multiple-choice questions covering essential CNA knowledge.
Clinical Skills Test – Hands-on demonstration of skills such as handwashing, taking vital signs, transferring patients, or assisting with personal care.
Prometric provides a Candidate Handbook with the exact skills you’ll be tested on. However, practicing these skills in a training environment with real equipment makes a huge difference.
That’s why programs like Medical Plus Training Center’s CNA Exam Prep are so effective — you’ll rehearse these same skills in class before the exam.
Step 5: Apply and Register for the Prometric Exam
Once you’ve completed training, the next step is to apply for your exam through Prometric. Here’s how:
Submit your application online through Prometric’s Florida portal
Pay the required exam fees (around $155 for both sections)
Schedule your test at an approved Florida testing center
In Fort Pierce and the surrounding Treasure Coast, testing sites are available, so you won’t need to travel far.
Step 6: Pass the Exam and Get Certified
On test day, you’ll complete both the written and clinical portions of the exam. Once you pass:
Prometric will send your results to the Florida Board of Nursing
You’ll be added to the Florida CNA Registry
You can begin applying for CNA jobs immediately
Most employers require proof of CPR/BLS certification as well, which is why programs that include it (like Medical Plus Training) save you time and money.
Step 7: Start Your CNA Career
With certification in hand, you can officially begin working as a CNA in Florida. Common places of employment include:
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
Home health agencies
Hospice and long-term care facilities
According to local labor statistics, CNAs in the Fort Pierce area earn an average of $35,000–$44,000 per year, with opportunities for growth and higher earnings in specialized settings like hospitals and home health.
Final Thoughts: Becoming a CNA in Florida
The path to becoming a CNA in Florida is clear:
Learn the role
Meet requirements
Complete CNA training
Prepare for the Prometric exam
Register and test with Prometric
Pass the exam
Get listed on the Florida CNA Registry and start working
If you’re in the Fort Pierce area and ready to take the next step, Medical Plus Training Center can prepare you for the Prometric CNA exam with hands-on training, CPR/BLS certification, and flexible scheduling.
Ready to Begin?
📍 Medical Plus Training Center
402 S 6th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
📞 (772) 306-6622
Enroll today for $650 and use promo code FIRST10 at checkout to receive 15% off for the first 10 students.