If you’re pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New York, you need to know exactly what the state requires before you can start working. New York has specific training, testing, and registry requirements that differ from other states, and getting them wrong can delay your career by weeks or months.
This guide covers everything you need to become a CNA in New York in 2026 — training hours, the competency exam, state registry, renewal requirements, reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs, and what you can expect to earn.
Training requirements
State requires a minimum of 100 hours of training, including both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice, exceeding the federal 75-hour minimum.
CNA training programs in New York are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, healthcare facilities, and the American Red Cross. When choosing a program, make sure it is state-approved — only graduates of approved programs are eligible to take the competency evaluation.
Competency exam
Competency evaluation administered by Prometric, consisting of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration.
You must pass both portions of the exam to be placed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry. If you fail, most states allow retakes, but check with the New York State Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry for New York’s specific retake policy.
State registry
Once you pass the competency evaluation, your name is placed on the New York State Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry. Employers are required to verify your certification through this registry before hiring you.
You can verify your certification status or find more information at: New York State Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry.
New York note: New York has higher-than-average CNA training requirements. Demand is strong in both New York City metropolitan area facilities and upstate long-term care.
Average salary in New York
CNAs in New York typically earn $38,000-$46,000 per year. Pay varies by setting, experience, shift differentials, and geographic location within the state.
Top employers in New York include NewYork-Presbyterian, Northwell Health, Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone, skilled nursing facilities statewide.
Renewal requirements
Certification is valid for 2 years. Must have worked as a CNA for compensation within the 24-month period to maintain active status.
Reciprocity (transferring from another state)
New York accepts out-of-state CNA certifications through reciprocity if the applicant's training met or exceeded New York's 100-hour requirement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in New York?
CNA training programs in New York typically take 4-12 weeks to complete. State requires a minimum of 100 hours of training, including both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice, exceeding the federal 75-hour minimum. After completing your training, you must pass the competency evaluation to be placed on the state registry.
How much do CNAs make in New York?
CNAs in New York typically earn $38,000-$46,000 per year. Pay varies by setting (hospitals generally pay more than skilled nursing facilities), shift differentials, and geographic location within the state. Major employers include NewYork-Presbyterian, Northwell Health, Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone, skilled nursing facilities statewide.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to New York from another state?
New York accepts out-of-state CNA certifications through reciprocity if the applicant's training met or exceeded New York's 100-hour requirement. Contact the New York State Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry for the most current reciprocity requirements.