If you’re pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Texas, you need to know exactly what the state requires before you can start working. Texas 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 Texas 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 75 hours of training (meeting the federal minimum), including at least 24 hours of supervised clinical practice.
CNA training programs in Texas 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 Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE) including a written knowledge test and skills demonstration.
You must pass both portions of the exam to be placed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. If you fail, most states allow retakes, but check with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Nurse Aide Registry for Texas’s specific retake policy.
State registry
Once you pass the competency evaluation, your name is placed on the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) 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: Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Nurse Aide Registry.
Texas note: Texas is one of the largest employers of CNAs in the country due to its population and number of long-term care facilities.
Average salary in Texas
CNAs in Texas typically earn $30,000-$36,000 per year. Pay varies by setting, experience, shift differentials, and geographic location within the state.
Top employers in Texas include HCA Healthcare, Baylor Scott & White, Methodist Health System, Texas Health Resources, skilled nursing facilities statewide.
Renewal requirements
Certification is valid for 2 years. Must have paid employment performing nursing-related services within the 24-month period to renew.
Reciprocity (transferring from another state)
Texas accepts out-of-state CNA certifications through reciprocity. Must apply to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry and have a clean record.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Texas?
CNA training programs in Texas typically take 4-12 weeks to complete. State requires a minimum of 75 hours of training (meeting the federal minimum), including at least 24 hours of supervised clinical practice. After completing your training, you must pass the competency evaluation to be placed on the state registry.
How much do CNAs make in Texas?
CNAs in Texas typically earn $30,000-$36,000 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 HCA Healthcare, Baylor Scott & White, Methodist Health System, Texas Health Resources, skilled nursing facilities statewide.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to Texas from another state?
Texas accepts out-of-state CNA certifications through reciprocity. Must apply to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry and have a clean record. Contact the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Nurse Aide Registry for the most current reciprocity requirements.